Watchmen (2009)
Dir: Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore’s seminal graphic novel (one of the Times’ top 100 novels of the 20th Century), about a historically alternative America, whose society is altered incomprehensively with the arrival of super being Dr. Manhattan, is a bold, but inconsistent production.
Moore’s philosophical machinations on a dystopian America are preserved, while Snyder implements his particular style of filmmaking; demonstrated in previous feature, 300 (2006). And style is something Watchmen exudes; the soundtrack, which includes songs from the likes of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Nat King Cole and Jimi Hendrix, complements the frequently switching time periods and anarchic onscreen action. The cinematography is saturated with Snyder’s trademark slow-motion camerawork and displays of graphic violence, which add visual flair, but distract from the sombre observations on a nihilistic culture.
The performances mainly convince. The narrator; Rorschach, is handled expressively by Jackie Earle Hayley, whose portrayal imbues the character with the perfect imbalance between compassion and psychosis. Dr. Manhattan is sensitively portrayed by Billy Crudup. The actor manages to earn empathy from the audience through a character who is fundamentally detached from the human condition. The representations of the remaining Watchmen could have easily drifted into parody, but the cast manage to give their characters distinct personalities and psychological depth.
Watchmen was regarded by many to be unfilmable, but some striking productions have evolved from such a challenge; such as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003).
While Snyder’s film may not be recognised as a classic of the science-fiction genre alongside other contemporaries such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and more recently The Matrix (1999), it will hold a place in the creative landscape due to its revered source material.
Other films in a similar vein include V for Vendetta and Sin City, both released in 2005.
Dir: Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore’s seminal graphic novel (one of the Times’ top 100 novels of the 20th Century), about a historically alternative America, whose society is altered incomprehensively with the arrival of super being Dr. Manhattan, is a bold, but inconsistent production.
Moore’s philosophical machinations on a dystopian America are preserved, while Snyder implements his particular style of filmmaking; demonstrated in previous feature, 300 (2006). And style is something Watchmen exudes; the soundtrack, which includes songs from the likes of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Nat King Cole and Jimi Hendrix, complements the frequently switching time periods and anarchic onscreen action. The cinematography is saturated with Snyder’s trademark slow-motion camerawork and displays of graphic violence, which add visual flair, but distract from the sombre observations on a nihilistic culture.
The performances mainly convince. The narrator; Rorschach, is handled expressively by Jackie Earle Hayley, whose portrayal imbues the character with the perfect imbalance between compassion and psychosis. Dr. Manhattan is sensitively portrayed by Billy Crudup. The actor manages to earn empathy from the audience through a character who is fundamentally detached from the human condition. The representations of the remaining Watchmen could have easily drifted into parody, but the cast manage to give their characters distinct personalities and psychological depth.
Watchmen was regarded by many to be unfilmable, but some striking productions have evolved from such a challenge; such as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003).
While Snyder’s film may not be recognised as a classic of the science-fiction genre alongside other contemporaries such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and more recently The Matrix (1999), it will hold a place in the creative landscape due to its revered source material.
Other films in a similar vein include V for Vendetta and Sin City, both released in 2005.
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