Coty Geek
I’ve always been a really big comic book fan, but I felt like a poser when I rushed to buy a copy of Watchmen after seeing the movie. The reason why was that Watchmen’s reputation carried such a weight to it that it felt like the equivelent of going out to read Moby Dick. I must say, after reading the book and watching the film, I can honestly say that it is one of the better comic book adaptations out there, but that does not mean that I can wholeheartedly recommend it. It is definitely not a film for everyone.
I consider Watchmen to be ferociously close to the book. However, the moments where it does stray are hardly noticeable (minus the ending). The movie has some scenes that are panel by panel translations from the book, very similar to what Zack Snyder did with 300. However, Snyder’s penchant for extreme stylism amps up some scenes, but it can also be distracting. He takes things that were only implied in the graphic novel and makes the audience see it. In this sense, it is very in your face.
The actors all do a great job, and that’s something to be desired, but easily the standout in the film is Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. Haley brings the psychotic superhero to believable life, and shows him for what he truly is. Somehow, when translated into live action, Rorschach doesn’t feel like the hero he is in the book. Perhaps it’s the way that Haley performs as Rorchach, but he shows the character for what he truly is: a serial killer who hunts criminals. He believes he is right, criminals are wrong, and must be punished at any cost. He is handled believably.
Now, as I had previously said, this is NOT a movie for everyone. First of all, if you are squeamish then you should turn away from it. If yo haven’t read the book, and have no intentions of doing so, then you might as well not even bother with the movie because you will find it to be a chore to sit through.
If you’re a fan of the book, you’ll love the movie. That’s really all there is to it. It’s a movie that is Lord of the Rings sized, and with good reason. There’s a lot of ground to cover in the movie, so if it’s something you think is your thing, than give it a watch.
If you want to read the book before you see the movie, then you can grab it here.
Watchmen
And here’s the movie if you want to watch it.
Watchmen (Director’s Cut) (Two-Disc Special Edition + Amazon Digital Bundle + Digital Copy)
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