Watchmen
Went to see Watchmen at the Savoy last night. I haven't read the graphic novel so this is just judging the film on its own merit.
I enjoyed the film greatly and don't think I've liked anything this much at the cinema since Sin City. The action sequences were smooth and especially gory in places but always felt like they had a purpose rather than just being thrown in because they look cool. The special effects never once left me thinking 'that looks rubbish and jarringly CG' and there was some beautiful cinematography. The characters were likeable, hateable, intriguingly original (Dr. Manhattan), and given enough depth to feel human. I can see how the soundtrack may seem jarring to some people but I thought it was a stroke of genius, the highlight being the fantastically shot introductory montage set to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'". One of the most important elements of a screen adaptation is the soundtrack as it is one of the main ways to add a powerful element that books lack. The pulp crime fiction monologue's of Rorschach were a particular favourite of mine as I love this staple of the genre and there isn't much else that can make someone come across as being so cool.
As for the story, I was intrigued by the dual running crises of the cold war escalation and the killer on the loose. On top of this were the threads of Dr. Manhattan's relationship with humanity, the supe's struggle with modern life away from their profession, Rorschach's determination and faith, and overall themes such as the value of life, the perception of humanity by non-humans (both mortal and immortal) and the negative effects of grand acts of of apparent good (vietnam). It's hard talking about any more without giving away the story so I'll shut up now.
My one main criticism is that the sex scene should just be cut out, rubbish music and it just seemed tacky. Should have just had them jump on each other and quickly moved on to the next scene, it would have served its purpose.
I now intend to read the graphic novel as I usually find reading books after seeing the film gives you more second time round whereas reading the book first leads to being disappointed by the film. Overall a great film, I doubt I'll see too much better in the cinema this year and it was well worth the £3.50. I advise people to go and see it.
I enjoyed the film greatly and don't think I've liked anything this much at the cinema since Sin City. The action sequences were smooth and especially gory in places but always felt like they had a purpose rather than just being thrown in because they look cool. The special effects never once left me thinking 'that looks rubbish and jarringly CG' and there was some beautiful cinematography. The characters were likeable, hateable, intriguingly original (Dr. Manhattan), and given enough depth to feel human. I can see how the soundtrack may seem jarring to some people but I thought it was a stroke of genius, the highlight being the fantastically shot introductory montage set to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'". One of the most important elements of a screen adaptation is the soundtrack as it is one of the main ways to add a powerful element that books lack. The pulp crime fiction monologue's of Rorschach were a particular favourite of mine as I love this staple of the genre and there isn't much else that can make someone come across as being so cool.
As for the story, I was intrigued by the dual running crises of the cold war escalation and the killer on the loose. On top of this were the threads of Dr. Manhattan's relationship with humanity, the supe's struggle with modern life away from their profession, Rorschach's determination and faith, and overall themes such as the value of life, the perception of humanity by non-humans (both mortal and immortal) and the negative effects of grand acts of of apparent good (vietnam). It's hard talking about any more without giving away the story so I'll shut up now.
My one main criticism is that the sex scene should just be cut out, rubbish music and it just seemed tacky. Should have just had them jump on each other and quickly moved on to the next scene, it would have served its purpose.
I now intend to read the graphic novel as I usually find reading books after seeing the film gives you more second time round whereas reading the book first leads to being disappointed by the film. Overall a great film, I doubt I'll see too much better in the cinema this year and it was well worth the £3.50. I advise people to go and see it.