Dial ‘V’ for violence, and amazing visuals
It’s no surprise that this film is currently number one at the box office. A unique tale of vengeance, and violence, “V for Vendetta” is based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. With this film being the first one directed by James McTeigue, his previous work has been as an assistant director for “The Matrix” trilogy, he has proven to be more than capable of entertaining hundreds of audiences.
Starring Natalie Portman (“Closer”), Hugo Weaving (“The Matrix”), and Stephen Rea (“Evelyn”), this film shows us an ominous future featuring a menacing government which controls the life of every person in England. All phone calls are continuously monitored, the functions of the media are tightly regimented, and a curfew is enforced for all citizens. Anyone who creates any form of dissention or fails to follow the law is punished … harshly. The only source of defiance in this restrained society is a mysterious terrorist named V, played by Weaving, with a sinister mask and glimmering daggers. Weaving is perfect for embodying this role as he portrays effortless charisma with a rich, scintillating voice.
One random night, V rescues a helpless girl named Evey from the secret police and quickly enlists her help to fight against the totalitarian regime. Evey is played by Portman and although she doesn’t exactly carry the film with ease, she remains adequate and even compelling at times. Evey and V form an unusual relationship of trust and understanding as we learn more about V’s plan for revenge against the evil rulers of the nation.
This film does well at remaining character driven. As we become more familiar with the strange V’s reasoning and past, Evey learns more about where her wavering loyalties lie. Is revenge the best way to ensure peace? Does the cost of freedom outweigh the price of violence and death? These questions are presented vaguely to the audience and we are left alone to ponder them.
Meanwhile, the plot for retaliation continues to boil hotter and hotter, although there are times where it merely simmers and loses its commanding mood. V’s maniacal plan ignites a nationwide revolution which leads us along to an explosive, inspirational ending.
Even though this film is based essentially on a comic book, it avoids looking flashy or comic book-ish in order to inflict a greater sense of realism on the audience. There are moments where this atmosphere of realism is powerful and there are moments where its combination with purely comic book elements is rather awkward. The dialogue has a lyrical, poetic quality and the action scenes are exaggerated. So putting those elements within an ordinary, everyday environment and blending them with heartfelt acting causes some peculiar imbalances. Thankfully, these imbalances aren’t rampant throughout the film and it ultimately remains strong and original.
With ingenious uses of parallel editing, and a story that is far from predictable, this film presents a potent message of triumph through the abandonment of fear and the power of courageous ideas.
Casey T. Allen is a critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu.