Synopsis Of The Watchmen
The Watchmen came out a few years ago and was really one of the biggest movies of the year, if not one of the biggest movies of the decade. The zeroes were kind of defined by the whole superhero film genre, and if you’re just plain tired of all these capes and tights flicks, then that’s actually a great reason to watch The Watchmen, as it really redefines the whole genre and turns it into something new. Next time you want to watch movies online, go ahead and give it a try.
The film was based on the comic by Alan Moore, the English king of comics. Like the comic, the story is actually something of a satire and a social commentary on superheroes and their place in contemporary pop culture. This is why it wouldn’t really work as a movie until superhero movies had become as common as superhero comics. It works as a commentary on these heroes on film rather than in comics.
Many of the comic’s readers were actually against the adaptation, considering it impossible to turn into a comic book. Zack Snyder really surprised many of them, though, taking a story that was very comic book focused and turning it into a story focused on the concept of superheroes in film. The end result is without a doubt one of the most interesting superhero flicks ever made.
The heroes of the film are really not exactly heroes. They’re superheroic, but they’re very morally complex, very human, defined by their weaknesses as well as their strengths. The moral complexity comes through most in Ozymandias, Rorschach and The Comedian. The Comedian is really not a good guy, more like a sociopath who was recruited by a group of heroes and put towards a good purpose. Ozymandias is the most righteous hero, but isn’t afraid to make some serious compromises in the name of what’s right. Rorschach is the most pure and moralistic, but seems to enjoy killing badguys just a bit too much.
The story is just as morally complex as its characters. After the finale, you’ll find yourself wondering who was really in the right, whether or not Ozamandius’ plan to save the world was truly justified, and whether or not his victory will be very long lived. While Alan Moore himself refuses to see the adaptation, it is, nevertheless, a worthwhile attempt to translate his story to film.
Zack Snyder has really been knocking it out of the park in recent years. With Dawn of the Dead, he took Romero’s classic, reworked it into an action flick, and created something all his own. With 300, he adapted Frank Miller’s graphic novel about the Spartans and turned it into a great epic film. Now Watchmen was one of the biggest movies of the decade.
It’s rare for such big budget films to feel so human and personal, but Snyder is one of those rare directors, like Sam Raimi, who can actually make it work. The independent spirit is, in a way, actually completely alive in Snyder’s work.
Watchmen is certainly one you’re going to want to see, especially if these superhero movies have just been boring you to tears. The movie serves as commentary both on American culture and society, as well as politics, and is definitely worth watching.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.