Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' comic book masterpiece “Watchmen” has been acclaimed as one of the hundred greatest novels ever written. At a time when comics were still dismissed as childish fantasy, "Watchmen" showed that graphic novels could be adult, profound and important. After over two decades of delay, hype and failed attempts, ‘Watchmen’ has finally made the perilous journey to the big screen. Many were sceptical that the sprawling narrative, iconic visuals and cerebral subtext of the book could ever be adequately captured on film. Moore himself labelled this task impossible and disowned any interest or involvement in attempts to adapt his work. But was he right...?
The film preserves the book's urgent plot in its entirety. In a grim alternative reality where the cold war rages on in 1985, the world stands on the brink of nuclear apocalypse. Costumed superheroes have been outlawed and left to the concerns of their own broken lives. But when the savage murder of a former ‘hero’ begins to expose a plot to hasten global annihilation, will the forgotten Watchmen save mankind and is it even worth saving?
Visually, the film is painstakingly faithful to its original inspiration. The book’s dark and gritty imagery comes to life with each scene lifted from the page. Special effects finally seem to have caught up to Moore and Gibbons’ imagination. Even more challenging characters such as the blue, god-like and often naked Dr Manhattan are brilliantly realised. Handled with less care, such absurd imagery could easily have ruined the films ability to function seriously. Director Zack Snyder applies the stylised slow motion skills from his previous film ‘300’ to 'Watchmen'’s visceral action scenes, but thankfully gives equal prominence to the weighty dialogue.
Avoiding the box office lure of big name stars, the film's relatively unknown cast look and feel like their familiar characters. The absence of famous faces doesn’t weaken the film, but instead gives it an added air of realism and credibility. Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley is perfect as the gravel voiced and appealing psychotic vigilante Rorschach. His noirish narrative propels much of the film with brutality and success. Billy Crudup is equally effective as Dr Manhattan, Watchmen’s most unique, thought provoking and enigmatic character. Solid performances from the rest of the cast are largely successful in showing the flawed complexity of their characters. If at times they do fall a little flat, this is more a failing of the characters themselves than the manner of their portrayal.
To call ‘Watchmen’ a superhero film is perhaps a mistake since none of the characters really fulfil the definition of a hero. Collectively marred by unapologetic cruelty, apathy, insecurity and psychosis, they are grim caricatures of familiar comicbook ideals. Audiences expecting camp, costume-clad adventure will be left disappointed and shocked. 'Watchmen' is a deliberate and merciless parody of the ‘superhero’ genre, which it exposes as cartoonish moralistic fantasy. Those unfamiliar with the book and its intentions may find this concept less understandable and immediately digestible.
‘Watchmen’ is an ambitious effort to convert a superb piece of literature which far exceeds the cautious expectations of many fans. But the film risks overreaching itself and alienating audiences by refusing to simplify or condense it’s more high brow ideas. Some will no doubt be left weary and confused during 'Watchmen'’s vast 160minute runtime. Viewers may also find the ugly ultra-violence of the film more difficult to stomach than that which is still, admittedly, a bloody part of the book. However, it is likely that cinema audiences have now become too numbed and desensitised to nasty death and dismemberment to really notice or care much. Personally, I found that 'Watchman's desire to shock detracted from its efforts to be profound. By similar measure, those seeking violent thrills will be left bored by the film's more pretentious diversions.
Overall, Watchmen will be a relief to established fans, but may struggle to please the appetites of wider audiences. The film's box office success is almost assured thanks to hype and a well oiled marketing machine, but it probably does merit the attention. The successful aspects of the film demand viewing even if its flaws inhibit any desire for endless re-watching. As the tagline reads “who watches the Watchmen?”... perhaps you should.
Link below to red carpet coverage from the world premiere featuring interviews with Dave Gibbons, the cast and fans.
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