Keanu Reeves' Romance Roles
Discover four romantic movies starring the Hollywood legend, Keanu Reeves.
Keanu Reeves has cemented himself as one of America’s national treasures thanks to his impressive acting combined with his humble and down to earth persona, cementing him as a fan favourite around the world. He's taken on iconic roles that revolutionised cinema, such as Neo in the Matrix trilogy, and it's fair to say he's built an impressive reputation in the action genre. We're here to highlight his performances in romantic films though, going back to the '80s with Dangerous Liaisons to the mid-noughties with The Lake House. Read on to find out more about Keanu Reeves romantic performances, with some fun facts thrown in for good measure!
Dangerous Liaisons
Dangerous Liaisons is an Academy award-winning periodic romantic drama that has gathered iconic status in film history. Adapted many times, the 1988 movie is based on the fictional novel, Les liaisons dangereuses written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Keanu Reeves, just 24 at the time, plays the supporting role of Chevalier Raphael Danceny in the film, a music teacher and suitor of Cécile de Volanges (Uma Thurman). It's been 36 years since he starred in the film, but it's fair to say Reeves has barely aged - a favourite topic amongst his fans!
What is the storyline of Dangerous Liaisons?
The plot follows two scheming aristocrats who use their social status, looks and powers of seduction to ruin the reputation of others.
When was Dangerous Liaisons set and where was it filmed?
Set in the late 18th-century, the film was shot in the Île-de-France region of northern France in keeping with the novel’s location.
Why was Dangerous Liaisons banned?
At the time of its publication, the novel was banned for its scandalous depictions of sexuality!
Sweet November
21 years later, Reeves took the lead role of Nelson Moss in the emotional romantic drama, Sweet November, as a workaholic executive opposite Charlize Theron. While both struggle with commitment issues, they are drawn to one another, eventually becoming intertwined in each other’s lives.
Was Sweet November a remake?
The movie is loosely based on the 1968 film Sweet November written by Herman Raucher.
Where was Sweet November shot?
Most of the scenes from the movie were shot in San Francisco, California, including many well-know landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge.
Are Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves friends?
Yes, the two actors built a long-lasting friendship and have remained close over the years.
Something’s Gotta Give
In this romantic comedy, Keanu Reeves stars as Julian Mercer, a local doctor, and young love interest of Erica Barry (played by Diane Keaton). This happy-go-lucky rom com is a perfect addition to any Valentine’s Day movie list for its humorous plot, light-hearted themes of love and satisfying redemption arc for Harry Sandborn, played by Jack Nicholson. It is one of director Nancy Meyer’s many hilarious romantic movies that have a feel-good energy throughout – perfect to watch with your loved ones.
When and where did they film Something’s Gotta Give?
Produced in 2003 and set in the sunny seaside town of Southampton, many of the scenes were filmed in a real house in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. The beach scenes, however, were filmed at the Flying Point Beach in Water Mill.
Is there any real chemistry between Diane Keaton Keanu Reeves?
While Keaton stated that she found the kissing scenes shared with Reeves to be “horribly embarrassing”, it has been reported that the co-stars became romantically involved with one another behind the scenes, though this has neither been confirmed nor denied by the actors.
A few of Keanu Reeves’ laugh-out-loud lines from Meyer’s rom com:
- “[offering a bouquet] These are for you to give me when you apologize."
- “How great is it for you that I’m not intimidated by your brilliance?”
- “You know what Freud said, there are no accidents.”
The Lake House
The most recent romantic film in our article, The Lake House is a fantasy romance film starring Keanu Reeves alongside co-star Sandra Bullock, a rom-com veteran seen in the likes of Two Weeks’ Notice and many more. The storyline originates from the 2000 Korean film, Il Mare, and revolves around Reeves and Bullock having the ability to trade letters while living at a lake house despite being separated by a two-year time difference. Unlike our previous jovial entry, Something’s Gotta Give, this romance film spins a heartbreaking tale of loneliness and sorrow but at its core, undeniable love.
Why can't they meet in The Lake House?
Alex Wyler (Reeves) lives in the lake house in 2004 and Kate Forster (Bullock) lives there in 2006 - they are separated from one another by a two-year time gap so cannot physically meet, but, by some magical force, the allows them to communicate through letters that can travel through time.
When and where was The Lake House filmed?
The movie was filmed and set in Chicago in 2005, with the release of the movie being in 2006.
Is the house in the lake house real?
No, the actual house did not exist in real life and was built for the movie. Once production ended, the house was dismantled.
Do Kate and Alex end up together in the lake house?
In a sad twist of events, Alex and Kate not only do not end up together as a result of the time difference, but due to Alex’s death in the initial scenes of the film, looping the ending back to the start of the movie.
Keanu’s quotes from The Lake House:
- “This house is about connections.”
- “I'm married too. I've got eight children and none of them look like me. I'm worried, Kate”
- “She's more real to me than anything I've ever known.”
- “He could build a house. But he couldn't build a home.”