Mar 28, 2009 12:25 PM
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300 was surely one of the finest films of all times. And when 300’s director Zack Snyder’s film, Watchmen was about to hit the screens, it was obvious that there was heightened curiosity for it. One my friend was waiting for the film ever since it was announced. So we went for the film on the first day itself. ‘Watchmen’ is based on a limited comic series of the same name and I had never before heard this name before! So before venturing for the film, I got myself acquainted with its storyline and realized that it would be an entertaining fare. And as expected, the film turned out to be really amazing!
The story of the movie: The film is based in USA 1985. The world is going by a bad phase-there is a threat of nuclear war with Soviet Union. The US Govt has outlawed the masked vigilant superheroes. In the 1930s, these vigilantes had formed a group called Minuteman. Some decades later, the next generation of superheroes also form a group, called Watchmen. By 1985, almost all the vigilantes died or were murdered. At this point of time, someone murders the superhero Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Masked vigilante Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) begins his own investigation of the murder and comes to a conclusion that someone is trying to eliminate all the superheroes. He decides to warn his fellow superheroes-Dr Manhattan (Billy Crudup), the only superhero with genuine powers and Dan Dreiberg aka Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), who in turn warns Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias (Mathew Goode). Soon, it is realized that there is a wide conspiracy behind all this, connected to the shared past of the vigilantes and linked to the more dangerous consequences in the future.
Watchmen could have turned into a typical Hollywood superhero flick-entertaining, interesting but nothing special or new. However, Watchmen stands out due to the amazing screenplay and direction. Director Zack Snyder, who showed his stylish execution in 300, creates the same magic again here too. The screenwriters (David Hyter and Alex Tse) should also be given credit and appreciation for this. The opening scene (murder of Comedian) was brilliant and set the mood. And the opening credits, showing the history of America from 30’s till the 80’s was also quite novel and deserves applause!
It’s due to this stylish way of filming that makes Watchmen a great experience, even though the film is 162 minutes long! However, this long duration proved as a deterrent at places too. The climax of the film was rocking. The turn of events in the end was unpredictable but was completely acceptable.
Every actor in the film rocked. Jackie Earle Haley was the real hero of the film! Surely, the best performer of the film! Patrick Wilson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Billy Crudup and Mathew Goode were brilliant too. The females in the film-Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre II and Carla Gugino as Silk Spectre did an extraordinary job, especially Carla. Other performance worth mentioning is that of Danny Woodburn, who was damn impressive. The rest of the cast, too, succeeded in giving a smashing performance.
There’s no need to mention about the special and visual effects, as everyone knows that Hollywood is an expert in it! But again the screenwriters and directors should be credited here for using these effects in a creative way. Background score was energetic. Cinematography and editing was top notch.Alex McDowell’s production design was rocking, making the film look straight out of a comic novel.
Special appreciation should go to Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore, who designed and wrote the comic series! David Hayter and Alex Tse’s screenplay was marvelous and very unique! This, coupled with Zack Snyder’s visionary direction, made the film visually brilliant! Kudos to all three of them!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
The first scene and the opening credits
Rorschach meeting Dr Manhattan
Comedian’s funeral
Manhattan’s exile to Mars
Assassination attempt on Veidt
Rorschach arrested and in prison
Rorschach’s escape from the prison
The climax
The final scene
On the whole, Watchmen is a great experience! It’s a must for those who have read and loved the comic series. Watch it for some high dose of entertainment!
