After two decades of anticipation among fans and conflicts over ownership rights, the film adaptation of the critically acclaimed graphic novel, Watchmen, was finally released at midnight on March 6th 2009 to a wide audience of eager fans, posing as characters, who pose as superheroes.
Watchmen Synopsis
The story is set in an alternate history, 1985. Fear of nuclear holocaust causes tensions to rise between the United States and the Soviet Union. Former superhero turned vigilante, the uncompromising Rorschach, investigates the death of another former superhero, The Comedian. As Rorschach discovers more about the death of The Comedian, a conspiracy that connects former and present vigilantes, the imminent war between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the citizens of New York City is revealed.
Watchmen Film is Accurate
For the most part, Snyder’s adaptation of the film is extremely accurate. Many scenes from the film conjured up images of specific panels that were created by David Gibbons, who is the artist of the novel Watchmen, as well as the lead artist for the film. The same is true for the film’s writing: much of the dialogue featured near or direct quotes from author Alan Moore.
However, much to the dismay of many fans, the movie did omit and alter some of the details of the original story. The theatrical release of Watchmen did not include the side-narrative comic strip, Tales of the Black Freighter. The most significant and controversial change Snyder made to the film was considerably different from that of the novel.
Watchmen Strengths and Weaknesses
The action scenes included in the novel Watchmen really lend themselves to a dazzling rendering of ultra-violence. However, Snyder offered more than just skull-smashing and blood-splattering special effects; the movie was able to simultaneously offer scenes of tranquility that were equally beautiful in their execution.
Some of the characters may have differed slightly in their attitude and over demeanor from the novel. In particular, Laurie Juspeczyk’s character (played by Malin Akerman) missed the mark. The character seemed insignificant, trite, and downright annoying at times.
So Who Watches the Watchmen? According to Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. president for domestic theatrical distribution the movie generated $4.55 million in sales at the midnight screening alone.
This movie has a lot to offer nearly anyone. Although it would be helpful, you need not have read Alan Moore’s graphic novel to follow the compelling storyline, or, at the very least, appreciate the extravagant cinematography. Most importantly, Watchmen is a story that transcends the conventions of the super-hero story, it challenges us to think about responsibility and power in refreshing ways.
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