This week I'll be tackling the graphic film adaptation, Watchmen (R). The film is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. When an ex-super hero is brutally murdered a chain of events begin to unfold that alarmingly leads toward a path of nuclear annihilation. Zach Snyder (of 300 fame) directs and the movies stars Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson.
For those not familiar with the graphic novel, Watchmen (published in 1986) is considered the “Citizen Kane”...the “Sgt. Pepper's” of the comic book medium. It's generally regarded to be the high point of the comic book as an art form. (Time magazine placed it on its list of the top 100 English language novels of the 20th century). The graphic novel, which I've read, is a multi-layered story that takes a hard look at how super heroes would actually exist in the real world. The narrative takes place in 1985 with the world on brink of nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union. The story deconstructs the super hero myth but also adds layers of psychological resonance that significantly elevates the characters and the story. As you can tell, I'm a big fan of it. And I also thought that due to the complexity of the story that a decent feature film adaptation would be near impossible.
I was wrong. While the film is not without its flaws, Zach Snyder's Watchmen is a brilliant film. It's faithful (for the most part) in its adaptation while also being entertaining and engaging. It's a film that will probably perplex those that yearn for a typical super hero flick. Watchmen is not a traditional super hero movie. It's a film that is led more by its drama than by it's action. Snyder does do a good job showcasing what action there is but he let's the drama drive the film—as it should. The movie is long and that will probably bother some moviegoers but there's a lot to pack into this movie. Snyder left some big moments out but it would have been unfeasible to incorporate everything in the graphic novel into the movie. But I give Synder a lot of credit. He's kept the essence of the movie intact and didn't lose much of the substance in translation. Fans of the graphic novel will accept the movie and moviegoers who are willing to let the movie stand for what it is will also appreciate the merits of the film.
The movie doesn't boast any “big” stars but that isn't a problem because the hand selected cast all excel with their given characters. Crudup's monotone voice perfectly captures the detachment of Dr. Manhattan. Morgan effortlessly brings out the perverted machismo of the Comedian. Wilson excels in being the uncertain super hero. Goode successfully portrays the elitist egoism of Ozymandias. Ackerman sheds off the naivete of Silk Spectre and Haley brings to life the obsessive stubbornness of Rorschach. All in all the cast does a superb job bringing to life heroes that are just as flawed as everyone else. As an ensemble cast they really hold the film together and bring to life characters that most people are not familiar with.
During one of the crucial scenes in the film Rorschach states, “Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon.” Unfortunately for Snyder he does compromise with some of the aspects of the movie. Chiefly among his concessions was the film's music. I like most of the classic rock and pop '80's songs used in the movie but I don't like them in context with the film. Blasting Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower works in most movies. It doesn't here. The Watchmen story is our reality but it isn't our reality. Consequently having songs that are familiar ultimately distract from the epic and serious tone of the film.
Snyder's second compromise directly factored into appealing to his loyal 300 fanbase. I wasn't the biggest fan of that movie. I thought it was all right. But it's clear that Snyder ratcheted up the depiction of violence in Watchmen to cater to his fans. Watchmen is a violent graphic novel but the way that Snyder depicts some of the violence in the movie is completely over-the-top and exploitative. More-to-the point this also serves to undermine the gravity of the film's narrative.
Watchmen is a flawed film but it's a skillful cinematic achievement for Snyder and company . The film might not be easily accessible to those moviegoers not familiar with it but I'm convinced that the film will appeal to both fan boys of the graphic novel as well as with other moviegoers.
Final grade: B+.
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