Movie Review: V for Vendetta (2006)

Alan Moore is never a happy guy when it comes to his comic books being turned into films. Considering how League of Extraordinary Gentlemen turned out, I don't blame him. The Watchmen was another tough call, but it was far better. I haven't actually read any of the books, but taking them just as movies,  I think Moore should really be happy with V.

Buy V for Vendetta on DVD or Blu-ray

I think that most guys can get into the idea of being a vigilante. That's why characters like Batman and Kick-Ass are appealing. It's also a bit romantic in the classical sense to be anti-establishment like Robin Hood. Just the thought of single-handedly bringing down a corrupt government induces a hard-on that Keith Olbermann would be proud of.



V is the modern embodiment of that anarchistic world view. Dressed in a cape and wig and his Guy Fawkes mask, he does his best to remind the citizens on England that they have a voice. For those that don't know, Fawkes was part of what was considered to be a treasonous plot to assassinate the king in the early 1600s. Guy Fawkes day is celebrated every 5th of November with fireworks and a catchy poem. Either way, it's a great face for V to show, since we never see his.

V is eccentric at best. When Moore wrote him, his intention was for the reader to have to decide whether V was a hero or insane. I got that feel during the movie, especially when he dealt with Natalie Portman's character, Evey.

The character that I was most fond of was one I wouldn't expect. Inspector Finch, beautifully played by Stephen Rea, embodies the average man and how he feels toward authority. On one hand, he wants to trust authority and work within the rules, but on the other hand, the person breaking the rules might have a point. He has questions and doubts, and I was with him all the way.

Though I don't really read comics, I do enjoy the movies, and I've seen many of them. V is one of the best I've seen. It is a compelling and well told story, and it will make you think.  In that way, I think it does exactly what it sets out to do.