Remember, I remember: V
Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
V for Vendetta is one of those films that would read well on paper. Yes, I do realise that the movie is adapted from an 80s graphic novel but I have never seen that, so I’m basing my opinion from the movie alone (besides, I doubt the wordy-ness in the movie can be accommodated by the panels of artwork).
A dystopian pastiche that tackles big ideals and ideas, meshing politics, literature, history/legend/myth, sentimentality and realism into one riveting masque, the tremendous appeal of V, for me, is really its numerous literary influences and references, as well as the excellent writing, which I can appreciate as a literary snob.
I experienced my first bout of ecstasy way early in the beginning when V appeared, the many, many, many v-words rolling off his tongue easily as he began introducing himself to Natalie Portman. Goodness, the alliteration is heavenly and in just the ridiculously right amount. The dialogue is sharp and imbued with dramatic flair that brings out the man and character, literally setting the stage for what is to come.
Subsequently, the literary references (The Count of Monte Cristo, Twelfth Night, and even the Guy Fawkes rhyme) made me tremble more. A movie that respects brilliant writing, that pays homage to classics, that has its leads declaring the infinite power of the word, that repays its literary debts thrice over at least with its infusion of the current socio/political stories, that reworks the mundane bildungsroman theme to great effect, that even embraces the popular vernacular and culture, this is one ambitious intellectual film that actually cooks up something pretty palatable in the scary melting pot of things.
Still, for a movie imploring one to be up in arms against repression, subjugation and conformity of the ruling party, it is ironic that its subversive intent is wielded by heavy-handedness. Is it oxymoronic to describe the venture as skilful mastering of subject matter but clumsy? The film gave up polished intelligence for raw gritty intellect, instead of seeking a compromise between the two, which was actually a smart move. Given all the heavy statements it wants to impress on, it cannot be self-reflexive and brood internally, or spoof itself too much, if at all. It must make the audience think in a clear-headed manner but in a specific direction. The chosen course of action, as the plot unfolds, even though it may be questionable, is never a confused issue but a matter-of-fact ie any dilemma portrayed in the film is a false one. The movie reasons coolly about justified violence, sweet vengeance, the right to expression and the need to rid fear and the enactment of such themes resonates. The show must go on, the revolution has to start and the fight must continue. Uplifting huh.
There are nevertheless some small story weaknesses here and there, whether intentionally or otherwise. Like how V is the only constant (and contender) for mystery. He appears to be a human experiment gone awry and somehow gained superior powers (only hinted at). His background and place of detention is lightly glossed over. For me, the story is less compelling on a human scale as such – and hard to have the prolonged suspension of disbelief. Like how in the world did he manage to have the resources and talents to pull off his plan (cannot be exactly like The Count of Monte Cristo right. But maybe. Since he is constantly shown to be inspired by it in the movie). But I guess if the characters are your means to bring out the huge issues, then, yes, you have a mission. Don’t distract the audience with the peripherals. Knock them out with your main message!!
In light that V uses my all time favourite Cry Me A River as the haunting refrain, I shall also overlook that it unflinchingly peels off its layers of depths, even as character V stays very dead and yet unmasked, to reveal an unapologetically happy ending, with the requisite fireworks.
Remember? I remember
All that you said
Told me love was too plebeian
Told me you were through with me and
Now you say you say love me
Well, just to prove you do
Come on and cry me a river
Cry me a river
I cried a river over you
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
V for Vendetta is one of those films that would read well on paper. Yes, I do realise that the movie is adapted from an 80s graphic novel but I have never seen that, so I’m basing my opinion from the movie alone (besides, I doubt the wordy-ness in the movie can be accommodated by the panels of artwork).
A dystopian pastiche that tackles big ideals and ideas, meshing politics, literature, history/legend/myth, sentimentality and realism into one riveting masque, the tremendous appeal of V, for me, is really its numerous literary influences and references, as well as the excellent writing, which I can appreciate as a literary snob.
I experienced my first bout of ecstasy way early in the beginning when V appeared, the many, many, many v-words rolling off his tongue easily as he began introducing himself to Natalie Portman. Goodness, the alliteration is heavenly and in just the ridiculously right amount. The dialogue is sharp and imbued with dramatic flair that brings out the man and character, literally setting the stage for what is to come.
