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[Harmsway]

V FOR VENDETTA by Alan Moore is one of the great works of our time that has gone largely ignored outside of graphic novel circles (alongside his WATCHMEN, which is the greatest graphic novel, period, and found its way onto TIME's greatest works of the last century list). It's an outstanding piece of provocative literature, reveling in the right to rebel against a power over us.

I've followed this film's production closely. I was skeptical about the inclusion of the Wachowski Bros. (their Matrix sequels were iffy at best). I was skeptical about the casting. Then the trailer premiered (you can find it here), and while it looked really solid, it didn't look anywhere near as provocative as Alan Moore's comic was.

And then there was the advertising campaign with its wonderfully retro posters that oozed utter coolness (like the one below). I still had my doubts.



Well, I may have been wrong to ever doubted in the project. It premiered at AintItCoolNews' film festival (which featured KING KONG, SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE, and other such films), and the response was hugely positive. As well, it seems like this is going to be one heck of a controversial film (as it well should be... for "V" acts like a terrorist). Is this going to be a modern classic? A work of truly great cinema? I hope so.

V for Vendetta - This will be the most talked about film in 2006. Or, it will disappear in three weeks after release and be dismissed as a cult film for academics to dissect in the future. I believe that the media's response to the messages in the film will decide it's fate. Even how Warner Brothers decides to market the film will determine the legacy. If they follow a super hero/comic book marketing model and you see V on a lunch box, then I believe that the film's impact will be hampered. But if they let the theater goers decide, then this film might prove to be an artistic endeavor that becomes a symbol for a revolution. Either way, every college campus needs to screen this film for our future leaders of the world. Fox News better get their responses ready, because this film is going to be a favorite topic of theirs for a long time.

V for Vendetta- Pleasantly surprised by this one, wasn't sure quite what to expect. Donald Duck as a Nazi in "Der Fuerher's Face" (complete with audience quacking) was a high point leading into the film. Hugo Weaving, first of all, did an excellent job as V, physically committed to the role at all times, and that great voice of his really allows him to overcome the inability to use his face at all, giving a really great performance. Natalie Portman does well with the Evey role, but Stephen Fry was the standout for me as Gordon Dietrich. The start of the film was also met with the sad news of the death of cinematographer Adrian Biddle, whose stylistic approach gave the film an always good, often great, and unique feel. Interested to see how this film performs when it's released.

V for Vendetta, I thought was supposed to be released in September, but was delayed. This movie was so close to home, it was TRULY scary. Again, I don't want to ruin it by revealing plot details, because "V..." does such a fantastic job of keeping the viewer engaged in wondering what the characters are going to do next, all the while thinking what would I do in their shoes? And even more chilling, it had me thinking "have I done enough?" Has fear driven us all so far that we will only do the right thing when we can be assured of not being alone in doing it? Most people living in the modern world wonder how Hitler could've moved so many people into orchestrating the horrific events of the Holocaust. I usually refer people to the movie the Pianist in which some members of the family say, "well, it really isn't that bad yet, and we'll get through this" but when it was finally undeniable that it WAS that bad, it was too late, and the machinery of fear and racism were too firmly entrenched to overcome the deadly weight of its inertia. Another thing that this film will bring to light is that fear and racism belong to us all, not just in an era of history, and not just a distant place, not just the Spanish Inquisition or Nazi Germany, but it is the burden humanity must bear together and bear intelligently and responsibly and NOT repeat. As you watch this movie, you will undoubtedly find the connections to things in the movie and current events frighteningly obvious. A fabulous movie, a treasure visually and in its language. I know when this movie IS released it will not only stir controversy, but be on every movie lover's top ten list. I can't think of any reason why "it should be forgot." Inspired by graphic novels, it is extraordinary how it hits right on the nerve of current events...Cindy Sheehan is certainly living her one-inch of life, for sure.

And then Knowles himself gives it a gushing, fanboy review (as always!):

V FOR VENDETTA. I was not prepared for V FOR VENDETTA. This is the most intense cinematic cry for Anarchy since A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. They made the comic... When you see them promoting it as UNCOMPROMISED VISION. That's absolutely right... Everybody PERFECT. Adrian Biddle's last film as DP is a revelation and a revolution! This was my favorite film of the festival... When this film opens - this will be a political molotov cocktail. It isn't the action film that the first MATRIX was - but it is easily a vastly more important and brilliant film.

