V for Vendetta
March 27th, 2006
Filed Under: Comix, Reviews, movies
I ventured over to Brixton this afternoon to finally watch the film adaptation of the classic graphic novel “V for Vendetta”. I meant to see it during it’s opening weekend (March 17th here in London) but was too wiped out from the week’s classes. When I finally did get to the show today, I couldn’t help keep in the back of my mind that the creator of the original story Alan Moore refused to be listed in the credits. Afterwards, in part, I think I now understand why.
In general, I found the movie tolerable, even if it’s momentum slowed down at times. And though I think the overall concept of the story remains intact, there were significant differences in the plot developments from the book (as well as some other key distinctions) which I felt undermined the essence of the story in the end. I don’t wish to spoil it for others but I’ll just say that the film isn’t bad in of itself, but when compared to the graphic novel (which is hard to put down once you start) it falls short. Yes, I know, I know, “the book version often never lives up to the film version” but in this case it’s a let down. Really. But, I’m curious to know what you think?
However, in spite of that, the theme of the film comes at a crucial time in our lives regarding the political state of the world. The original stories were published between 1982-1985 and it’s (sadly) amazing how relevant it still is. In fact, this movie should’ve come out sooner in my opinion to help spur debate & open discussion of it’s themes.
If you have never heard of, or simply have read “V for Vendetta”, I assure you it’s worth every cent & pence and can be found in any local comic shop. As for the movie, ummm, not nearly so.
2¼ STARS out of four
Popularity: 9%
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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4 Responses to “V for Vendetta”
Monkey Nutz
I hate to trash a movie (not film) but the Wachowski’s make it so easy since everything Pre-Matrix(1999) and Post Matrix(1999).
I felt that I was watching John Hurt in 1984, fortunately there was no Full Frontal Nudity this time around. To end my criticism, before my review, The Wachoski’s owe my for my medical bill, b/c I nodded so much that I had whiplash. Thank goodness the movie theatre I attended served beer.
Although, the concept and basis for the film is very tied to the current state of things, it was marred by the incoherent directing style of the W’s (again as evidensed by their works pre and post Matrix(1999)).
Sadly, the ability of Portman, Hurt, and the like were wasted in this muddled film that slowed dramatically during the middle (out of respect to those who will still choose to be parted with their hard earned money, as I was.
1 star (just because they spent some money making it).
..:JJP
Mr. Nutz, you have eloquently offered some additional insight into the movie and described some of my hidden inner feelings and thus I’ve had to revisit my rating of it (see above) while subsequently re-thinking my review system.
So my 4-star movie ratings in the future will work under the following guidelines:
4 Stars = Great flick, highest praise, respect & enjoyment.
3 Stars = Good flick, worth checking out.
2 Stars = Average flick, nothing bad, nothing great.
1 Star = Uninspiring flick, tread carefully with this one.
less than one star = Trash, don’t even waste your time.
I’ll post this “JJP review chart” with each review in the future. At the very least it’ll be a good point of reference for debate.
Monkey Nutz
Glad to see the clarity of mind.
..:JJP
One can only try
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