V for Vendetta or V for Victory

       

Based on David Lloyd’s graphic novel of the same name, V for Vendetta is a movie that most people would want to see.  Set some time in the future in totalitarian England and its focal point is a self-determined man known as V (Weaving) who plans to bring down the Parliament.  Directed by James McTeigue an unforgettable narrative full of mystery, and action that will leave the viewer staggered with special effects. 

In the film, the main character named V plots to destroy the English Parliament Building, minutes into the movie V says, “Remember, remember the 5th of November, the gun powder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gun powder treason should ever be forgot.”  A local woman who works at a television station, Evey played by Natalie Portman gets wedged in the revolution with V.  The relationship that Evey develops with V represents one half of the plot of the movie; they have a bitter-sweet love story. 

This film has two plots which is liberty and revenge but centered on love.  Years ago, V was part of a human test for biochemical warfare testing.  The facility had been bombed on November 5^th, date is no coincidence.  V escapes alive but scared for life and with avenges. V constantly uses the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’ attempted revolution for his revenge. V carefully kills everyone involved in Larkhill, the facility where he and others were experimented on the year after he bombed the Old Bailey.

Mentioned previously the film contains two plots that make for a good action packed thriller, and warm love scenes. Merging the two together could not have been easy for the writer. It also makes vital political statements which add to the intensity of the film.  The movie was released in 2006, which I think was the director’s subtle way of highlighting the War on Iraq, which is still going on today.

The love scenes are somewhat out of place.  V tortures Evey and gives her physical and mental strength; this is what makes there relationship stronger—very strange and unrealistic. Tortured by V unwittingly Evey discovers that V does have what it takes to carry out this revolution.  It teaches us an important life lesson that we all need other people at time to help us our most difficult problems.

The movie distorts social reality because as the viewer you know that this love story would never take place in the society we live in.  V can almost be considered a stalker in some sense.  Evey in the beginning of the film was a very timid woman who then later turns into this “hardcore” female because of V.  I thought that was interesting the way they transitioned her character into something else.  As far as the political aspect, would we as Americans go against our government? I find that hard to believe that we could take a stand as the people in the movie did against England.

V as both the hero and the villain in this movie; he explains the brilliance behind his plans.  He also explains his hidden agendas, not once in this movie do you see give up his fights for this cause that is so dear to his heart.  The fact that he is filled with revenge is what keeps him going but is also what kills him.

V for Vendetta was engaging but unrealistic. The intention of this movie is to arouse the mind of the viewer.  Although there were a couple scenes that were too long, and complexed maybe that would have taken away from the film without them.  It showed that every action has a reaction.  If you turn your head for one moment you could miss a large portion of the movie.  It is worth is merit the two hours and twelve minutes, just to view the revolution and the point the V tries to make that “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”  I definitely recommend this movie.

 

Martine E. Antoine