V For Vendetta (2006)
Rating: 
Of all the comics (“graphic novels”) I’ve seen converted to the big screen, “V” has to be the best. Most of these efforts veer too much towards being cartoon-like. Or rely too much on special effects. Or try too hard to be dark with no measure of reason for it. Or are just exercises in getting big names onto the screen to support a merchandising effort.
For starters, “V” is literate. There is a reverence for language and the power of the written and spoken word which I haven’t seen represented in film (or anywhere else, for that matter) in a while. This is a stark contrast to most films of the genre which descend into reparte or catch-phrases. This is a movie you have to listen to, because what is spoken is not just filler between special effects.
The characters are performed and scripted more in keeping with European style. They’re more flambouyant in their actions, their evil more understated and cold, and they all have eccentricities. To a typical American audience, this may not translate well. I saw one review call the “V” character “gay” … Lordy. Being well read and maimed by weird government experiments does not make one gay.
Another huge difference in “V” is that it is so political. The sub-plot about how the fictional government in the film came into power – and has stayed in power – is not so far-fetched given what goes on these days. And as I mentioned, you need to listed to this movie, to the dialog, because so many of the lines are apropos to today’s world:
“Fear became the ultimate tool of this government.”
“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
“One thing is true of all governments – their most reliable records are tax records.”
I’m sure everyone will come away with different opinions of what “V” was all about. I see it as a statement of the empowerment of the individual. That ultimately and eventually even the most corrupt of governments will fall to the will of free-thinking people. Which is pretty powerful stuff in the day of what is getting close to a government-controlled media. The power of ideas and the written word and of human values is also a central theme. Which too is powerful stuff in this age of “get rich or die trying” ethics.
From a technical point of view, “V” is extremely well made. The costumes and sets are authentic feeling, without being overblown. There aren’t many special effects (a couple of big pyrotechnics scenes, and one slow-mo fight scene) but the are well done. Using the “1812 Overture” as the backdrop for the explosives is perfect. The fight scenes are pretty brutal, but not overly flashy. That is, there’s no wasted motion or emotion in the way V kills his attackers.
Some of the dialog is kind of mumbled, but you almost expect that from a production in Europe where they don’t get quite into shouting everything like American productions.
All in all one of the best things I’ve ever watched.
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