I know this is a bit late, but here is my review of Watchmen.
My experience with Watchmen began similarly to pretty much everyone else’s: by seeing the trailer for it before the Dark Knight. Before that trailer I had never even heard of it before, so seeing a preview for a movie based on the “most celebrated graphic novel of all time” threw me off at first. I thought that surely I would have heard of a novel of such prestige before. Nope. Never had.
After seeing the Dark Knight several times, and consequently, the Watchman trailer, I was intrigued enough to go out and pick up a copy from Barnes and Noble. It took me awhile to get in to. Not because it wasn’t good, but because I didn’t have the time. In the middle of my state of not reading, a friend who had also gotten it and been reading started raving about how great it was, and how I needed to read it, so I did. The next few days I read every chance I got, and by the end, I was blown away.
I am trying to word the following the best I can.. Often when I read a really good book or watch a great movie, I have a feeling afterwards of “That movie was awesome, and it all makes sense and I totally know what happened.” Then there are things that I come across that leave me thinking “That was amazing, and I know for a fact that about 80% of it went way over my head, but I love it anyway.” When things are good, or great, I enjoy it because it is truly well done and everything fits together in the end. At the end of the proverbial journey I feel like I have completed something, as if I have experienced everything the characters have, and any repeated viewings/readings would be purely for enjoyment. But when something is truly brilliant, like the Watchmen, I come to the end and I feel like I couldn’t possibly understand everything in one reading. There are layers and layers of complexity and substance to it, things that might even take me 10 readings to pick up on.
Anyway, on to the movie. I saw Watchmen with my girlfriend and a friend the Friday it came out. First thing I should say, if you haven’t seen it, it is extremely graphic. If you have a weak stomach or heart, are pregnant or may become pregnant, or are prone to seizures and being morbidly obese, stay away from this movie. Or if you are all of the above like my girlfriend and still want to see the movie, make sure you have me to shield your eyes when it gets intense. In Watchmen, you see peoples arms get cut off with a saw, people’s bones breaking out of their arms, people exploding, as well as some truly disturbing scenes involving attempted rape, as well as a little girl and some dogs. Not to mention the graphic sex scenes and nudity. So before you go to see it, make sure you are ok with all of the above, or are at least prepared to tolerate it in order to see one of the best movies in a long time.
If you have never heard of Watchmen, like I hadn’t, here is a basic overview. The movie takes place in alternate history in the US in the 80′s. It closely mimics real history, with a few important differences. In this world, super heroes are real, but they don’t have any powers. They are “costumed heroes” who fight and solve crime. A lot of the story covers how society responded to their existence, such as them being hired by the Government and any that refused to join were outlawed. Most heroes have retired from their crime fighting. The story follows many characters, but primarily Rorschach (Ror- shack) a trench-coat and mask clad vigilante who has caught on to a plot to eliminate costumed heroes. We also follow the second retired Nite-Owl, Silk Spectre, Ozymandias, the Comedian, and the only hero with powers, Dr. Manhattan. I can’t say much more without spoiling anything, so go ahead and see it then come read the rest.
First, I’d like to say that this movie couldn’t be any closer to the novel. There are some noticeable differences, like Nite-Owl’s costume, and most notably the ending, but neither changes lessened the impact of the movie. But the characters were all spot-on. Jackey Earle Haley’s portrayal of Rorschach was spot on perfect. Everyone did a great job of portraying their characters, but Rorschack couldn’t have been any better. Just sayin.
Nextly, (I made up that word, like a real man) you see a blue dangly bit. Well several of them. I realize some people can’t get past this, but try not to let it distract you. It would have been much more awkward to frame each shot to avoid seeing it, and it is a lot to do with Dr. Manhattans character. So get over it.
Anyway, I could go on but I don’t feel like it. Go see Watchmen.
