V for Vendetta

We went to see V for Vendetta over the weekend. Much like The Matrix (both done by the Wachowski Brothers), this was a complex movie that doesn't really stand up to it's first impressions. First impressions were that it was exciting, dynamic, and visually stunning, with fascinating characters, if a bit talky for a feature film. As I think about it, it's still all those things, but much more of a thing that makes you go hmmm. V, played by Hugo Weaving, is fighting against an insanely corrupt fascist regime. There is no question in anybody's mind that they are evil. But V is not necessarily a good guy. He's certainly the lesser of two evils, but when it boils down to it, he's a terrorist, employing psychological warfare as one of his big tools, and not caring who dies or is permanently scarred along the way. Sure, "movie morality" means that government workers are fair game, but when civilians or other main characters get caught up in his plots, that leaves an unpleasant taste in my mouth. It's also worth noting that the obscene fascist regime has been made from the current political situation in our world, and not the nuclear war of the graphic novel. Another point of note is that we never see V's face. He is always behind a mask or, on occasion, in shadow. You'd think a mask that doesn't move would be a problem for characterization. But between Hugo Weaving's masterful use of body language and voice, and the Wachowski Brothers' masterful lighting and directing, V is actually more expressive a character than many of his onscreen counterparts. In all, I do highly recommend this film, but be prepared. It'll make you think.