March 24, 2006
When I first saw V For Vendetta in December, I wrote that it was a piece of cinematic dynamite; upon watching it again tonight, I realized that that its fuse is a bit damp.
My reaction this time around was decidedly mixed. "Ideas are bulletproof" says V at one point. Indeed they are, and indeed, I still love the ideas contained in the narrative, and find them in and of themselves inspiring; but their representation here is muddled and conflicted, rather than revolutionary in the pure sense that the filmmakers were striving for.
I'll be writing a longer piece on the film over the course of the weekend. In the meantime, make no mistake: I don't wish for a moment that the film be dismissed. There's much in good in it, and a few hints at greatness; more importantly, its purpose is engagement of a very strong sort, and that's an intent that should always be honored. I'm looking forward to discussing it.
Don't forget to contribute something to AIVF. I'm broke, but still pitching in. I don't believe in karma, but I do put a lot of stock in good will, and that's something I couldn't count on it if I didn't help spread it myself.
Posted by David Lowery at March 24, 2006 01:06 AM