V for Vendetta
Screenplay written by: Andy and Larry Wachowski (also
”
Matrix, etc) based on source material from graphic novel by Dave
Gibbons, Alan Moore
Actors: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Tim Pigott-Smith, Stephen
Rea, John Hurt, Ben Niles, Smead Cusack, Mark Phoenix
Directed by: James McTeigue (three
”
Matrix
”
films,
”
Star-Wars II, Attack of the Clones
”
, etc.)
Rated: R (strong violence, sexual innuendo, some language)
V for Vendetta
Screenplay written by: Andy and Larry Wachowski (also “Matrix, etc) based on source material from graphic novel by Dave Gibbons, Alan Moore
Actors: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Tim Pigott-Smith, Stephen Rea, John Hurt, Ben Niles, Smead Cusack, Mark Phoenix
Directed by: James McTeigue (three “Matrix” films, “Star-Wars II, Attack of the Clones”, etc.)
Rated: R (strong violence, sexual innuendo, some language)
In futuristic London in the year 2020, a mysterious man (V/William Rockwood) who wears an ironic grinning mask is cynical of the real agenda of those in current power and is determined to avenge those who were killed in the past after being pushed into civil disobedience. “V” does this in the spirit of celebrating Guy Fawkes Day, as the British actually do every Nov. 5 to commemorate the date in 1605 when the bomb-plotter was executed who planned to obliterate Parliament. However, in “V’s” mind, the upcoming date should celebrate Fawkes’ attempt to eliminate the government that has evolved into one in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life, with the citizens subordinated to a state that suppresses any individual’s political and cultural expression.
Absorbed by the erosion of freedoms by neo-fascist leaders, the masked avenger will resort to anonymous terrorist tactics to reel against the totalitarian government. But when the charismatic and lethally skilled masked vigilante rescues a lovely young woman (Natalie Portman) from rape by two members of the Curfew Police Team, he captures more than a chance for an ally in his solitary commitment to awaken the complacent populous.
He Said:
Whew! Two days later and I can’t stop thinking about this film. A DC comic-like character is not often my preferred vehicle for meaningful or recommended entertainment. But in this case, the provocative themes and moral questions this character and others leads you to consider makes this one of the most interesting films that I’ve seen in a long time. The fast moving storyline’s thinly veiled propositions that includes, among other things, that terrorists and terrorism can take on different faces and forms, was very interesting. It begged questions (related to a fictional futuristic London, of course) such as who really are the terrorists and for what purpose, and how long will a citizen’s complacency last if all liberties are taken away from them.
The film’s parallels to real world issues and debates of the past and present regarding governments with well-meaning policies and laws enacted “for your protection” will not be lost on you.
On the R&R Scale (1-10):
9 for script: Thought provoking on so many levels.
9 for direction: Scene texturing and camera work really good.
8 for acting: Portman was especially good.
8 for plot: So controversial, so engaging.
9 for entertainment value: for sophisticated audiences.
8.6 overall.
She Said:
When the introduction of the main character in a laughable fiberglass mask appeared, I had no idea that I was about to experience the definition of allegory: “A literary, dramatic or pictorial device in which characters and events stand for abstract ideas, principles, or forces, so that the literal sense has or suggests a parallel, a deeper symbolic sense.”
The depth of the symbolic geopolitical weave in the themes and the motivations of the characters erased my initial bias in the face of loftier messaging. While distracted from the film’s meat by the dark character of the masked rose-carrying “V” that smacked too closely of “Phantom of the Opera,” the film’s uniqueness became apparent as an edgy and important cinema experience. This was despite brief moments when it degraded to a low common denominator of entertainment, (such as in Portman’s schoolgirl get-up scene that smacks of a kinkier bent and other controversial scenes).
Parallels to Nazism or governments that evolve to totalitarianism world-over with all-knowing agencies and leaders that operate “for your safety” will not escape your notice.
On the R&R Scale (1-10)
8 for script: Brilliant generally, but some scenes degraded loftier themes and messages.
9 for direction: Masterful blend of story, characters, music.
7 for acting: Generally good, Portman great.
8 for plot: Intellectually stimulating on so many levels.
8 for entertainment value.
8.0 overall.
