V For Vendetta, the movie, was never really given much of a chance by anyone, least of all the fans of Alan Moore who completely distanced himself from the adaptation. And in fairness, after the mockery that was made of his League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen who could blame him? But, much like Watchmen, I wonder how he would feel if he actually sat down to watch these movies? Probably no different. As his staunchest supporters seem incapable of seeing past some changes in the story and realize what these movies were actually able to accomplish, its unlikely Moore would/could either.
The story is updated from the 1980s setting of the graphic novel, to the future(around 2030) for the movie and focuses on a freedom fighter known as V, who dresses in a Guy Fawkes costume. The freedom he is fighting for involves him seeking to effect sociopolitical change by over throwing the corrupt, fascist government and make England a better place for its inhabitants. But he is also pursuing his own personal vendetta. Into this fray comes Evey Hammond(Natalie Portman). V rescues her from a couple of "Finger Men"(basically cops) when she is out after curfew, and as a result she is drawn into his world and his plan. He means to destroy the parliament building on the following November 5th, and he will do it by any means necessary. There is a lot more to this of course, but if you haven't already seen it, I don't want to give it away.
So, about those changes then. Anyone who knows me on here and reads my stuff knows that I'm not a huge stickler for remaining dead faithful to the comics and try to just review the movie for what it is, but in this case, it would be remiss not to address the changes since its such a big reason that many hated and in some cases even refused to watch the film. There are several, but the biggest one is the change in setting from Thatcher era Britain to an updated, futuristic time. The writers(The Watchowski Bros)did this to put it into a modern political context but Alan Moore claimed that in doing this the story was altered from its Anarchist/Fascist themes to a more American centric Liberalism/Conservatism conflict. Personally I think that if anyone watches this movie and does not get a strong message of Anarchism Vs fascism, then they are watching with blinkers on. Sometimes the message gets through without being hammered home, people can accept the update while understanding the bigger picture. Sure the themes are shifted around, maybe the ideals on either side differ from the comic slightly(certainly the V of the comic is far more ruthless than he is in the movie), but surely its the message thats the important thing? And the movie delivers that message brilliantly.
Performance wise, although he's acting from behind a mask, Hugo Weaving is fantastic as V. Delivering the tricky lines with gusto and making you invest in his character. Even if at times you don't always agree with his methods, he still gives humanity to a character that is basically a terrorist, albeit a sympathetic one("Sometimes blowing up a building can change the world"). Portman at first seems like she might be in trouble with the English accent, but you get used to it and she ultimately gives a very good turn as Evey. Her journey and transformation is really the core of the story. The Supporting cast vary. John Hurt just screams and shouts in what is basically his role as an English Hitler. Stephen Rea does his best as Inspector Finch but never really makes an impression aside from giving US one that he constantly has a stiff neck! But Stephen Fry is great, as are Natasha Wightman and Roger Allam in very small but important roles. James McTeigue does a great job behind the camera too, delivering a well paced mix of drama and occasional humor, all the while ensuring the political elements and the message are there without really being rammed down our throats. The action scenes that there are are great stuff. Various knife fights and even a few 'splosions! But its the dramatic moments that lift this movie. A long set piece involving Evey being imprisoned and slipped notes through the wall as her neighbor unfolds her heart breaking story sticks in the mind long after the credit role. As does the brilliant finale as V performs his encore.
Its not without its problems either of course, even aside from any complaining about the liberties taken with the source material. One sequence in which John Hurt's Chancellor Suttler is lampooned on a talk show Benny Hill style really doesn't work too well, and the American writing team should have better researched the use of the word "Bollocks"! But over all I think
V is one of the most underrated CBMs out there . It did receive a pretty good critical and commercial response all things considered, but for some reason it seems to be forgotten about in conversation when we talk about the "good ones". Rest assured folks, this IS one of the good ones. As moving, thought provoking and challenging a film as you are ever likely to see carrying the tag line "Based on the Graphic novel/comic by..."
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