Movie, Movie

What's in a movie? Hopefully it' s something that makes you think while you're being entertained. I do have a personal list of favorite movies. Maybe I'll post them soon. For now though, I think this one fits the forum because of its subject matter. Unfortunately There's nothing new about governments pulling the wool over people's eyes. Trouble comes when the people begin to like it. Oops, I've said to much..
The movie V for Vendetta touches on subjects like this with a sometimes heavy hand. The hero of this film puts it thus: "People should not fear their governments. Governments should fear their people!" A good friend of mine has graced us with a review. Enjoy.








V for Vendetta
Warner Bros. Pictures


--Lonie Haynes for The Urbanite

A dystopian society is one characterized by an authoritarian, fascist or some other type of oppressive government—the very opposite of a utopian society. It is within this setting that the Wachowski brothers, Andy and Larry—known most reverently for the Matrix movies—frame this well crafted and eerily engrossing film. James McTeigue has meticulously adapted the movie from the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd.

The story is sweepingly set against the future—very near future—landscape of a totalitarian British government, where inflation and unemployment are rampant, numerous citizens go without basic necessities, the vast wealth of the nation is unequally divided and the government controls the machines of the state—sound familiar?
The action begins as a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) is rescued from the clutches of the state police, by a ‘masked man’ known only as ‘V’. Hugo Weaving plays the dynamic and sometimes frightening V brilliantly.
Weaving creates a multidimensional character that lauds the rights of the proletariat and is eager to overthrow the government. After rescuing Evey he ultimately employs her in his grand crusade to bring justice and liberty back to society. V believes that the state, while pretending to protect the citizens from terrorism, has itself become the greatest terrorist.

Weaving’s dark vigilante is a lone voice, crying out in a world of uncertainty. He’s no superhero; no angel. Still, he does have some pretty damn magical devices and a gift for understanding human psychology that do, at times, make him seem supernatural. And it is the utilization of his talents, coupled with Evey’s help that make the story believable, intelligent and thrilling.

What makes this film unique among other films in this genre (dystopian futures) is those other films drape themselves heavily in a world of Sci-Fi trappings and superhero antics. (Think Aeon Flux and UltraViolet) But the brilliance of this film is in the thin veneer that lies between this story—and our own reality. In fact this film presents a world that so closely resembles the headlines of today that it is often disconcerting.

There’s even more to like here, such as the undeniable attraction between ‘V’ and Evey. Both are set on a dual quest for justice, a quest that draws you ever deeper into the story.

In addition to a brilliant story line, the producers have created an almost tangible world of darkness, fear and depravity—a feast for the senses.

But most importantly they have opened a cinematic forum for intelligent moral thinking—nes’t pas’? Do you feel me? If you are expecting Kung Fu, gun battles and sword play reminiscent of the Matrix; you won’t find it here—granted there are a few butt-kick fight scenes. Ultimately though, what you have is a wonderfully thought provoking story that is dark, taut and compelling. Yes, ‘V’ stands for Vendetta, but it could just as easily be called C for Catalyst, or P for Provocateur, who is determined to shift the political paradigm of society.