V for Vendetta

Directed by: James McTeigue
Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt
Running Time: 2h 12min

There isn't a more thought provoking, timely, or definitive vision of our times than this brilliantly adapted film of the Alan Moore comic book. V for Vendetta explores an England of the near future, that isn't a far stretch from the political climate we currently live in. It exposes the fine line between government policy and government fallacy. It inspires and restores faith in the power of people whose governments no longer serve their interests (a plot point that hits too close to home for this writer's likening, at all levels of government). All the while, the film manages to entertain, intrigue, and enlighten us at the same time.

Great science fiction has always given us moral or political or historical lessons for our time, using the setting of the future as its tool. The film alludes to this when 'V' states: "A writer uses lies to reveal the truth, while a politician conceals the truth by using lies" (sorry, that may be misquoted, but the premise remains). The science fiction genre allows us to detach our present day selves from the problems and issues of our time, to become fully immersed in similar themes, albeit in a bleak, futuristic setting. This detachment brings a clearer, cleaner canvas in which to debate and recognize the same issues troubling our world.

The parallels are obvious, and the current political/media rhetoric surrounding "terrorism" today isn't shied away from. The Wachowski brothers, who brought us "The Matrix" trilogy, infuse Alan Moore's original graphic novel, with current political hot buttons. One character boldly states, "One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter". This point sums up the crux that exists and drives both this film and our current news and political climate.

Perhaps what is the most triumphant feature of this film, is how all of this is packaged within a very stylistic, extremely well directed action thriller. Though not "action packed", the film moves along nicely, powered by a beautiful score by Dario Marianelli who is equally adept at propelling you along and keeping you in suspense. Extremely strong performances by the entire cast should not be ignored come Oscar time.

Indeed, Natalie Portman gives her best performance since "Leon: The Professional", ("Closer" notwithstanding) and perhaps felt some of her own liberation from the shackles of George Lucas' horrible writing and directing of Star Wars Episodes one through three. Hugo Weaving gives an astounding performance, even without the use of facial expressions. His inflection and delivery make what could have been a clown into a convincing cinematic character. Finally, the always fabulous yet understated Stephen Rea does more with his own facial expressions than most actors do with an entire page of dialogue.

This film is a must see and certainly requires multiple viewings. Don't wait until the 5th of November to rent this one.

Grade: A