Well, needless to say, I'm excited. I'm hoping it lives up to these comments.

[Harmsway]

More outstanding comments from Aintitcool (I'm REALLY excited now... I hope this is really the controversial masterpiece they all say it is):

V for VENDETTA (2006)::

"People shouldn't be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

Indeed. I'm only marginally familiar with the Alan Moore graphic novel, so I cannot compare, but I think it's fair to whip out the phrase TOUR-DE-FORCE for this complete and utter masterpiece. This film literally had me shaking in my seat. The moment early on in which V 'conducts' a symphony of protest towards that blasted crescendo on a London rooftop completely set the stage for what was to come, and caught me completely off guard. I thought the trailer was fantastic, but I really never expected the film to go so far or hit so hard. Rest assured, punches are not pulled. James McTeigue's direction is deft and graceful, and I'll be watching this guy from now on. I had lost faith in the Wachowski's after the utter fiasco of "those other two movies", and again I don't know the graphic novel well -- but they wrote a damn fine script that skillfully balanced character and plot, while feeling totally complete as a film.

The dialogue given to Hugo Weaving and the voice he gives back to it are a match made in cinema heaven, truly a thing to behold. His voice is the soundtrack, the velvet music that drives the film forward. Portman is also in top form, as is Stephen Rea, a frothing John Hurt, and just about everyone else onscreen. That we never see the face of V is completely and beautifully faithful to the core theme that while fragile human beings may die, IDEAS can live forever.

Never has a comic book looked or felt so elegant on celluloid. I'd love to have a DVD commentary track by the current Western world leaders, and another one from Bill O'Reilly for kicks--- (just because I'd like to know what he thinks of the part where he gets killed in the shower).

The section of the film dealing with Evey Hammond imprisoned and the letter that keeps her going - it's devastating, and it hits all the harder having recently watched the news as our own country engaged in actual debate on whether or not torture was an acceptable part of policy. This isn't just some lame Left vs. Right thing, to clarify, but it'll be easily painted as a monumental piece of liberal "terrorist" propaganda. I suppose, unfortunatly, that by current definitions you could actually call it that.

This is a look down the path we're on, and a fantasy vision of what one person can do to bring the country and the land he loves back from the dire brink of 1984. It's a magnificent superhero saga about massive social and political revolution, not to mention unconditional love, and it doesn't end trying to set up a sequel with a different villain.

V has more important things to do than bother with that.

The release date isn't until MARCH, but she looked finished to me, and no one better cut a goddamned frame. I'm so afraid that some cowering suit is going to butcher this thing before release. RELEASE THIS MOVIE EXACTLY HOW IT IS. Release it next week. Fight the good fight on the press junket and in the media [censored]storm, not behind the closed doors of studio offices. FREEDOM! FOREVER!

This one I've edited for some pretty big spoilers and twists that could potentially damage the movie for anybody not having read the comic:

Hey all.

This review will assume that you have read the graphic novel. I really don't know how else to write it. If you have not read Alan Moore's graphic novel, I urge you to read it before reading this review. If you want to be unspoiled about the film and the story, I'll say this: I think this is an extraordinarily important film, but the ad campaign that the WB is presenting at this time will make the film really hated by a lot of people. It's not THE MATRIX. Strictly speaking, V FOR VENDETTA isn't even an action film in the strictest sence. The action scenes it does have are few and only last a couple of minutes. For those having not read the book, V FOR VENDETTA is a brave film that tries to find the truth in our confusing times - what is our role in our government? And how much can we stand up to oppression before it becomes terrorism? It's a film that definitely needs to be seen and discussed, especially in America and Britain, and I hope everyone that has a chance to see it does so and joins the great conversation about what freedom really means. From here out, stop reading, if you haven't read the graphic novel.

I realize I've written some about V FOR VENDETTA already in my BNAT 7 review, but it's been more than 24 hours now, and the film simply will not leave my mind. I'm an optimist. I generally think that good things always happen and that if you wait around long enough the world will eventually right itself if things are bad. I'm not sure how this has anything to do with V FOR VENDETTA, but when that film was over I had such a feeling of satisfaction and of karma wheeling around again. I think that if people let it, V FOR VENDETTA could change lives. And at the same time, I am afraid of how wildly misinterpreted it will be.

