V for Vendetta

Review by: Doc

How did V become almost unkillable...
In a gripping vision of a totalitarian Britain, James McTeigue has brought to the screen the best adaptation of a graphic novel to hit the movies this year. A protégé of the Wachowski brothers of “Matrix” fame, who wrote the screenplay, he brings to this film much of the same dark atmosphere and individual heroism that made Neo’s first episode such a hit. Never mind about the other two, by the way.


Living under a fascist regime installed after a bioterrorism event, Natalie Portman (Evey) is caught out after curfew and saved from impending gang rape by a masked, knife-wielding vigilante who likes to speak in words beginning in “V”. She is then his guest in viewing the explosion of a landmark London building as he launches his attempt at revolution, mixing revenge into the campaign. Unfortunately, government cameras catch her in the company of V, launching her into the world of the fugitive. Hugo Weaving, the rogue agent of Matrix, as the gentleman/hero/monster called Vendetta and Steven Rea as the police detective searching for him are masterful. Even Natalie Portman shows she really can act when the part allows, Princess Amidala notwithstanding.


The plot has a few weak points. (Spoiler Alert) Why would a TV comedian in the Benny Hill mold think he can tweak the nose of the dictator without consequence despite being gay and having a Koran in his hidden room, both capital offenses? How did V become almost unkillable? You think you know the answer but neither are explained fully.


For the fan of dark imagery and science fiction, this is a gem. For everyone, it is a gripping tale of government repression and the human spirit. I give it 4 of 5 scalpels and an impressed phalanx up.



Doc Hollywood

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