In the dimly lit ambiance of a central London hotel bar, Keanu Reeves sat down with a wearied yet unmistakable enthusiasm to discuss his latest venture – “The Book of Elsewhere.” Far from the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight, Reeves is here to delve into a realm he holds dear—literature.
At 59, Reeves has become more contemplative about life and mortality and openly shared his thoughts during the discussion, “I’m 59, so I’m thinking about death all the time.” This introspection, rather than paralyzing him, fueled his appreciation for life’s brevity and the depth of human connections. It’s a mindset that permeated his creative endeavors, including his debut novel.
Co-authored with renowned British sci-fi writer China Miéville, “The Book of Elsewhere” emerges from the fertile ground of Reeves’ own imagination, nurtured by his deep love for storytelling. The novel is an extension of his successful BRZRKR comic book series, where Reeves first explored the character “B”—an immortal warrior grappling with a desire to end his own existence.
Reflecting on his collaboration with Miéville, Reeves humbly downplays his role in the writing process, emphasizing Miéville’s contribution. Yet, Miéville is quick to acknowledge Reeves’ pivotal influence, highlighting their joint effort in shaping the narrative landscape of “B.”
“B” bears a striking physical resemblance to Reeves, but the similarities end there. This character, burdened with the “curse of violence,” stands in stark contrast to the actor’s public persona—a gentle, empathetic figure known as Hollywood’s nicest guy. This duality sparks curiosity about the origins of such violent themes in Reeves’ creative works.
Reeves attributes this darker aspect to his action-packed filmography, including iconic roles in the “John Wick” and “Speed” franchises. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped his storytelling sensibilities, blending action with introspection.
“The Book of Elsewhere” isn’t without controversy. Critics have praised its gripping narrative while cautioning readers about its visceral depiction of violence. Reeves and Miéville, however, are quick to dismiss any direct link between fictional violence and real-world behavior, condemning such views as cultural scapegoating.
Miéville passionately defends their creative expression, arguing against the notion that media perpetuates violence. “It’s so clearly a kind of cultural scapegoating,” he asserts, pushing back on the idea that fictional narratives bear responsibility for societal issues.
For Reeves, the allure of creating alternate worlds lies in its ability to offer solace amidst life’s trials. “Maybe ultimately the fantasy of building another world brings some kind of comfort in some way,” he muses, hinting at the therapeutic nature of storytelling born from personal pain.
Beyond the page, Reeves’ generosity and humility are well-documented, contrasting with rumors that suggest he shuns material possessions. During the conversation, he set the record straight, revealing a genuine fondness for owning things—a testament to his grounded nature despite his fame.
As the interview drew to a close, Reeves remained hopeful that “The Book of Elsewhere” would resonate with readers, offering them not just adrenaline-pumping action but also themes of love and human connection. His ambition isn’t merely to entertain but to inspire—a goal he pursues with characteristic humility and passion.
With “The Book of Elsewhere,” Keanu Reeves ventures into uncharted literary territory, blending his cinematic charisma with a profound exploration of mortality and the human condition. As fans eagerly await the Netflix adaptation, Reeves continues to defy expectations, reminding us that his creative journey is as boundless as the universe he seeks to explore.
