V for Vendetta

[fingertrouble]

Greg (sardonicbear mentioned this film and despite it being based on a *spit* graphic novel* it looks really good (stop sniggering QXbear!).

Interesting things - it doesn't look like the usual sort of Matrix-action-nonsense that you'd expect - the use of the red rose and the phrase 'party members' - the fascist organisation is a Labour government; the anarchic subtext - and according to Greg the female character (Natalie Portman) is a dyke in the novel; the unholy allegiance of religion and politics which is very current.

Throw in some interesting comments from the trailer and 1948 / 1984 (yes John Hurt is in it, casting must've been so hard...) references and it could be very interesting...I want to see it certainly.

* I'm the only graphic designer you'll meet who never 'got' US comics, left UK comics when I was small, and thinks the whole graphic novel thing is for kids who never grew up...it's not big and it's not clever. Unless it really is art, but usually it's not Maus but just an excuse for another Watchmen / Neil Gaiman rip...puhhlease!

Comments

[qxbear.livejournal.com]

V for Vendetta originally appeared in WARRIOR as well as Marvelman. Two of the best comics from Briton not from 2000 A.D.

In V anarchy is far from subtext. V is actively scheming to bring anarchy to the UK. A post-apocalyptic UK that allowed a fascist regime to take over. Portman's character, Evie, is not a lesbo as far as I remember but V was definitely queer.

What American audiences may not get it the whole Guy Fawkes connection. Americans just don't know who he is and wouldn't get many of the references made to him nor the significance of November 5 (when the movie was originally supposed to have been released to theaters)

[qxbear.livejournal.com]

Wait I remember now Portman's character Evie did possibly fall in love with a woman who wrote her letters. The woman was sending letters not knowing who was receiving them. But in the context of the movie I don't think it was gay. Just a love for another human being.

[why-a-duck.livejournal.com]

Apart from the Sandman series I never got into graphic novels either**. It's like I feel about most sci-fi, they get too deep into the science aspect and not enough into the fiction. Most graphic novels spend so much time brooding and being goth that you expect Siouxie Sioux to show up at any point.

** Okay, I read the Watchmen, but wasn't drawn to it like I was Morpheus.

[the-niallist.livejournal.com]

Aye, but what if said graphic novels are actually an excuse for graphic hardcore bear sex?