For Alan Moore fans, let me say this: you're going to be happy. The film is extraordinarily close, in spirit and in text, to his graphic novel. The Wachowski Brothers do not spare any punches when necessary, and many of the sequences that fans hold to heart are there. I'm going to flat out say it - V never takes the mask off. You never see his face. I am so impressed with Hugo Weaving for taking a pretty much thankless role without any great actory moments to show off and making a full-fledged character. Weaving has a moment in the beginning of the film as he lets the world know his point of view, with V words strewn throughout his monologue, that under any lesser actor would have been embarrassingly bad. He pulls it off so well that towards the end of it people were applauding in the theater. I'm not sure if Weaving is actually the actor in many of the scenes (I believe he replaced another actor during production, although I may be wrong about that) but I have to give him marks for bravery for even attempting it. Which brings me to Natalie Portman.

It is easily Natalie Portman's best performance. I'm not a fan of hers. Say whatever you want about Lucas, but the actor also shares responsibility if they can't sell their part to the audience and I thought she was terrible in most of the Prequel trilogy. Frankly the only part before this that I thought she was terrific in was THE PROFESSIONAL, and to a lesser degree, BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. But in this Portman completely comes to her own as an actress. She breaks your heart, and at one point in the film, as she is being imprisoned, she really makes you feel her terror and sadness. There isn't a bad performance in the film, frankly, although John Hurt as the High Chancellor could get on the hammy side. But Stephen Rea and Stephen Fry are great as well. Fry, especially, gives his character a great moral weight.

This is James McTeigue's first film. Rumors have it that the Wachowskis actually directed the film, and I don't know how true that is. But I will say that I thought V was very well directed. The actors are given much room to make their roles their own, and I fully believed in the world that the filmmakers were trying to present.

Alright. We're going to get into it. V FOR VENDETTA's subject matter will be very uncomfortable for a lot of people. I get the idea that Fox News will have a thing or two to say about it. Let's start with the word "terrorist." How does one define a terrorist? Does their motive have anything to do with it, and are their motives for violence an excuse for their actions? It really depends on how the viewer feels what is justified in the name of what is right. For me, violence is never justified, and that makes the ending for V FOR VENDETTA that much more unconfortable. And at the same time, I completely understand how they got there. As a person, I can never see myself in a situation where violence is worth the preservation of your ideals. If I or my family are personally threatened I would fight for their liives and mine. But I have no idea what would bring me to the point of violence against a society. V and Evey can be seen as freedom fighters to some, and terrorists to others, and personally my jury is still out on what they are. But they have been driven to the point that justifies their violent acts. Which brings me to a section of the film that will be heavily debated.

[REVIEW EDITED]

[Tarl_Cabot]

Looks cool.

[Lazenby880]

Looks incredibly controversial, as well as (from the trailer in any event) a fine piece of cinema. Great poster too; very period-looking.

I just hope that Warner Bros. will market this appropriately. From the publicity I have seen of it thus far, they do appear to be succeeding, but as one of the reviewers said the fate of this film will very much depend on Warner's efforts. It won't be a blockbuster - that is for sure - but it could nevertheless be the Sin City of 2006 (only darker and even more contentious).

[Harmsway]

Another positive review from Aintitcool:

[quote]V For Vendetta

V For Vendetta was not just the single greatest film experience I had at BNAT. Rather, it is the Single Greatest Film I

[Harmsway]

I just hope that Warner Bros. will market this appropriately. From the publicity I have seen of it thus far, they do appear to be succeeding, but as one of the reviewers said the fate of this film will very much depend on Warner's efforts. It won't be a blockbuster - that is for sure - but it could nevertheless be the Sin City of 2006 (only darker and even more contentious).

At any rate I pray it's a better film than that piece of tripe that was called SIN CITY (and I have no doubt of this). But I do see similar success in line for V FOR VENDETTA. A movie of it's kind won't be a monstrous blockbuster, but it can probably do okay for itself if its marketed well enough as well as given a nice burst from controversy (which no doubt will surround it).

[Loomis]

I also loathe SIN CITY (never, perhaps, have so many talented people collaborated to produce something so worthless). But, while I know next to nothing about V FOR VENDETTA or the comic it's based on, it does at least look to me as though this film is actually about something. Which is a heck of a lot more than can be said for SIN CITY.

[Harmsway]

I also loathe SIN CITY (never, perhaps, have so many talented people collaborated to produce something so worthless). But, while I know next to nothing about V FOR VENDETTA or the comic it's based on, it does at least look to me as though this film is actually about something. Which is a heck of a lot more than can be said for SIN CITY.

