There is something timeless and universal about the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. It’s not just a monster story… it’s a reflection on the darker side in all of us. There is a part of us that we constantly keep in check, that we repress, that we master and keep under control… but make no mistake, it is in all of us. As Jim Carey in one of his old stand up comedy routines once said “It’s our rational side that tells us: No, pushing that old woman into oncoming traffic would be counter productive”.
Anyway, another new production of the classic tale is in the works, and apparently Mr. “Whoa” has taken the lead. Keanu Reeves will be taking on the split personality. It should be mentioned that this is not the same Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde project that Guillermo del Toro is apparently working on… which is fine because he won’t get around to that for at least another 5 years. I wonder if this new project will kill his plans for his own? Probably.
Anyway, I don’t like this casting. Reeves is not much of an actor. Put him in the right role… one that doesn’t require a lot of skill, and he can work quite well (like in the Matrix films. “Director: Keanu, we need you to look sort of confused and surprised. REEVES: Whoa DIRECTOR: Perfect. And cut!”). I suspect Jekyll and Hyde will require a little more than Reeves can deliver. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.
