F**k Yeah

[black francis]

'Watchmen': Yet Another Graphic Novel Adaptation Pulled Off Perfectly
Director Zack Snyder seems to be 2-for-2 in the genre
By ROBERT YANIZ JR.
Mar-05-2009
Source: Airlock Alpha




From the very first frame, "Watchmen" establishes itself as a bold step forward for the superhero films. If last year's Oscar-winning "The Dark Knight" marked a new benchmark for the genre, then "Watchmen" continues this evolution.

Based on a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and John Higgins, "Watchmen" creates a world where superheroes have been outlawed, and the world stands on the brink of nuclear war. When a former hero named The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is brutally murdered, masked vigilante Rorshach (Jackie Earle Haley) believes a conspiracy is at work and reaches out to his former colleagues in an attempt to reunite the Watchmen.

While Nite Owl II (Patrick Wilson) struggles with his desire to re-don his costumed persona, Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), a radiantly blue god-like figure, feels his connection to humanity and girlfriend Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman) slipping away, even as he works with Adrian Veidt a.k.a. Ozymandias (Matthew Goode) to find a way to avert nuclear war.

The plot gets far more complex than that, though.

The story serves as an analysis of the entire superhero genre, exploring the psychological effects that power can have on a person. Along the way, "Watchmen" explores the existence of God, the dark side of human nature and the perversion of the American Dream.
In addition to the philosophical questions the film raises, director Zack Snyder ("300," 2004's "Dawn of the Dead") employs his striking visual flair to create some of the most impressive images of any comic book film.

As the trailers continuously chant, "Watchmen" stands as one of the most celebrated graphic novels of all time, and Snyder does a fine job of translating it to the big screen.

What Worked

While "Watchmen" is truly an ensemble piece at heart, Haley easily steals the film as Rorshach, a detective obsessed with exacting justice by any means necessary. Haley received an Oscar nomination in 2007 for his work in "Little Children," and he lends the same humanity and depth to Rorshach.

Haley plays the character as a tortured soul twisted by the harsh reality of the world around him, and his performance embodies the cynicism and frustration that serve as the thematic foundation of the film.

Although "Watchmen" has a great deal of exposition to deal with, writers David Hayter and Alex Tse effectively balance the main plot with each character's backstory, creating a consistent pace that keeps the viewer engaged.

The script also smartly maintains the novel's 1985 setting, wherein Richard Nixon remains president, and hews close to the novel's motif of incorporating its characters into historical events.

In addition, the film's opening, a violent attack against The Comedian, is hauntingly set to Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable," and the rest of its soundtrack is just as evocative, whether it's a love scene set to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" or an opening credits montage set to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin.'"

The original score, by "300" composer Tyler Bates, completes the film's musical palate, perfectly matching the gritty, frenetic world that "Watchmen" creates.

What Didn't Work

Even with a 160-minute runtime, the finale does feel somewhat rushed and may upset purists who are expecting a direct translation from the comic book. In addition, those expecting an altogether happy ending may be disappointed, as "Watchmen" is far darker than previous superhero blockbusters like the Spider-man and X-men series. However, the story's conclusion fits the tone and message of the film.

Furthermore, a few elements -- such as Dr. Manhattan's glass ship on Mars -- appear to come out of nowhere. The film functions fine without such explanations, but one can't help but wonder if these scenes are among the extra footage that Snyder plans to include in an inevitable director's cut of the film.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due


"Watchmen" stars Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson. It was directed by Zack Snyder and written by David Hayter and Alex Tse. "Watchmen" hits theaters March 6.

[withahip]

haha touche

[black francis]

I'm feeling tired but I think I'm still doing the midnight showing albeit alone. I thought I had friends but apparently not.

[withahip]

Did you go? (Prediction - no.) Sorry I couldn't get a flight to go with you.

[black francis]

Fuck yeah I went. I'm seeing it again tonight with the missus. How I'm at work on time right now is a testament to the human spirit.

I thought the movie was rad. Didn't have the depth of the GN but what would have besides a mini-series or maybe being stretched into two films.

Haley was perfect and JDM was killer as the Comedian. I like Patrick Wilson in whatever he does so he was cool. The other actors meh.

You know I forgot all about my problems while I was in the theater and didn't want it to end so in my book that makes for a great movie. Visually it was stunning though I suspect if Zack Snyder eased up on the slow-mo the movie would have been about an hour shorter but whatever. It was rad.

[black francis]

Saturday Morning Watchmen cartoon

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/485797

[withahip]

http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2009/03 ... index.html

[black francis]

Okay saw it again and I put my finger on what bothered me the most. You don't really understand the intense psychological pain that Rorschach feels every moment of his life. You don't sense the torture his life must be so when he demands to be killed as a way to prevent the world from going back to the brink of nuclear war, a person not familiar with the GN would be like "Hey dude, just keep your mouth shut. Problem solved. You don't really have to die."

All that said Jackie Earle Haley was amazing and when he took off his mask to face Dr. Manhattan and death itself it was heartbreaking for me.

I can't wait for the director's cut DVD. My boss asked Zack Snyder how much of the movie did he get in that made him happy and Snyder said 85%. Looking forward to the other 15%.

[black francis]

Anyone else see it yet?

I'm going back this week to see it a third time with my buddy.

[withahip]

I want to see it - but after The Dark Knight - sitting through any 3 hour movie - even if it is a comic book - has me leery of going.

[black francis]

Whatever you say Wade

[black francis]

If you haven't seen the movie or read the GN then don't hit play. If you have I hope you understand German.

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[black francis]

I guess it's not in German anymore.