Now, I am ashamed to say I still haven’t read V for Vendetta, but I have done my research into why Alan Moore wrote the graphic novel, that being due to the rise of the Conservative party in the eighties. Although the film doesn’t explain the year, my guess is that it’s set in the 2020s whilst the original graphic novel is set in the late nineties. My only criticism of this film is that I wish it was more like the original graphic novel in terms of its setting, even Alan Moore still refuses to see this film because it misses so much of the graphic novel. In addition, the performances by Portman, Hurt and Rea have a great balance between choice, power and detection. Weaving portrays V brilliantly, making the audience mesmerised by his character’s desperation for total freedom all whilst being a genius in explosives, sword fighting, literature, philosophy and his personal favourite: gardening. V for Vendetta also features so many 21st century fears of a totalitarian state such as surveillance, torture, religious hypocrisy and media manipulation.Īpart from this deep message, the screenplay by the Wachowski’s is very well done, providing the audience with a balance of political philosophy and thrilling action. Coincidently, John Hurt portrayed Winston Smith in the 1984 film adaptation of Nineteen Eighty-Four. Speaking of George Orwell, there’s also so many aspects of this film which remind me of my favourite book, Nineteen Eighty-Four, such as Sutler constantly appearing on large screens and as a cult of personality in citizen’s homes which is reminiscent to Big Brother’s image. The film features interesting aspects of a fascist state which would make George Orwell spin in his grave, like the regime listening to citizens conversations in their very own homes and people who are considered “undesirable” such as political prisoners and homosexuals being sent to concentration camps. What I believe makes this film so special is the message, the message being a warning to the dangers of totalitarianism. A working class girl named Evey (Natalie Portman) becomes caught up in V’s mission for freedom whilst a detective (Stephen Rea) tries to stop V from igniting a revolution. He is faced against V (Hugo Weaving) a freedom fighter wanting revenge on those who disfigured him. V for Vendetta is set in a dystopian London which has become a fascist regime led by Adam Sutler (John Hurt).
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V for vendetta 1984 john hurt movie#
It's clear that in an age of young starlets trying to get the biggest paycheck or get the right movie for an Oscar nod.
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Even stripping down physically, Portman brings a presence that is unique and hypnotic that it's bar-none, one of her strongest.
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Natalie sells every moment of despair and anguish into her torture scenes while making her into a full character who goes from being a fearful young woman to a woman who no longer sees or feels fear but wants to do something.
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Whereas George Lucas directs Natalie to display awful lines with stilted performances, McTeigue and the Wachowski brothers do great utilization of her talent. While she falters a bit with the English accent, Portman's ability to display emotions and observance that overshadows whatever flaws she might have. Then, there's Natalie Portman (It's Po'tman motherfucka!), who gives probably one of the best performances of her career.