"V For Vendetta"

An unusual film for this day and age, with the War On Terror at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

A bleak look into the future of fascist government control, V For Vendetta contains a number of allusions to how the media – particularly news broadcasts – can be manipulated by the government to mislead and misinform. A good example:

“Do you think people will buy this?”
“Of course they will. It’s not our job to fabricate the news. That’s the government’s job.”

An Orwelian look at the future, for sure, but this movie is more than mere entertainment. A damning indictment of government corruption, media manipulation, and oppression. In this world that has become twisted by bigoted talking-heads into “believing” that the alternative (art, music, homosexuality) is deviant and treasonous, it takes a monster created through monstrous means - to paraphrase from the movie - to bring the oppressors to their knees.

Hugo Weaving is spectacular as V, the titular terrorist-hero. His grasp of the English language is exemplary and his performance flawless. It’s a real shame he won’t get an Oscar for this as he continues to impress audiences with every role he accepts. Natalie Portman, as Evey, is equally good, her English accent sounding almost there, and not at all Dick Van Dkye-ish (praise the Movie Gods for that small mercy).

Exploring the relationship between V and Evey, his brutal quest to make her fearless and strong, from the moment he saves her from two Fingermen (government sneaks) at the start, until the very end, they have suprisingly good chemistry considering one looks like an animated mannequin.

Overall, this movie is one that should entertain as well as make people think about terrorism and the modern, oh-so-narrow idea of what that word means, and who it refers to.

Thought-provoking, engaging, visually spectacular and engaging. A must see.

vforvendetta.warnerbros.com