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V for Vendetta

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Submitted By KateBites
Words 716
Pages 3
Kate Bordley
Writing and Inquiry
Cole
6 December 2012

While watching a movie, we often don’t tend to observe some of the deeper meanings that are hidden within the use of themes and symbols. A movie that I saw for the first time, V For Vendetta, blew my mind when I started analyzing it deeper. The movie is based around the idea of social change and revolution. The main character, V, can only be considered a ‘terrorist’ despite the well meaning he has behind his actions. This movie has fans in great numbers due to our ability to relate with V. His charisma shows through making him seemingly charming and dramatic. The movie is a symbol of rebellion, the possibility of a simple idea changing the world. As I watched the movie, a theme of terrorism seemed to arise. V is made to be likable yet he is doing anti government actions and behaving in a way that we would usually be more resilient against and brutal towards. The idea that V is fighting against an all-controlling government helps us accept that V is technically a good guy, fighting for freedom like the United States. Another common theme throughout the film is lies and deception. The government shields the truth from the public, even though they know it couldn’t possibly be true. For example, when they lie about the blowing up of the statue in the beginning. The government continues to lie about the state of danger the country is in by showing inaccurate news reports of officers shooting their own peers who happened to be dressed like V, but the government portrays the fallen officer as V, himself. The use of lies in the story line only continues when V takes Evey by false imprisonment. V portrays himself as the government, as he beats her, tortures her, and convinces her to fall in love with someone she thinks is real. The use of lies, in my opinion, is to show the influence of a single idea from one person, to another person’s reality, such as the control of the government. My personal opinion of this movie might not be very influential but I do think highly of this movie. I have noticed that every year on November 5th, there are numerous status updates on Facebook quoting the line “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November”. I think this movie stands for freedom, at a higher rate, in the young adult groups; blossoming from the idea that rebelling against such a force is possible. This movie has a stellar story line and clever characters. I find myself rooting for V in his mission of revolution for the world. I also find myself in agreement with the values V stands for. He comes across as a future Robin Hood, but in the way of destroying what the rich possess and giving power back to the masses. If I had to recommend this movie to someone, I definitely would. It seems to reach audiences of all different age ranges. I enjoy the cinematic features of this movie that have been used. Considering I possess knowledge of the analysis needed for camera angles, thanks to a senior credit course in high school. V For Vendetta follows perfect mise-en-scene throughout each scene. Mise-en-scene is the arrangement of objects in the scene. An example of this technique is used in the beginning, when V meets Evey; the alley way is dark and filthy representing the political corruption. V stands well lit and centered in the frame, a focus on how he symbolizes freedom and truth. Another technique I noticed while watching the film was the use of sound throughout the plot. When V takes Evey to the top of the building and plays music through the speakers, Beethoven’s Overture, this represents the idea of freedom that V stands for. This movie has also received many awards as well. In 2006, V For Vendetta won ‘Best Production Design’ at the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards. It has been nominated for numerous cinematic awards, showing it’s great success. This movie is one for the ages, containing the elements needed to fulfill any moviegoers’ wants list. This movie is brilliantly done, making the analysis process fun and dissecting.

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