V for Vendetta 3/5 reviewed by Mike
Ok, lets get a couple of things straight. "V for Vendetta" is one of the best graphic novels ever made. Period. If you haven't read it, go here and order it. It was written by Alan Moore, who is one of the best writers in American and British history. It is masterfully illustrated by Davil Lloyd. Even if you're not into comics, maybe especially if you're not into comics, this book will floor you, check it out.
Now, there is a danger when something this close to my heart gets adapted into a movie. Especially with Alan Moore's work--a lot of what he does on the page are techniques that are unique to the printed page, making traslation into film difficult. Also, this work is so smart and deeply layered that a film would have a hard time containing it's complexity. Basically, the point is--I expected this movie to suck. Especially when I knew the Wachowski's (those responsilbe for the matrix debacles) were involved. Then I heard that Alan Moore refused to have his name attached to the work (which is why only Lloyd's name appears in the credits).
Let's just say that this movie was a lot better than I expected. They were very faithful to the book. If you don't know, let me briefly tell you the plot. Basically, it's "1984" meets "Batman." Imagine a world where England has become a totalitarian, nazi-like regime. Every aspect of society is controlled by a fascist dictator, and anyone who doesn't like it (or is "different") is killed. In this society springs up a man known only as "V." He wears a Guy Fawkes mask (reference to British history, read about it here) and proceeds to challenge the government, instigating massive social change. Along the way he befriends a young woman named Evey (played brilliantly by Natalie Portman) and you learn that V is not only challenging the government, but has a more personal agenda as well...
This movie is very well acted, and I'm not just saying that because I'm madly in love with Natalie Portman. I loved all the set designs, and the costumes--they were very true to the book and very cool to watch. The camera work isn't ground breaking, but its good, and serves the story well. Overall, the movie is smart, and is sure to raise many questions in your mind about life, government, people, philosophy, etc. Make no mistake, this is an intellectually challenging film. I'm already hearing the moanings of people who are misinterpreting it, saying it's "anti-Christian," or "promotes homosexuality." In my opinion, these people are just looking for something else to be mad at. But watch the film and see for yourself. Religion and homosexuality are but two of many tough issues raised by this film. I never felt like the film tried to preach, or force its view on others--rather you are invited to take matters and ideas into your own hands.
The downside is that as smart and challenging as this film is, it is a mere shadow of the book. It feels like a watered down version of Moore's brilliance. Although many of the ideas and issues are there, the genius of it isn't. So, if you like this film at all, check out the book. An adaptation doesn't have to be exactly like the book to please me, as long as the spirit is kept (X-Men is a great example). However, in "V," there were some liberties taken which bothered me--mostly the making of Evey and V's relationship into a love interest. Their relationship is supposed to be that of father/daughter,not lover. The love thing gets in the way and really confuses things. There were some disapointments which I can't mention because it'll spoil the story, but let's just say that V's character is slightly compromised a few times--not in major ways, but enough to make me think they were trying to make it more appealing to a mass audience--ironic since that is almost completely against the statement the story is trying to make. Maybe there were parts of the book they just "didn't get."
Another thing that bothered me a bit about this film was the pacing. In the graphic novel, the story is told as a series of vignettes, which is how they were originally published. The film translates this quite literally, so the beginning feels rushed to me, while the middle seemed a little tedious. The first third of the film is dizzying action, and then it seems to grind to a halt for a while, and Evey comes in and out of the picture. Sometimes shes with V, sometimes she leaves for a while, and its not clear where she goes or why. In the comic, these pacing changes flow well and are natural, given the form. In film, the pacing just seems a bit jagged. These reasons are why the film doesn't rise to the status of a 4.
Overall, it's a good film, and a successful adaptation. If you are in any way shape or form intrigued by it, please check out the book. I garuntee it'll push the limits of what you think comics can do.
See this movie if:
-You enjoy being challenged by new views on politics and philosophy.
-You think "comic book movies" are just for kids.
-You're tired of the Hollywood action blockbusters with no substance.
Don't see this movie if:
-You live in a bubble and don't like being exposed to views contrary to your own.
