Constantine starring Keanu Reeves has so far been one of the most talked-about live-action adaptation of the DC Comics character. The film wasn't a big hit but has since gained a cult following for its storyline and cinematography. Audiences follow John Constantine as he tries to stop the Devil's son from crossing over to Earth.
The film uses different plot elements from the comic book series, specifically "Dangerous Habits" and "Original Sins." Despite certain critics' bleak response to the film, fans still enjoy it. Fans may not have noticed certain small details in the film that hold a significant meaning. Let's take look at the hidden messages in the film that went by in the blink of the eye.
The Eyes Tell All
This may seem like a small detail, but for those not familiar with the comics it may be new information. There are two instances in the film where audiences are able to tell just whether someone is a half-breed. When Constantine visits Papa Midnite's (Djimon Hounsou) bar, this is the most prominent. Red eyes signify half-breed demon, while yellow eyes are half-breed angels.
There is another moment in the film where audiences see a change in eye color. This occurs when Constantine first speaks to Gabriel (Tilda Swinton). In the comics, Gabriel is depicted as a half-breed angel while in common text Gabriel is the most loyal soldier in heaven.
The Devil's And Divine Number In The Film
It wouldn't be uncommon for this genre of film to play on the Devil's number a couple of times. It happens so subtly in the film that it can be easily missed. One example occurs when audiences are first introduced to Beeman's (Max Baker) hideout. As the camera pans through the bowling alley, on the far wall there is a logo.
The logo looks like three six's interwoven into one another. It's said that three six's are the mark of the beast. There is also a number on Angela's (Rachel Weisz) tote bag. While it may not be fully clear it's also interpreted as the same numbers. When Chas (Shia LaBeouf) moves the taxi and a different number appears on the back. Instead, it's "3393", with "333" said to be a divine number.
Constantine's 13 Cigarettes
For anyone who was keeping count, Constantine smokes a total of 13 cigarettes throughout the film. As fans would know, Constantine was diagnosed with lung cancer, but he is not free from death just because he was brought back from hell. His deadly habit is smoking Chinese cigarettes.
He smokes 13 in total. The number 13 is often referred to as being a lucky or unlucky number. In some ways, this applies to Constantine when he manages to do the right thing, but still suffers some consequences.
Father Henessy's Appropriate Name
Throughout the scenes with Father Hennessey (Pruitt Taylor Vince), it may not have clicked just how fitting his name really is. Father Hennessey helps Constatine in riding the Earth of half-breeds. He also has a special ability to communicate with the dead. In order to quiet the voices so he can get a good night's sleep, Father Hennessy turns to alcohol.
In turn, he is an alcoholic and when he removes his protective charm and sees Isabel's body, he is an open target. Due to him being alcoholic and no longer under protection, Balthazar (Gavin Rossdale) kills him by excessive drinking.
Jesus's Portrait
When Constantine and Angela turn to Beeman for help in reading Corinthians 17, they come to a discovery. Beeman read the Bible from hell that depicts Mammon crossing over to Earth with the help of powerful psychics and the help of God.
Constantine comes to the realization that the help of God comes from the Spear of Destiny. The spear is said to be what killed Jesus on the cross. When Constantine first talks with Gabriel, the shot shows a painting of Jesus on the cross being stabbed by the spear.
The Upside Down Crosses When Mammon Sent Back To Hell
When God turns his back on Gabriel and destroys her wings, Lucifer returns his son back to hell. The scene shows a reflection of hell in the water beneath Lucifer's feet. Looking closely there is a certain detail to the scene.
As Mammon is sent back three hazy crosses appear. One is higher in the center than the other three and all are upside down. An upside-down cross is often associated with the Devil. The strategic placement can also refer to when Jesus being crucified alongside two others.
The Importance Of Water
A common theme in the film is the use of water. Constantine does explain that water is a conduit to the other side. Hence why he dips his feet in the water when traveling to hell and Angela being submerged. There is a moment where water and its biblical implications intersect.
For anyone aware of the biblical story, Jesus baptizes his disciples by submerging them in the ocean's water making them followers of God. The same idea occurs when Angela comes face to face with Manuel (Jesse Ramirez). The only way Mammon can cross over is by submerging Angela in the pool water, in the shape of a cross, almost like a reverse Baptism.
Spear Of Destiny Wrapped In Nazi Flag
This small detail may have passed by without being noticed. When Manuel first comes across the Spear of Destiny it's wrapped in a Nazi flag. There is a historical context for this decision. The spear is a facsimile of the "Holy Lance" sadi to be a historical artifact that pierced Jesus while on the cross.
The spear was held by many dynasties and empires as a religious artifact. At one point in history, it was acquired by the Nazis and hidden away during World War II. The same lance has been featured in Hellboy and other DC Comics shows.
Chas Is Killed After Being Prayed On By Papa Midnite
Chas Kramer is Constantine's apprentice and driver. In the film, he shows that he is more than willing to learn from Constantine and one day take over his responsibilities. He even impresses Constantine and Papa Midnite with his knowledge of half-breeds.
Before embarking on the mission to stop Mammon, Papa Midnite prays for Chas. When he tries to do so on Constantine, Constantine refuses and walks away. Papa Midnite does so anyway when they leave. Oddly enough despite the prayer, Chas gets killed instead of Constantine.
The Devil Grabs Constantines With Left Hand
It's the small details that have significance in this film. Constantine slits his wrists to summon the Devil (Peter Stormare) in order to have him stop Mammon. After moving Isabel's soul to heaven, he can now return Constatine's soul to hell where it belongs. The way he grabs Constantine is strategic.
He grabs him with his left hand. Rewinding back to when Constantine slits his wrists, he also starts with the left side. It's a common theory that the left side is "evil" or "sinister". In many animated depictions, the small devil appears on the left shoulder when deciding from right and wrong.