Exorcise regime helps Keanu get in character

HOLLYWOOD star Keanu Reeves yesterday said he trained with an exorcist for his latest film Constantine, and he was relieved that no supernatural forces plagued the movie set.

"There were no paranormal events that took place on the film that I know of. Thank God!" said Reeves, 40, who plays the title character in Constantine a man who battles to send demons to hell.

He described his character as "world-weary" and "a nihilistic guy with a heart of gold".

Adapted from the DC Comics series, the film will have its world premiere in Hong Kong next Tuesday.

"I went with an exorcist for a bit. I just want to know really practical things, like how do you hold someone possessed by the devil," said Reeves, on his first visit to Hong Kong.

Reeves said he had not had time to see the city.

"I haven't had a chance to, but looking out of the window, it looks pretty extraordinary out there."

The Matrix and Speed star said his latest role also made him less sceptical about the existence of hell.

"Constantine kind of knows it's fact. So I guess if I had any doubts before, I probably have a little few less doubts now," he said.

Reeves said he enjoyed playing the saviour-like characters in The Matrix and Constantine.

"They are pretty classic Western hero myths stories. They are fun to play. They offer something for people to think about," he said.

Asked how he felt about being added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Reeves said: "It was a great honour for me. I just hope to be able to continue the journey and continue to make films I am interested in and that people like."