-Images of people being tortured in concentration-camp-like settings disturbs you.
-You're looking for a movie to see right before you propose to your girlfriend. (Yes, this happened to someone close to me.)
Now, there is a danger when something this close to my heart gets adapted into a movie. Especially with Alan Moore's work--a lot of what he does on the page are techniques that are unique to the printed page, making traslation into film difficult. Also, this work is so smart and deeply layered that a film would have a hard time containing it's complexity. Basically, the point is--I expected this movie to suck. Especially when I knew the Wachowski's (those responsilbe for the matrix debacles) were involved. Then I heard that Alan Moore refused to have his name attached to the work (which is why only Lloyd's name appears in the credits).
Let's just say that this movie was a lot better than I expected. They were very faithful to the book. If you don't know, let me briefly tell you the plot. Basically, it's "1984" meets "Batman." Imagine a world where England has become a totalitarian, nazi-like regime. Every aspect of society is controlled by a fascist dictator, and anyone who doesn't like it (or is "different") is killed. In this society springs up a man known only as "V." He wears a Guy Fawkes mask (reference to British history, read about it here) and proceeds to challenge the government, instigating massive social change. Along the way he befriends a young woman named Evey (played brilliantly by Natalie Portman) and you learn that V is not only challenging the government, but has a more personal agenda as well...
This movie is very well acted, and I'm not just saying that because I'm madly in love with Natalie Portman. I loved all the set designs, and the costumes--they were very true to the book and very cool to watch. The camera work isn't ground breaking, but its good, and serves the story well. Overall, the movie is smart, and is sure to raise many questions in your mind about life, government, people, philosophy, etc. Make no mistake, this is an intellectually challenging film. I'm already hearing the moanings of people who are misinterpreting it, saying it's "anti-Christian," or "promotes homosexuality." In my opinion, these people are just looking for something else to be mad at. But watch the film and see for yourself. Religion and homosexuality are but two of many tough issues raised by this film. I never felt like the film tried to preach, or force its view on others--rather you are invited to take matters and ideas into your own hands.
The downside is that as smart and challenging as this film is, it is a mere shadow of the book. It feels like a watered down version of Moore's brilliance. Although many of the ideas and issues are there, the genius of it isn't. So, if you like this film at all, check out the book. An adaptation doesn't have to be exactly like the book to please me, as long as the spirit is kept (X-Men is a great example). However, in "V," there were some liberties taken which bothered me--mostly the making of Evey and V's relationship into a love interest. Their relationship is supposed to be that of father/daughter,not lover. The love thing gets in the way and really confuses things. There were some disapointments which I can't mention because it'll spoil the story, but let's just say that V's character is slightly compromised a few times--not in major ways, but enough to make me think they were trying to make it more appealing to a mass audience--ironic since that is almost completely against the statement the story is trying to make. Maybe there were parts of the book they just "didn't get."
Another thing that bothered me a bit about this film was the pacing. In the graphic novel, the story is told as a series of vignettes, which is how they were originally published. The film translates this quite literally, so the beginning feels rushed to me, while the middle seemed a little tedious. The first third of the film is dizzying action, and then it seems to grind to a halt for a while, and Evey comes in and out of the picture. Sometimes shes with V, sometimes she leaves for a while, and its not clear where she goes or why. In the comic, these pacing changes flow well and are natural, given the form. In film, the pacing just seems a bit jagged. These reasons are why the film doesn't rise to the status of a 4.
Overall, it's a good film, and a successful adaptation. If you are in any way shape or form intrigued by it, please check out the book. I garuntee it'll push the limits of what you think comics can do.
See this movie if:
-You enjoy being challenged by new views on politics and philosophy.
-You think "comic book movies" are just for kids.
-You're tired of the Hollywood action blockbusters with no substance.
Don't see this movie if:
-You live in a bubble and don't like being exposed to views contrary to your own.
-Images of people being tortured in concentration-camp-like settings disturbs you.
-You're looking for a movie to see right before you propose to your girlfriend. (Yes, this happened to someone close to me.)
posted by Hankinstien at 1:31 AM
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