V for Vendetta

In V for Vendetta, the main character (who only goes by ‘V’) likes to point out that there are no coincidences and that every coincidence we see is not chance. And this is an interesting idea, leaving the viewer to wonder what might be tying everything together. Unfortunately, since this is just one of the multitude of ideas thrown around during the course of the film, no explanation is even attempted, and the movie ends up riddled with coincidences that come off as ridiculously infeasible plot devices.

The movie is based on a comic book, so there are quite a few plot stretches, as well as unnecessary and overly blunt exposition, and a fair share of over the top dialogue that seems like it came directly from a comic book written by someone who has never heard of the word ‘subtle’.

It’s a dystopian society, and it borrows a little bit too much from practically every dystopian, 1984-esque piece of fiction ever written. The result is a society of conformity that itself conforms to every trope of the genre, from ‘fake news’ to red-and-black-clad soldiers to a spittling chancellor to ordinary citizens turned do-gooders.

Yet for all of the script’s malfunctions, V for Vendetta is a thrilling ride that manages to get just enough ideas out there that some of them are well explored and stick. The two most present ideas, of conformity versus individuality and violence as a means to an end are thoroughly thought-provoking, even if we’ve seen them before. Thankfully, the filmmakers never indulge in the classic mask reveal, and V’s mask of anonymity remains untouched, adding to the mystery and deepening the subtext of conformity.

While Evey’s argument against V’s terrorism never becomes more than a fledgling one, the idea itself of the line is done adequate service by the violence and atrocities we see V commit.

Evey herself is a terribly weak character, who falls in love with V immediately but still has reservations joining V’s cause (despite the deaths of her parents and brother, which is so comic bookey it almost entirely ruins her character). Natalie Portman does a fine job, but can’t elevate her material.

On the other hand, Hugo Weaving as V (at least in voice) is fantastic in a fantastically written role. He is thoroughly compelling in every scene he’s in, and he steals his scenes like Robin Hood.

Helped along by a rousing score, the finale of V for Vendetta delivers the goods, wrapped in an inspirational package of the 1812 Overture and coated in a plethora of special effects explosions.

V for Vendetta may have classic comic book roots, but it transcends its limitations to provide a stirring piece of cinematic candy.

{★★½☆}