Watchmen: The Movie (A Review)

I had no history with the Watchmen graphic novel, with nothing personally at stake in my own perception of what the movie should be. I came to the film fairly uninfluenced about how or what it should be, but knowing enough to follow the story, its deviations and additions. Any purist will be disappointed and any novice might feel completely lost. Every novel, or graphic novel must make decisions with what not to show, while attempting to remain true to the intent of the story and keeping a consistent flow for the screen. i believe the film version Watchmen accomplished that. Without giving much away in terms of what is or is not in the film I'll do my best to talk about my impressions.

The film begins much like the novel, though there is scene which nearly straight out of an SNL skit (you'll see what I mean,  I had a hard time concentrating on what was happening). The cinematraphy is nearly flawless in matching the novels setting, tone and atmosphere; keeping the little nuiances like photos, wallpaper and televisions. The dark and seedy landscape of the alternate New York feels ominous; and the framing is signature Zach Snyder. I'd wished for more transitions that mirrored the interplay of timelines that novel so adaptly enforces -- though it does happen, it could be stronger.

In order for the film to flow well, the many ancillary storylines that run throughout the novel are either removed or summed up in quick and tidily flashbacks or truncated scenes. The characters feel fairly well developed, though some you'd wish you'd see more of; and others much much less. Their overall storylines remain intact and faithful to the novel. The best character is obviously Rorschach, who is every bit as cold, cruel, tortured and insane as you'd hope -- delivering the best lines of the film (who is played magnificantly, though very close to Christian Bale's Batman; Jackie Earle Haley). Nite Owl/Dan Dreiberg is still the uncertain, bumbling nerd; who is obviously uncomfortable in a world where he cannot wear his mask (played perfectly by Patrick Wilson). Silk Spectre/Laurie Juspeczyk (Malin Akerman) felt emotionally flat, though adequate enough. The Comedian/Edward Morgan Blake (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) was excellent; a jerkface, cynical, rough man who thought of his needs first without an ounce of conscious; and doesn't get nearly the screne time he deserved. Dr. Manhattan/Jonathan Osterman (Billy Crudup - the only "star" in the film, who is unidentifible, save the few flashbacks) is blue -- blue penis, so watch out; blue glowing penis (there's something about his mouth that is too computer generated), but Crudup plays the good Dr. well as an emotionless God-like being. Then there's Ozymandias/Adrian Veidt (Matthew Goode) who feels like something from Flash Gordon (and no, you're wrong! that is not a good thing; unless perhaps Queen does your theme song), and cheeses up the entire ending of the movie.

The soundtrack was widely inconsistent, rotating between classic songs from the 60s and 70s (though never with much point - with the exception of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changing); the use of All Along the Watchtower during the Vietnam scenes seems very cliched; and the music didn't fit the time peroid. And when there weren't estabished songs, the other music varied between sounding like Blade Runner, Friday Night Lights and The Dark Knight.

Everyone wants to know about the ending and the big change. I personally didn't even like the ending of the novel, or at least that one aspect of it (I found it rather odd, but I suppose in graphic novel lore, its accepted without disbute); I found the new ending logical and fitting for the entire story arc (I preferred this ending to the novel ending, I know - blasphemy, but like I said, I'm not a fanboy).

Overall it was an enjoyable film but very flawed, it felt long in the middle and dragged toward the end, with much more violence and cursing than its counterpart. Sadly it suffers from trying to do much while trying to make you feel like its doing too little. If you're a fan of the novel you ought to enjoy (as long as you keep in mind, no one will ever match the expectations in your head) if you've never read it, I'm curoius as to your perspective (and please share it here).

Official Ciricus Rating: 6/10