Keanu Reeves was instrumental in shaping his character in Speed, Officer Jack Traven, according to the film’s script doctor, Joss Whedon.
The screenwriter made his comments about the 58-year-old actor during an interview on Monday’s episode 50mph podcast, where he talked about the production of the 1994 action film.
The producer began to recall that the actor, who recently reunited his band Dogstar, took an extensive look at his character’s backstory and gave him some key information about law enforcement.
(Reeves) talked about (doing research for the part by hanging out) with the SWAT guys and how they were unfailingly polite. (He said that) it’s just about defusing the situation, they call everyone ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am,’ he said.
Whedon, who has been reluctant to give interviews since he was embroiled in a controversy over his past mistreatment of actors, also said Reeves’ information allowed him to add deeper layers to the performer’s role.
Doing the Most: Keanu Reeves was instrumental in shaping his character in Speed, Officer Jack Traven, according to the film’s script doctor, Joss Whedon; the actor can be seen in March
He said, ‘That ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’ got me so much because blunder (in action movie heroes) was the order of the day and this was the opposite. He also said, “I don’t want to draw my gun.”
The creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer added, “It was like a click — that was it. I now understand this character.’
Whedon went on to talk about how he wanted to distinguish Agent Traven from other action movie protagonists of the era.
“He wasn’t a smart kid, he was a lateral thinker. He would do what felt right and have a strange approach to it, but overall it would work out,” he said.
The showrunner concluded by admitting he didn’t write the iconic “pop quiz, hot shot” line, attributing the quote to the film’s original screenwriter, Graham Yost.
‘That was already in. It’s the only phrase people remember. But I can’t take credit for it because it’s not mine,” he said.
Speed was Jan de Bont’s directorial debut and also starred Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock and Jeff Daniels.
The film received widespread critical acclaim and currently holds a 95% rating Rotten tomatoes.
A behind-the-scenes look: The producer began to recall that the actor, who recently reunited his band Dogstar, took an extensive look at his character’s backstory and gave him some key information about law enforcement; Reeves pictured in a still from Speed
Helpful: Whedon, who has been reluctant to give interviews since he was embroiled in a controversy over his past mistreatment of actors, also stated that Reeves’ information allowed him to add deeper layers to the performer’s role; Whedon can be seen in 2017
Honestly: The showrunner concluded by admitting he didn’t write the iconic “pop quiz, hot shot” line, attributing the quote to the film’s original screenwriter, Graham Yost
Talented Backers: Speed was Jan de Bont’s directorial debut and also starred Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock (pictured) and Jeff Daniels
The feature film was also a success with viewers, grossing more than $350 million during its release period, according to him. Box Office Mojo.
Speed’s production team was also recognized with the Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.
The film was followed up by a sequel, titled Speed 2: Cruise Control, which was released in 1997.
The feature film, which starred Bullock but not Reeves, was a critical and commercial disappointment.