No fears, Loomis.

Unlike the SIN CITY graphic novels, which were excercises in style and nothing else (and not particularly THAT well done to begin with), Alan Moore's V FOR VENDETTA is a brilliant, thought-provoking political statement that raises a lot of questions about the nature of heroism, terrorism, and government.

If this is as good as they say it is... well, prepare for one of the best films in years. The material in the comic is there - it just depends on how well it's actually pulled off.

[Harmsway]

A new trailer - it looks OUTSTANDING. This trailer has wiped away most of my doubts about the film... this is going to be something very special.

V for Vendetta Trailer 2

[Tarl_Cabot]

looks damn good.

[Gabe Vieira]

I really to see this film. Very few films can change the way that one thinks, but no doubt that it will have a major impact in our society.

[Genrewriter]

I saw the trailer, to be honest I lost faith in the Wachowski brothers after MAtrix Reloaded. I'll pass.

[Harmsway]

[quote name='Genrewriter' date='16 December 2005 - 21:39']I saw the trailer, to be honest I lost faith in the Wachowski brothers after MAtrix Reloaded.

[Genrewriter]

I suppose, but the film in general just doesn't look as good to me as it does to others. Heck, I've been wrong before. I'll probably give it a a shot on dvd.

[DanMan]

I think it's really disgusting to compare the American guerillas in The Revolutionary War to modern day Islamic terrorists.

The American guerillas used their tactics to achieve a free democracy.
Islamic terrorists use their tactics to achieve a form of government in which free speech and thought is not allowed and women
are treated as property.

It was a war, and the American guerillas killed British SOLDIERS. Islamic terrorists kill innocent men, women, and children. They are cowards. They also kill their own people. Innocent Iraqi citizens, even those who don't support America, get blown up with the rest.

Call me a right-wing nut, I don't care, but if the Wachowski Brothers
have the balls to make a movie that justifies terrorism then their pretty much the scum of the Earth and don't deserve to make a movie again. It's pretty sickening you can make a movie like this but not say Merry Christimas without being slapped with a lawsuit. What's wrong with this friggin' world?

[Harmsway]

Call me a right-wing nut, I don't care, but if the Wachowski Brothers
have the balls to make a movie that justifies terrorism then their pretty much the scum of the Earth and don't deserve to make a movie again. It's pretty sickening you can make a movie like this but not say Merry Christimas without being slapped with a lawsuit. What's wrong with this friggin' world?

It doesn't justify terrorism. In fact, what V does really isn't terrorism as we know it to begin with - he doesn't kill innocents, and he attacks a regime of fascism that succeeded in carrying out what the Holocaust failed to do.

Alan Moore's comic came out many years ago, before terrorism was even prevalent. It's just that today, it's a little more interesting, because in the context of our time period it brings up the question of "What makes a terrorist a terrorist?" It's saying that "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

But V FOR VENDETTA is not sympathetic to Al Quaeda or anything like that. In fact, I'll say V FOR VENDETTA is blatantly patriotic. It's about freedom and tyranny.

[Bond_Bishop]

This movie really looks outstanding. I think this movie really will make you think and it brings up a good question: "What makes a terrorist a terrorist". I still have to read the graphic novel though.

[Harmsway]

Here's the first official review, and a very positive one, from the Hollywood Reporter:

The Hollywood Reporter reviews V FOR VENDETTA

[Harmsway]

Well I'm checking this out tonight, and I'm hoping for the best. I'm *really* excited. This and CASINO ROYALE are really the only two films I care about this year.

[Qwerty]

I'm still on the fence about this one. Will be looking forward to your review, Harmsway.

[Harmsway]

V FOR VENDETTA

V FOR VENDETTA is an immensely entertaining film. It is by no means a great one, but an entertaining one nonetheless. Alan Moore removed his name from this project with good reason - this is not really representative of his work. This is a loose adaptation, with much overlap in story, but none of the depth or true, brilliant artistry. This is Alan Moore's V FOR VENDETTA as a popcorn film. On that level it succeeds. V FOR VENDETTA is a satisfying, rip-roaring film that features some truly great visuals and action.

Hugo Weaving's portrayal of the mask-wearing "V" is fantastic, creating a multi-faceted and intriguing character that could have easily been nothing more than a bland figure with no personality. He makes us care about him and see his humanity, and it is a great achievement.

