Watchmen

Before I start the review of Watchmen, I would like to point out that I am a little biased about the quality of this film. After viewing the trailer for Watchmen and learning about its origins as a graphic novel which was listed in the New York Times Top 100 Novels of All Time, I decided I had to read the graphic novel. I must say that the graphic novel was nothing short of exquisite, this left huge expectations for the movie to live up to. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to see the film while it was in cinemas. So then I began the excruciatingly long three month wait for the film to be released on DVD. So I read every review of Watchmen that I could get my hands on; and I must say, i was beginning to feel let down already. Could Watchmen the film live up to the gargantuan expectations left by the graphic novel?

Director: Zack Snyder

Zack Snyder has obviously come a long way from his directorial debut; the remake of the George A. Romero masterpiece, Dawn of the Dead. The remake was, in itself, a rather nice film, however, it is just another zombie movie. He went on to direct the film adaptation of Frank Miller's 300. 300 introduced the world to Zack Snyder due to his visionary, yet comic book-like depiction of violence, teamed with a group of 300 angry, bloodthirsty Spartans. The film garnered publicity due to the criticisms of its 'over-stylized violence.' Snyder then followed the film with his second adaptation of a graphic novel, Watchmen. The film adaptation was highly anticipated by both fans and critics alike, however, due to the length and complex nature of the graphic novel, one of the directors previously attached to the film deemed it 'unfilmable'.


The film opens with television reporters focusing on the discussion of the proclivity of the 'impending' nuclear war. The Comedian then flicks through the channels, settling on a channel which soundtrack is currently playing Nat King Cole's Unforgettable. A man kicks in the door to The Comedian's apartment leading to one of the most fantastically directed and choreographed fights scenes that I have ever seen; unforgettable in its own right. Snyder uses cinematography to the best of its ability during this fight scene; preferring slow motion long shots to increase the impact of the fight scene, rather than convulted, hyper-kinetic cuts of close up shots, leaving the viewer with only their imagination to fill int the blanks. Snyder's preference for slow motion is reinforced throughout the film's multiple fight scenes.


However, slow motion is but one of the amazing cinematographic talents possessed by Snyder. His ability to transform real sets into masterpieces which all scream chroma key, however, chroma key was rarely used throughout production of the film. Occasionally, Snyder would explicitly recreate a scene or a shot from the graphic novel in order to pay homage to its source material. Although this only happens occasionally throughout the film; it should be obvious to the avid fans of the graphic novel. My personal favourite amongst these shots is that of Dr Manhattan as he appears fully formed for the first time in his 'flashback' sequence.


Perhaps one of the few things more impressive than the cinematography is the acting performed by a cast of no name actors. However, the excellent acting in this movie combined with the superb direction of Snyder has and will catapult these 'no names' into a rising fame status. Jackie Earl Haley, perfectly cast as Rorschach, was easily the standout of the cast; stealing the show by adding his own brand of instability to the already flawed character. Haley easily pulls on the Rorschach mask delivering monologues that delicately narrate the film and help move the plot along.


The screenplay, although mostly based upon the graphic novel, is excellently written and adapted. Delivering some excellent original lines mimicking the style of the parent text. The screenplay, also co-written by Snyder, excellently emphasized the dark stylistic portrayal of the 'superhero' merely as a flawed human being. Focusing more on the human side than the superhero side; with each character experiencing flaws similar to those prevalent in today's society. For example, Dan Dreiberg's impotence, Laurie Jupiter's broken childhood and Dr Manhattan's increasing emotional detachment, not to mention Adrian Veidt's Aryan ideals.


Critically, this film is as excellent as the graphic novel. I would give it 4/4 stars. However, my recommendation is not to say that this is a film that will be loved by all. The occasional yet extremely graphic depictions of violence may be off putting for some viewers. For some, the films length and depth may be enough to turn off some viewers.


This film is a rare treat for one looking for cinematic excellence, however, as a teenager looking for pure thrills, I would not recommend this film. This is a film to be watched alone or in a small group of people that are actually interested in the film. This is not the film for a sleepover or light entertainment. The film is that of beauty and not pure exhilaration. Watchmen is something that needs to be watched many times to be fully appreciated. So in response to the recurring motif throughout Watchmen.

"Who watches the Watchmen"

I watch the Watchmen, and I will continue to watch them for many years to come.