"Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
gunpowder, treason, and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot."
With much recent coverage of the behind-the-scenes controversy of V for Vendetta, the author of the book demanding his name removed from the film, one should not understate the controversy within the movie itself: this is, essentially, a movie about a terrorist who changes the world by blowing up buildings. And the terrorist is right.
V for Vendetta opens with Lewis Prothero, the Voice of London (and an obvious Bill O'Reilly analogue), shouting down the fall of the United States, which has devolved into bloody civil war. Prothero, played by Roger Allam, reminds his viewers of the need for "Strength through Unity, Unity through Faith," and that, with such, "England prevails." But immediately following, the truth of this unity is revealed: the corrupt secret police known as "Fingermen" accost pretty young Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). With lawmen such as these, thank God for criminals. A tall caped figure in a Guy Fawkes mask appears to save Evey, and after a lilting monologue introduces himself as "V." Thus begins a story of rebellion against all-pervading fascism, the corruption of political prowess, and the power of words over bullets. And, yes, gruesome knife fights and the blowing up of several government buildings. Remember, remember, the fifth of November.
Of the many remarkable things about V for Vendetta, the first that comes to mind without having any background knowledge of the story's history, is just how subversive this film is, and how far along the path to fascism our world has already traveled. Watching V, one is struck immediately that "I can't believe I'm watching this." Or, to put it more exactly, "I can't believe I'm allowed to see this." Yes, the film expresses with bombast many things the graphic novel conveyed with nuance, but it must be admitted that the larger population responds better to wide strokes than subtle distinctions. The much-repeated slogan that "People should not be afraid of their governments; governments should be afraid of their people" is a bit of a rallying cry to a public that has all but lost faith in an individual's influence on the world at large, it may be naive to hope that a film can change the world, but hope must begin somewhere.
As to the backstory, the drama behind the drama of V for Vendetta, it is also noteworthy that Alan Moore wrote his seminal graphic novel more than twenty years ago. V's relevance has only increased with age. And despite the author's gripes with the Hollywood machine (with such classics as League of Extraordinary Gentlemen fouling up his work, it's not hard to see why), V for Vendetta is substantially true to its source material. Yes, there are changes. Yes, the line about "eggie in the basket" is beyond silly. And yes, all but one reference to anarchy has been removed from the text. But the essential story, the tale of a modern-day Guy Fawkes and his revolution, is retained in all its force and glory.
Hugo Weaving does a splendid job as V, no small task considering that he wears a mask throughout the film. Weaving's movements, the cadence of his voice, the tilt of his head, convey each emotion and intrigue. Weaving gives V a polite English manner that makes his talk of murder and revolution all the more terrifying. For Natalie Portman, too, this could be a true breakout performance. Her Evey Hammond evolves from quaking victim to battle-hardened rebel with grace and fortitude.
A superb blend of knuckle-biting action, psychological thriller, and political manifesto, V for Vendetta seamlessly bridges the gap between art house flick and blockbuster movie. Whether or not one can ultimately sympathize with V or justify his actions, this movie is essential viewing for anyone who cares about the future of human society.
"V for Vendetta" opens March 17, 2006 and is rated R. Action, Sci-Fi. Directed by James McTeigue. Written by Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski. Starring Hugo Weaving, John Hurt, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Fry, Stephen Rea.
