The Nevada Sagebrush

The graphic novel that was said to be impossible to adapt to film has been adapted. Having not read the graphic novel, I was confused as to why many thought it was not possible. Now that my “Watchmen”cherry has been popped, I understand where those cynics were coming from. In short, “Watchmen”is too profound for its own good.

In accordance with Alan Moore’s masterpiece, “Watchmen”is set in a dark alternate vision of 1985.  The U.S. and Russia are on the brink of nuclear war and all superheroes, besides those who work for the government, have been forced to retire. While some of the retired heroes hide in shame, others either bask in their fame or continue to work to bring justice to a world they still believe in.

As a movie, “The Dark Knight”thrived on its dark societal message of human corruption, but kept it to a few simple themes. In adapting the novel, “Watchmen”screenwriters David Hayter and Alex Tse did not have the luxury of keeping things simple.

“Watchmen”is too much film for its own good.  At nearly three hours long, the story seems to stretch on forever and after two hours, I found myself mentally checking out. That is unfortunate because the film’s epic conclusion is something that deserves the viewer’s attention and respect, even if it drawls out longer than “Lord of the Rings:  The Return of the King.”

Though the film often gets lost in its own intricacy, the large variety of characters and their development are what keep this movie from disaster.

“Watchmen”opens with the poetic death of Edward Blake, aka The Comedian (Jeffery Dean Morgan, TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”), a former member of the Watchmen group. Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley, “Semi-Pro”), one of the few masked vigilantes still working, quickly learns of his acquaintance’s death and spreads the word to the other former members, who may also be in danger.

The film then takes the next hour or so diving into the background of the Watchmen and their ideals.  Without question, the heart of the movie lies with The Comedian. Morgan creates a vivid character who adapts with the increasingly graphic world. As a supposed hero, he unflinchingly shoots down pregnant women and attempts to rape a crime-fighting partner. No matter how morally devoid he gets, I found myself caring the most for his character and his representation of society. He gives the rest of the Watchmen a reason to fight for a better world.

The rest of the actors create unique and individualistic characters, but rely heavily on their character’s subplots to keep them interesting. While Rorschach adds much-needed humor to the grim film, it is Dr. Manhattan and his teleportation and matter transforming powers that give the film its superhero feeling, though his flailing, glowing penis (or penises when he multiplied) didn’t feel all that necessary to development of the film.

All this said, director Zach Snyder (“300″) did a commendable job creating a unique film-going experience. His imaginative visuals and slow-motion action sequences engage a viewer better Michael Bay’s giant robots any day. Like any other director, though, he has his odd quirks that sometimes add to the experience or feel extremely out of place. For example, his song choice for The Comedian’s death, “Unforgettable”by Nat King Cole, adds a feeling of poetic justice that makes his brutal death a unique experience. On the other hand, his need to add somewhat awkward sex scenes, just for the sake of having sex, adds nothing to the film’s tone. I will admit, however, playing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”during a scene where two characters finally have sex for the first time is ingenious.

If the film of adaptation of “Watchmen”teaches us anything, it’s that maybe it is best to leave some of the world’s most praised written work in its original state. But if Hollywood has taught us anything, it is that that will never happen.

Jay Brissenden can be reached at jbrissenden@nevadasagebrush.com.

‘Watchmen’
Release Date: March 6
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Jakie Earle Haley, Jeffery Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson
Genre: Action, drama, fantasy
Rating: R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language.
Grade: C+

Related Posts:

• Repo Men: Futuristic thriller bleeds mediocrity
• A fan’s dismay at a hopeful film
• Nightmarish script plagues ‘Elm Street’
• The Losers: Comic adaptation balances plot, action
• Superhero story stronger than it seems