“Fear became the ultimate tool of this government,” says V (Hugo Weaving), the hero of V for Vendetta, as he speaks of the England of the near-future. America has been reduced to a shadow of its former self and England is ruled by a fascist like state that has removed freedoms from the people in the guise of protecting them from evil.
Drawing inspiration from Guy Fawkes, who was part of a 1605 plot to assassinate King James I by blowing up the House of Lords and killing the members of Parliament, V dons a mask in the likeness of Fawkes and proceeds to blow up the Old Bailey in London to protest the government’s actions. The conservative government, not wanting the public to perceive the building’s destruction as an act of terror that would make them look weak, puts a media spin on the event by claiming it was a publicity stunt by a demolition team. Wishing to gain an advantage over the media spin, V seizes control of the lone television network’s signal and reveals the government’s lie. He then announces his intention to destroy the Parliament building in one year.
Derived from a 1989 graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, V for Vendetta has been changed by the Wachowski Brothers, best known for The Matrix series of films, who have altered the story from the original concept. Originally, the tale was Cold War inspired and took place in 1997. Obviously, that wouldn’t sell too well in 2006, so there have been some changes made to reflect the current world situation and its influence on the future. The film version represents something not unlike what many people refer to the “culture of fear” that is present in the United States today. It’s impossible to watch this movie and not draw parallels between the imaginary world it portrays and the reality we’re facing today. Is V a terrorist or a freedom fighter? It will depend on your perspective, I guess, but the film is entertaining enough not to dwell solely on its political philosophy.
V is one of the most intelligent and literate comic-book heroes to make the leap to film. Some may complain that he’s too talky, but that’s his charm. He quotes Shakespeare, reads voraciously, collects art, listens to songs on a vintage jukebox, and watches The Count of Monte Cristo repeatedly. I’d prefer him to the brainless do-gooders that are passed off as heroes anytime. Hugo Weaving, who hides behind the Fawkes mask for the entire length of the film, still manages to make V emote without ever being allowed to look directly into the camera. His body language and, no doubt, excellent lighting cues allow the audience to know what he’s feeling at any given moment.
Natalie Portman, in her first real leading role, proves she can carry a film. There are long stretches of the movie that focus on her character, Evey, who struggles with her feelings for V’s plot to shake things up even though she’s involved due to circumstances beyond her control.
Love it or hate it, V for Vendetta will have you thinking afterwards. I suspect that those who strongly hate it may not like its seeming oversimplification of current events but they should remind themselves that it’s only a movie. Those that love it, like myself, may wish it were more than just a movie.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Buy on Amazon!
