|
Watchmen
Directed by: Zach Snyder
Starring: Patrick Wilson
Genre:
Fantasy/Action-Adventure
Run Time: 163
min.
Release Date: March 2009
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
The biggest challenge for directors and
screenplay writers — who are forced to deal with significant source
material — is to make a movie that’ll appeal to a broad audience while
not alienating those fans who love what the film’s based on; in this
case, the Watchmen graphic novels/comics created by Alan Moore.
Released via DC Comics in 1986 and 1987, the twelve book limited
series quickly developed a cult following thanks to the truly graphic
nature in which superheroes were depicted. Artist Dave Gibson and
colorist John Higgins gave readers gritty images that swerved far beyond
the comfort zone of most graphic novel fans, giving us heroes with flaws
so grand it would make Penthouse and Playboy Magazine editors blush.
The film rights for WATCHMEN were snapped up in 1986 and several
production companies, directors, screenplay artists and others attempted
adaptations that were promptly shelved. Directors such as Terry Gilliam
(TIDELAND),
David Hayter (X-Men) and Darren Aronofsky (THE WRESTLER and
THE
FOUNTAIN) were at different times slated to take on the film, but
eventually backed out. Aronofsky I think was an interesting choice,
specifically because I so enjoyed his visual take on The Fountain. But
Gilliam deserves quite a bit of credit for saying something that rings
truer than most. He said, “I’d direct the Watchmen if it could be made
into a five hour miniseries.” Hmm. Considering the extensive source
material, that probably wouldn’t be a bad idea. And considering the
length of this sucker (163 minutes with an extended version that adds
another twenty), one can’t help but wonder what Gilliam would’ve done
with it. But, instead, we got Zach Snyder (300) and a theatrical release
this year (2009).
Not taking anything away from Snyder, he did pretty well with what he
got, which was an overstuffed script filled with some sketchy dialogue.
But he also had some great visuals and an amazing musical score that
really rocked the film on many different levels. The music came from so
many sources that it boggles my mind. Nat King Cole. Bob Dylan. Simon &
Garfunkel. Jimi Hendrix. And even KC and the Sunshine Band. All of the
songs were well incorporated into the story and gave an added flavor to
the scenes.
One also must take note of the film’s well-deserved R rating. The F-word
is liberally sprinkled throughout, as is the act itself. One
particularly steamy scene inside an aircraft reveals every inch of two
prime characters, and I do mean every inch. Violence is rampant, just as
it should’ve been, but parents might think — this being a based on a
“comic book” — that it is relatively harmless, Spiderman-like action.
Not so. Dismemberment. Superheroes shooting — and killing — pregnant
women. Rape. All of these are predominantly in the film’s forefront,
showing us the deconstruction of the superhero mythos envisioned by the
graphic novels’ original artist, Alan Moore.
While the films visual qualities, sound, and music are something for
fans to cheer about, the terrible dialogue, butt-numbing length, and
confusing narration sequences pull the movie down quite a few notches.
Initially seeming to be Rorschach’s responsibility to narrate what’s
come before and after (Rorschach is a cop with a face only a
psychologist could love and played very well by Jackie Earle Haley,
LITTLE CHILDREN), the narration then jumps to Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup,
THE GOOD SHEPHERD) — whom I’ve affectionately renamed Mr. Penis
— and back, and then back again to Rorschach. Since we’re basically
viewing the film via Rorschach’s journal, I think sticking with him
would’ve been the best and least confusing way to go.
An example of the film’s bad dialogue are just too easy to find: “I know
who my father was,” and “It doesn’t take a genius to see the world has
problems,” and the lowly “Never compromise. Not even in the face of
Armageddon.”
Even with these significant flaws, it’s worth praising Zach Snyder for
having the testes to move forward and make this film. That, in itself,
is nothing short of miraculous. But it doesn’t negate the obstacles that
could’ve made this a truly great film. Perhaps a trilogy would’ve been
better?
(back to top) |
Image from Watchmen
DVD cost:
NOT YET AVAILABLE
Purchase:
NOT YET AVAILABLE
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy: Terry Gilliam
considered directing this film as early as 1989, but after several
unsatisfactory drafts of the screenplay, decided the material unfilmable
as a feature production. Gilliam had said he would consider directing it
as a five hour miniseries at least.
Movie Quote: "I'm
not locked in here with you! You're locked in here with ME!"
Other Actors/Actresses
from Watchmen
   |
