I have to be in a particular frame of mind to watch a John Wick movie: as emotionally dead as Mr Wick’s enemies are soon to be physically dead. I could be really unwell. Or on the second leg of an intercontinental flight. But in those states, watching Keanu Reeves improbably shoot people in the head is everything I need.
Lets be clear. Keanu Reeves is not burdened by an excess of range as an actor. He pretty much does Keanu Reeves. But he is absolutely the best Keanu Reeves in the world. He is a superb physical performer who is able to “sell” all kinds of unrealistic action through a mix of dexterity, commitment, and stoicism.
On top of all that, he seems to a genuinely nice guy. His career may have waxed and waned and waxed again but apparently he is humble, loyal to his friends, a pleasure to work with, and has overcome a fair bit of tragedy in his life. And he is hilarious in Always Be My Maybe*.
Damnit Reeves, how dare you be so awesome!!!
Is there a larger organizational or personal lesson here for us all?
Probably not.
But such an absence of deeper meaning is absolutely consonant with the Zen-like Mr Reeves. He just is.
Stop being so cool!!! You’re 60 this year #keanubuspass
*A movie that finally confirmed for me, despite previous misgivings, that Ali Wong is indeed a first-tier comedian and a fine actor.
Maybe he defies the conclusion of your post on the death of the leader, as a paragon of the 'authentic' style ...