Natalie Portman's Evey is also a great accomplishment. This is by far Portman's finest work to date. She gives the film an emotional anchor and she really makes it work. Her chemistry with Weaving's V is unmistakeable.

As an avid fan of the comic, I must confess, it was very little like it's counterpart. Those expecting a true drama with sincere messages about society will be at a loss. This V FOR VENDETTA is somewhat shallow and simple. The intellectuals will not find much to chew on here (though in Moore's graphic novel, every page brought more and more).

But as I said before, it still should be seen. As a Wachowski Bros. project (though they didn't direct, their stamp is still on this project), it stands head and shoulders above their previous work in terms of maturity. It's very satisfying on its own merits - a thrill ride with something to say. It's fun, it's frenetic, and surprisingly dramatic and moving at other moments (one of the great and touching moments is V and Evey sitting on a couch, watching THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO together).

[stamper]

OK, I believe someone in this thread should learn a bit of history. Before being worthless pieces of crap deserving to die, terrorist were once intelligent people who targeted only guilty victims, governments people, compagnies CEO etc to achieve their aims, which were mostly noble and for the good of the people, even if to achieve this they did killed, never innocents but the enemy.

Somewhere, terrorism went wrong, and I'm sure governement rejoices of the way it went, because now, not one terrorist could ever do what V does in the book.

[Harmsway]

I think describing V as a terrorist is actually a big misnomer. He's not. He's a vigilante. Just one who happens to blow up a few buildings. He does not target innocents, he does not hate a whole group of people or race - he targets individuals within a government that is intensely corrupt.

[The_Mole]

But what is the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter?

Exactly... No difference whatsoever.

To their supporters, so-called terrorists are freedom fighters.

To their opposition, so-called freedom fighters are terrorists.

[DanMan]

George Washington, Gandhi, Martin Luthor King Jr. These are examples of freedom fighters. They never saw fit to murder innocent civilians

Usama Bin Laden, Hussein, Zarqawi, The KKK. Examples of terrorists. They murder innocent women and children and THEIR OWN PEOPLE. That's no freedom fighter.

Modern day terrorists don't fight for anyone's freedom. They fight to mantain a grip of fear and opression over Muslim populations. That's the reason their fighting the democratic process in Iraq and that's also the exact reason why in the end they will fail. Opression never wins.

[clublos]

I agree with Harmsway, it's more shallow than the graphic novel, but they do hammer home some major points about how far you can push a society before they push back.

Unfortunately for Americans, it won't resonnate as much as it will with folks in the UK. It's a very British film (as was the graphic novel), and unfortunately many of the close-minded Americans will find it hard to follow in terms of the message. However, it's a good film and Natalie Portman is brilliant.

Oh, and for the record, I think V is a terrorist, but in that situation in those times, a much stronger point is needed.

[Hitch]

I haven't seen the film or read the graphic novel, though I'd like to do so, but it seems clear that the subject matter is intentionally provocative. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the issue, I'd like to thank stamper for coining the most memorable phrase I've seen in a while (this is not a criticism of you or your opinions, stamper):

"Somewhere, terrorism went wrong..."

That line would make a great start to a story.

[hcmv007]

It should be noted that Alan Moore, according to Wizard, sold his rights to the V for Vendetta artist. He didn't like the movie, and that concerns me as a comic fan. I know Moore can base it off the failures of his last 2 films: The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, and From Hell.

I do agree w/ DanMan on some of his points. BUT-given the nature of what is going on in this film, V is targeting the oppressive British govt, not innocent civilians. Personally, I would have rather James Purefoy stay on as V over Hugo Weaving. But back to my point-there are some who wish to change their government from with in, and there are those who decide to take it in their hands to bring about change. V decides on the latter, for he believes that is the only way his message will work and get across. For the record, no i have not read the V miniseries, nor do i plan to see the film, b/c I have my own movies I am looking forward to seeing. I might check it out on DVD, though. That being said, I agree w/Harmsway, who hits this one out of the park. V is a vigilante

[DanMan]

Yeah, I don't think he classifies as a terrorist either after looking into it a bit more.

[Harmsway]

Personally, I would have rather James Purefoy stay on as V over Hugo Weaving.

I thought Purefoy's casting was a huge mistake originally. He had exhibited none of the acting talent necessary to make such a role work, and Weaving's performance can only be described as brilliant.

I think it's quite probable that he was fired justly. He just didn't seem up to the demands.