V for Vendetta: An Electrifying Battle Against Oppression
Set in the future British fascist totalitarian regime of Norsefire, V a mysterious enigmatic leader of a revolution donning a mask rescues and mentors a young woman called Evey. While the government does not hesitate to crack down on dissension in the most brutally violent ways imaginable, V intends to free people and gain the freedom for himself, while Evey, the complex character, finds herself changing during her portrait as well.
The film deals with revolutionary aspects of the freedom and oppression with neo-noir view. It provides a clever satire of fascist governments and the problem with unlimited authority, the emphasis is on the individual. The story is for moviegoers cigars and accurately reflects the overly gloomy thinking of the director but combines hope and a desire to divide the authority.
But, Natalie Portman in the character of Evey Hammond does a great job of showing the transition from fear to power on screen. Hugo Weaving, despite being masked, does a splendid job when essaying the part of ‘V’; he uses his voice and the screen-presence to good effect to lend an air of charisma to the character. Hence, though characters that could be ranked more as supporting are Stephen Rea’s Inspector Finch, the film is not devoid of an emotional view.
James McTeigue makes great work in the director’s chair, creating both an intense atmosphere right through the scenes and an overall engaging plot, which demanded a precise pace and visual cues. Relating to the film by directors the Wachowskis, their screenplay gives V more dimensions to his world and masterfully combines actions and philosophy.
Original movie score was composed by Dario Marianelli and the music is nerve chilling yet electrifying which adds pedal to the chief emotional scenes in the movie. It is specifically and precisely enough for achieving its goal of enriching the drama of the film and enhancing its suspense and breathtaking scenes, thus making the final impression.
Cinematographer Adrian Biddle who known for giving London a dystopian look in this particular film does a very commendable job of it. The movie utilization of shadows and lights intensifies dramatic feel of the film while AK sic scenes are well positioned to enhance the value of narrative appeals that the film presents besides have efficient mixture of dramatic and symbolic appeal.
The settings and costumes of the production are used to depict a controlling environment effectively. V for Vendetta uses all the aspects of cinematic space, and the interior is especially symbolic, ranging starting from V’s narrow and dark lair to the stiff and luxurious offices of Norsefire’s officials.
The effects are present, and justified, not as an end in themselves but as an addition to the storytelling. There are good action scenes which are well depicted with the help of V’s tetra ch Gordon and the manner in which he spins them come out very well making the movie an action movie with much focus on the story and the message being passed across.
It also defines clear character arcs and the rather complex plot of the film consistently and smoothly. This saves the movie from being monotonous, and aids to keep the audience hooked up till the end of the movie.
‘’The action scenes are well placed and are interspersed by moments of contemplation making the movie rather pacey.’’ The suspense increases gradually but it is always interjected with these emotional notes which are beneficial to give the audience some time to let themes sink in.
The dialog is well written and meaningful, but true pearls are V’s powerful monologues. On that, the script plays the themes and subliminal philosophies with the fast-paced, workmanlike banter that makes for a cerebral movie.
At its worst the film swings between lyrical and bombastic but its main thrust is always clear and immensely poignant. It might feel slightly clumsy and unpredictable, as the action and detailed explanations switch back and forth, but these are truly marginal flaws in an otherwise very good movie.
This is why V for Vendetta is a highly effective movie ; it makes the audience think about liberty and authority. The film makes the audience feel exhilarated and provoked at the same time; its end makes people excited to stand up and truly touched by its unbroken spirit.
