Always Remember the 5th of November

I remember downloading the preview for ‘V for Vendetta’ three months ago and thinking – nup this is going to be terrible. My good mate and film buddy Michael (or perhaps from now on ‘M’) insisted it was going to be great so off we went (with half of Melbourne it seemed) to see ‘V’ on opening weekend. It’s always a good time to see a film, with a room full of fresh enthusiasts not yet onto the word of mouth cynicism that sets in if a film doesn’t live up to what was unreasonable expectations.

I have been burnt by beloved comic book adaptations – anyone who has read Alan Moore’s epic ‘From Hell’ will tell you that his material is not to be mucked about with by dopey screenwriters and ego driven directors. Alan Moore is none too pleased with this adaptation and has had his name removed from the film. I’m not quite sure what his problem is.

Producers The Wachowski Brothers intentions are always pure. The Matrix Trilogy for all is faults was at least a spirited and oft poetic attempt at storytelling. They handed this project to their DOP John McTeigue as his directorial debut. I have to say it’s not half bad. It’s not a work of genius – it’s no Bladerunner, XMen or Dark City but it’s not a turkey like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen or Fantastic Four either.

Much is being made in the masked man – the terrorist/anarchist ‘V’- played (sort of) by Hugo Weaving. I kept thinking of Roger Ebert’s review where he likened the film to Thomas the Tank Engine – because the mask remains on and completely inanimate. Weaving has a great voice but it’s a shame not to see that face – he might as well not have been there at all (maybe he wasn’t). Of course V is really just a concept and so the idea of removing the mask is ridiculous- in many ways he’s the only character not wearing a mask of some sort. It is fun to listen to him spout Shakespeare, tell us all about Guy Fawkes, play Cry Me a River on his contraband Wurlitzer and generally flounce about in the cape.

Natalie Portman is an actress I never really liked until the very beautiful Garden State and last years fantastic Closer (you want to know what marriage is really like? – rent that corker). Now I wish she’d do more – anything to stop Scarlett Johansson making films (don’t get me started on that one).

Portman has one of those lovely faces that exude thoughtfulness, prettiness, empathy. She’s definitely sugar and spice and all things nice and maintains this delicacy despite the buzzcut and bad cargopants. She’s good in this, a bit shaky with her accent at times but as her character is slowly deconstructed she transforms into a very still force in the film.

The great Stephens both Rea and Fry steal the show. It’s always such a pleasure to see them. My love for them knows no bounds. Fry especially is one of those great Englishmen who has really mastered the art of English – it is a pleasure to hear him speak. I always purchase the audio versions of his books just for that reason. Even though his part is small he does so much with it. John Hurt is suitably maniacal as the Hitler-like dictator, but if they really wanted to tap the original material which was more directed to the Thatcher era casting Judi Dench or Charlotte Rampling in the role would have made it more acidic.

'V' hasn’t had the best reviews and of course the Americans are a wee bit cranky about the whole thing but I don’t think they have reason to be too upset. Who cares if they are anyway? I’m getting so sick of hearing about Americans, what they think and what they care about. It’s like having insane cousins in your family you can’t stand but always have to spend Christmas with.

This film is so is much more about England. It’s an Orwellian near future in a country where you are photographed or filmed 6000 times a day by surveillance cameras, a country in fear of avian flu, or a repeat of Mad Cow Disease that devastated the British beef industry. A country that has been in crisis for some time.

And it’s for a generation of kids who aren’t highly political, who need to be more than ever. They’ll go to this hoping for the adrenalin rush of the Matrix and probably be more than a little disappointed. I don’t know how much they’ll take away from ‘V’, I don’t think its good enough to really impact them heavily. But the majority of these kids are not going to see ‘Syriana’ or ‘Goodnight and Good Luck’ so any exposure to independent thought is a good one.

PS - Now all that being said and done I have to mention that the highlight of the evening for me was the preview of Superman. I remember seeing this with mum in 1978 I had just turned 7 and fell instantly in love with comic book heroes. Last night I had tears in my eyes hearing that music then Marlon Brandos voice. I think it’s all going to be alright kids, fingers crossed.