In the picture the Canadian actor Keanu Reeves EFE/Etienne Laurent/Archive
In 1984, Toronto saw the premiere of “Wolf Boy”a production in which two then unknown actors were involved: Carl Marotte and Keanu Reeves. The play was written by the Canadian playwright, screenwriter and cultural commentator Brad Fraserdealt with the story of two young people in a mental institution and was characterized by thematic and visual boldness, including a scene in which Reeves performed push-ups in white underwear.
The management was responsible John Palmerwho adapted his short stories two decades later Brace LaBruce for the film “Sugar”. It was precisely LaBruce, a renowned director with ties to the queer community, who in 2019 shared promotional photos from that period on Instagram, in which Marotte and Reeves star in a passionate moment that has gained renewed traction on social networks.
In 1984, Keanu Reeves was part of a homoerotic thriller in which he shared credits with Carl Marotte (Source: Instagram/Bruce LaBruce)
There are four snaps that LaBruce shared. In one, the duo gives each other a gentle kiss, and in the second, Carl hugs Keanu's chest. In the third part, Marotte seduces Keanu by playing with her tongue while he responds with a smile. In the last one, Carl kisses the neck of Keanu, who looks indifferently in the opposite direction.
“This is why fanfics are made, I mean look at them, they are very hot”, “That's what true love is like”, “Keanu was really happy here”, are some of the comments that the old man takes photos were created.
Keanu Reeves denied rumors about his homosexuality and his engagement to David Geffen Portal/Carlos Osorio/File Photo
In Wolfboy, Reeves' character was described in a documentary about the production as “An innocent teenager trapped in a relationship with a disturbed boy who believes he is a werewolf.”, and along with the play's unique approach, it caught the interest of Toronto's queer community. This fascination went so far that some fans tore down advertising posters and then sold them for hundreds of dollars.
Palmer's decision to cast Reeves in the role was based on the actor's undeniable presence and natural energy, aspects the director described as outstanding. “He was absolutely stunning,” she said of Reeves. “It was a knockout. He had a certain honesty. “I had so much energy I didn’t know what to do with it.”
In addition to “Wolfboy,” Reeves also starred in “My Own Private Idaho” (1991), a film considered a cult classic of LGBT+ cinema, alongside “River Phoenix.” This independent drama, loosely inspired by “Henry IV.” from William ShakespeareHe accompanies two young people on a journey that takes them from here Portland until Idaho and finally to the coast of Italyto find the mother of one of them. During their odyssey, the characters played by Reeves and Phoenix find themselves in situations where they trade sex for money and drugs.
My Own Private Idaho stands out not only for Reeves and Phoenix's performances, but also for its innovative approach to cinematic storytelling and its bold exploration of sexuality, topics that were considered taboo at the time of its release. The film has not only achieved cult status among critics and film fans, but has also been analyzed by scholars and film students for its significant contribution to the discussion about the representation of sexual diversity in art and popular culture.