Reviews

Although the production and performances are generally good, I believe the writers of this film neutered what could have been a major work.

The original (comic-book) material deals with the power of ideas, both good and bad, and most particularly how easily a modern state could slip back into the fascism of the last century. Such an occurrence requires the collusion, albeit unwitting, of the population at large. However, the Wachowskis' film is about a conspiracy and a British people kept down only by the force of arms. The number of 'film school 101' shots of members of the public watching propaganda broadcasts and proclaiming them lies ignores the lessons of the past, and the intent of the writer of the original story. Nations were, and could again be, led into fascism by a small group only if the rest of the people were willing to accept this. The majority of the people of Europe in the 20's, 30's, and 40's knew about at least some of what was going on, if not the scale of it, and chose to look the other way, at least until light was shone on the horrors by the Allies. Modern neo-fascist groups thrive on the same denial of the evidence.

I realise the difficulties of adapting previously published work to the screen; virtually every aspect needs to be a candidate for modification, interpretation or removal. However, a successful adaptation must maintain the original intent of the work (I believe William Goldman said as much in one of his excellent works on the screen trade). I am afraid that the creators of V For Vendetta have failed in that respect.