V For Vendetta

Year: 2005

Grade: C+

Country: USA

Director: McTeigue

Review

i liked the political elements of the work, but felt that the film was overly long and not as well-realized as it could have been. in the first reel or so of the film there was a genuine comic book look to the picture. later it seemed to lose some of the mystery and darkness that made it look like an alan moore comic might. it’s worth noting that moore took his name off the credits of the film even though he was one of the two people responsible for the graphic novel…perhaps that says something. one other note about the look – v’s mask probably works very well on the page, but it doesn’t work as well in an animated context. because everyone else is constantly moving it makes his character seem lifeless and this detracts from our sympathy for him. that said, weaving still did a good job of breathing some life into the character. it’s just a difficult aspect of the story’s translation to film – one that isn’t seen in other comic-based films like batman, x-men and superman because at least part of the faces are showing.

it’s obviously a wachowski production – androgyny and 1984-esque socio-political commentary are prevalent. here’s a good chance for me to recommend watchmen – an alan moore graphic novel that hasn’t made it to film. read it and be prepared to have a good time. excellently drawn with a great story.

Watched in theater