Subsequently, the literary references (The Count of Monte Cristo, Twelfth Night, and even the Guy Fawkes rhyme) made me tremble more. A movie that respects brilliant writing, that pays homage to classics, that has its leads declaring the infinite power of the word, that repays its literary debts thrice over at least with its infusion of the current socio/political stories, that reworks the mundane bildungsroman theme to great effect, that even embraces the popular vernacular and culture, this is one ambitious intellectual film that actually cooks up something pretty palatable in the scary melting pot of things.
Still, for a movie imploring one to be up in arms against repression, subjugation and conformity of the ruling party, it is ironic that its subversive intent is wielded by heavy-handedness. Is it oxymoronic to describe the venture as skilful mastering of subject matter but clumsy? The film gave up polished intelligence for raw gritty intellect, instead of seeking a compromise between the two, which was actually a smart move. Given all the heavy statements it wants to impress on, it cannot be self-reflexive and brood internally, or spoof itself too much, if at all. It must make the audience think in a clear-headed manner but in a specific direction. The chosen course of action, as the plot unfolds, even though it may be questionable, is never a confused issue but a matter-of-fact ie any dilemma portrayed in the film is a false one. The movie reasons coolly about justified violence, sweet vengeance, the right to expression and the need to rid fear and the enactment of such themes resonates. The show must go on, the revolution has to start and the fight must continue. Uplifting huh.
There are nevertheless some small story weaknesses here and there, whether intentionally or otherwise. Like how V is the only constant (and contender) for mystery. He appears to be a human experiment gone awry and somehow gained superior powers (only hinted at). His background and place of detention is lightly glossed over. For me, the story is less compelling on a human scale as such – and hard to have the prolonged suspension of disbelief. Like how in the world did he manage to have the resources and talents to pull off his plan (cannot be exactly like The Count of Monte Cristo right. But maybe. Since he is constantly shown to be inspired by it in the movie). But I guess if the characters are your means to bring out the huge issues, then, yes, you have a mission. Don’t distract the audience with the peripherals. Knock them out with your main message!!
In light that V uses my all time favourite Cry Me A River as the haunting refrain, I shall also overlook that it unflinchingly peels off its layers of depths, even as character V stays very dead and yet unmasked, to reveal an unapologetically happy ending, with the requisite fireworks.
Remember? I remember
All that you said
Told me love was too plebeian
Told me you were through with me and
Now you say you say love me
Well, just to prove you do
Come on and cry me a river
Cry me a river
I cried a river over you
2 Comments:
But I hardly think he can be very ordinary from his obvious riches, and to survive, living as he is. Were these riches plundered, inherited, fortuitously acquired?
My contention is: certainly not everyone can do it, to attain his wealth, to have his skills, to retain his charisma. it's far easier to don a mask. to breathe in remnants of ideals. Not everyone is destined to be the visionary and trailblazer. We can continue to uphold and endorse another's views but just difficult it is to be the one getting the ball rolling and garnering support for your own beliefs.
It will be interesting and more inspiring to see V's process of progress from detention to freedom and understand how it can be done (even the Count of Monte Cristo had an explanation - which was why i suggested perhaps the link is more than mere allusion).
What the movie is concerned about is spreading a message very strongly. i admire its focus and understand why it was shot the way it was.
I would love to read it as a novel, given the well-written dialogue from the movie. The lines should be preserved and immortalised for appreciators to eyeball cetain phrases and paragraphs over and over.
We do concur, ultimately. That it's helluva movie. The vanity of its vision is not in vain.
but who built the trigger? anyone can choose to pull or withhold action but what if there is no trigger? there is tremendous domino effect/impact because there exists someone who cannot wait for the changes to slowly occur and hastens it by his volition and who is able to do so successful, leading to others to ride on the tailcoats in a positive way.
your reading is an opitimistic one, for it assumes everyone is capable of equal and great contribution. i can think so when i was younger, but now i must say external bizarre forces do play an important part.
and please don't end on that last note. i really hate pseudo relativism, even if you are not serious. you are of course entitled to your opinion, which can be a valid one, but mine can be slightly more valid than yours.
No wrongs are equal you know, some wrongs are just more wrong. Boo.
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