V for Vendetta

The Wachowski brothers seem to have a real knack for stylized, action-packed dramas with a good balance between sexy visuals, interesting characters, and an engaging storyline. V for Vendetta does not disappoint. First time director and Wachowski protoge, James McTeigue, does a commendable job of crafting a well-oiled movie machine that fires on all cylindars for the entire stretch.

I'd seen bits and pieces of V over the years as I'd pass it while late-night channel surfing at a dozen different hotels while traveling for work. I could never really get engaged and thought some of it a bit silly, but watching it from the beginning, it really grabbed me and held me for the entire movie.

Whether you like the genre, agree with the politics, or are bothered by Natalie Portman's wavering Brittish accent, you have to admit it is a pleasure to watch a movie that's well-crafted from start to finish. The acting, directing, and story-telling are all very good to excellent. Rich cinematography and an engaging soundtrack round out the picture.

Hugo Weaving, a Wachowski brothers regular, does an impressive job of playing V. He is able to convey a wide range of emotions with just his voice and body language, being saddled behind an immobile mask for the entire movie without even eye holes or mouth holes to aid in expression. I enjoyed the Wachowski brothers' pseudo-psychobabble and pretentious postering, which effortlessly glides off Weaving's tongue--a variatable volume of viscous, velvety verse.

John Hurt's spittle-laced tantrums were also a joy to behold. His mein is always projected on a huge monitor (ala Big Brother) so we can witness the full fury of his elegantly weathered face as every skin flap and wrinkle animatingly emphasize his seething displeasure during his multitude of tirades. This is a nice contrast to Stephen Rea's dutiful and troubled chief inspector, who's desperately trying to conceal his internal conflict brought on by his growing suspicion of his administration's integrity.

References to Bush's America are littered throughout the movie, and this was part of the controversy surrounding the displeasure that the graphic novel's author, Alan Moore, had with the production. It seems that many Britons were unhappy with the movie as they felt that Hollywood had "Americanized" what was originally intended as a condemnation of Margaret Thatcher's Britian. Natalie Portman's less-than-perfect accent also fueled this fire. All I can say is that people need to lighten the fuck up. It's a movie! A movie condemning fascism in all forms, and if it wants to reference the most relevant material available in order to extend its appeal then more power to it. I don't complain everytime some English or Australian actor delivers some bastardized "American" accent while playing a character from the US.

I got a big kick out of the British Rush Limbaugh character spewing his hateful messages as the "Voice of England." I only hope that those complaining get to experience in real life what a joy it is to have this rubbish clogging their airways. ;)

All in all, V for Vendetta is an excellent movie and I highly recommend it. Beautifully filmed, well-acted, and emotionally moving at times. The themes are universal and can be appreciated by all. The only reason I am not giving it 7 skinks is that I felt it was a little light and hackneyed in areas, but this is only a very small criticism. I very much enjoyed it and hope you do to. I'm also looking forward to McTeigue's next directing effort, as he displayed an impressive command for the craft, especially with such a large undertaking as his first project.


V for Vendetta (2005)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, John Hurt
Directed by: James McTeigue


(6 out of 7 skinks)