Firebeetle
Explorer
As some of you may know, I'm a part-time projectionist at a local movie theater. It is part of my duties to ensure that movies are put together correctly. It was I who caught the out-of-sequence reels on the Express, and the backwards reel on Nim's Island. Of course, much drek must be seen in this duty.
Drek is not the case with Watchmen. This movie manages to translate Moore's masterpiece to the screen faithfully. Many sequences are completely as I pictured them, and others far improved. The characterization feels spot on, each actor bringing their character to life perfectly. Notable is the soft-spoken performance of Dr. Manhattan, who practically whispers while he describes the dance of atoms, and the gravelly rasp of Rorschach, who embodies comic's most notorious detective perfectly.
The movie has a lot of hoops to jump through and it does an excellent job of them. It translates the visuals of the comic, not just in frame but in sense of timing. You see event unfold often at the same pace suggested by the book. In cinematic terms, this is a risky move but director Snyder pulls it off well.
The book "fugues" carrying multiple storylines in multiple times simultaneously. Although simplified, much of this occurs on screen as well. I am concerned that people will have trouble following, but people often surprise me.
The book happens in an alternate 1985, which is now 22 years further away then when the book was written. Snyder again handles most of this in the title sequence, and has frequent reminders of the cold war throughout. There are several 80s references throughout the movie to remind you of where you are (chronologically), such as Ted Koppel doing the Manhatten interview, of MTV ads on TV.
The story, of course, is epic in scope. Again, the film does an excellent job here. The essential points are still present, minor changes are made, often for the better. In particular, I liked the ending better. It has been altered, but it now ties things up better than the original. You'll have to see it.
I really look forward to seeing this one again. Don't hesitate, this is one terrific movie and well worth the 22 year wait. I know a thousand fanboys will pan the effort, but what is the use in trying to please those who will not be pleased by anything? Dr. Manhatten's Martian sequences are worth the price of admission alone.
Drek is not the case with Watchmen. This movie manages to translate Moore's masterpiece to the screen faithfully. Many sequences are completely as I pictured them, and others far improved. The characterization feels spot on, each actor bringing their character to life perfectly. Notable is the soft-spoken performance of Dr. Manhattan, who practically whispers while he describes the dance of atoms, and the gravelly rasp of Rorschach, who embodies comic's most notorious detective perfectly.
The movie has a lot of hoops to jump through and it does an excellent job of them. It translates the visuals of the comic, not just in frame but in sense of timing. You see event unfold often at the same pace suggested by the book. In cinematic terms, this is a risky move but director Snyder pulls it off well.
The book "fugues" carrying multiple storylines in multiple times simultaneously. Although simplified, much of this occurs on screen as well. I am concerned that people will have trouble following, but people often surprise me.
The book happens in an alternate 1985, which is now 22 years further away then when the book was written. Snyder again handles most of this in the title sequence, and has frequent reminders of the cold war throughout. There are several 80s references throughout the movie to remind you of where you are (chronologically), such as Ted Koppel doing the Manhatten interview, of MTV ads on TV.
The story, of course, is epic in scope. Again, the film does an excellent job here. The essential points are still present, minor changes are made, often for the better. In particular, I liked the ending better. It has been altered, but it now ties things up better than the original. You'll have to see it.
I really look forward to seeing this one again. Don't hesitate, this is one terrific movie and well worth the 22 year wait. I know a thousand fanboys will pan the effort, but what is the use in trying to please those who will not be pleased by anything? Dr. Manhatten's Martian sequences are worth the price of admission alone.
