Watchmen

Watchmen (2009)
Directed by Zack Snyder
Length: 163 minutes
Rated R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity, and language



Considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year, if not the decade, the movie Watchmen has finally arrived. Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and considered one of the greatest novels of all time, many wondered if this classic could ever truly be adapted for the big screen. Having read the novel, I can attest to the concerns that many had going into the film: there are so many details and plots woven together throughout the story that it is almost impossible to cut any thread loose. After finally seeing the movie that almost never made it (check out the stories on the lawsuits between Fox & Warner Brothers), Watchmen delivers in every aspect imaginable.

Watchmen is set in 1985 in a parallel, yet similar time in the United States. The Soviet Union and America are still engaged in a bitter cold war with the imminent threat of nuclear strike at any moment. However, in this world, it's the infamous Richard Nixon leading the charge as masked crusaders protect the streets and the country from criminals and danger. That would be the basic summary of the plot, and I mean basic. There is so much going on in Watchmen that it can be a bit much at times. I have to admit, if I had not read the book in advance, I might have been lost during the film. It can take a bit of time to digest all that is and has happened, but overall the story is amazing and heart wrenching.

Let me start by commending the directorial job of Zack Snyder (300). Snyder has quickly established himself as the go-to-guy for graphic novel adaptations; many fanboys were hesitant when Snyder was announced as the director. Yeah, he had success directing 300, but let me be very clear that the two are miles apart in terms of quality of material. Watchmen, contrary to many tags, is not a superhero movie. Yeah there are people in capes and a blue guy with superpowers, but that's not the point. This film is a commentary on society as a whole: an analysis of the weakness of humans and how we hide behind masks, the beauty of relationships of all kinds, and the depths to which humans are capable of sinking. That being said, you can see why some may have been hesitant to laud the naming of Snyder as the director. Ask any fan of Moore's novel, and their number one priority had to be that the director truly has a passion for the series; I can safely say that Snyder wears his love for the story and characters of Watchmen on his sleeve for all to see. You can tell that this is a film where the director put every ounce of energy and passion into making the most accurate and realistic adaptation of an amazing book; I really hope Snyder will branch out into more original material and will have a chance to showcase his talents.

The acting for the most part is excellent. Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children, Shutter Island) continues to prove he is a very talented actor that has the deranged characters down to a science, in this case as the masked Rorschach. Rorschach is the most loved character from the series and is seen as the narrator throughout both the film and book. While he is more prone to breaking fingers to obtain answers and brutally murdering a criminal, Rorschach is a man of principles and ideals who strives to uphold the laws of society. I'll go on to say that I would not be surprised if Haley draws serious Oscar consideration this year; his portrayal of Rorschach fulfills every image I had of the character as I read the book and ultimately provides for some of the best scenes of the movie. Billy Crudup (Almost Famous, Public Enemies) also delivers an excellent performance as the god-like Doctor Manhattan, the blue guy that can control matter. Manhattan is a tough character in that he really has no emotions considering he is immortal as well as detached from human concerns, yet he is a compassionate man who cares for those around him. Crudup does a good job of staying emotionless yet conveying that glimmer of concern that really sells you on Manhattan's character.

Now what would an action "superhero" movie be without the CGI graphics and explosions. I was fortunate enough to see Watchmen in an IMAX theater and highly recommend the same for you if you have the chance. The action is intense; the punches hurt; the sounds of bones snapping are disturbing; the flames raging are intense...it really is a gorgeous looking film that should be enjoyed on the big screen. I'll warn you that the fight scenes can get a bit graphic (as mentioned, bones snapping, blood splattering EVERYWHERE), but the sounds capturing the fights are amazing. With every punch, I felt as if my jaw was being beaten.

Speaking of sounds, Watchmen is one of the few movies I have seen incorporating music so well into its presentation of the story. Very rarely do we care about the opening credits, but the one for this film is classic. To the tune of "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan, Snyder is able to provide the back story of the original costume fighters and the evolution to the new crime fighters that roam the streets today. The funeral scene for The Comedian is set to "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel and is one of the most beautiful and touching scenes in an action movie in a long time.

As I stated before, this is not a superhero movie. Many of the themes from Watchmen, while written during the 1980s, are still very relevant today. Consider this the thinking man's action movie. Yeah you can enjoy it for just the explosions and fights, but to really get everything out of Watchmen, you have to appreciate the themes and analysis behind every story and relationship. Many serious fans may notice the ending is different from the book, but Snyder has remained very true to the novel. For a majority of the film, it was as if I was reading the book page for page. Snyder has truly captured the essence of the Watchmen in an amazing film that many thought would never be possible. I truly hope all of you will look past the close to three hour length and graphic nature to appreciate this fine piece of art that truly transcends the "superhero" genre.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:
Rorschach:[to prisoners] "I'm not locked in here with you! You're locked in here with ME!"