My thoughts about Watchmen...

Since every man and his pet rabbit appear to have been offering their opinions on Watchmen across the internet, I've decided to throw in my (spoiler free) tuppence worth, in case anyone hasn't yet read enough about it... It's not so much a review, more a collection of thoughts and wafflings about different aspects of it.

I'm in a structured mood today so it's in the form of a list, which is always a good place to start if you're me...

1) The film was never going to be as good as the novel. As a review I read recently pointed out, the masterpiece has already found its medium. I loved the novel - it was (and still is) completely unlike anything else I've ever read - a true piece of originality in a world that specialises in regurgitation. That's part of its beauty. Therefore that can't be recreated in an adaptation. However, the visuals really add something to certain elements and sections of the book. Fight scenes are brought to life through excellent choreography and characters enriched in the hands of skilled actors.

2) You can definately still enjoy the film if you haven't seen the book. Zack Snyder has achieved something remarkable in crafting something that the average cinema goer can appreciate, whilst still pleasing the cult fans. Although, I recommend reading this before going, just to give yourself a bit of background.

3) If you don't like violent films, don't see it. It doesn't shy away from the brutal violence from the novel. In fact, one of my main criticisms is that it (IMHO unnecessarily) added a few bits of (again IMHO gratuitous) violence in a couple of parts, where they were simply alluded to in the novel... The violence is generally handled well though, used to capture traits of the characters and the uncivilised world they're living in.

4) The opening sequence is one of the best I've ever seen. Bob Dylan plays over a montage of clips that beautifully set the scene for many of the forthcoming events. A masterful and subtle introduction of backstory to the uninitiated, and a elegant reminder for those familiar with the story.

5) The film is incredibly true to the book (apart from the ending). With scenes being noticeably lifted directly from page to screen, very little has been changed. The altered areas are handled skillfully and modified for good reason. I think the decision to remove the "Tales of the Black Freighter" animated sections from the theatrical release is an intelligent one, keeping the pacing up and the running time manageable. I'm also a fan of the new ending - the spirit and point of the original ending is retained, but with less need for large amounts of setup during the story and a bit of a WTF moment at the end...

6) The casting is 75% perfect. And I mean, perfect. The three standout leads for me were The Comedian, Rorschach and Nite Owl. Jeffrey Dean Morgan captures perfectly The Comedian's lack of regret or feeling for his actions, whilst retaining the audiences sympathy for his demise. Jackie Earle Haley is truly remarkable as the deeply disturbed Rorschach, a key character in the second half and narrator throughout. He captures the sadistic character perfectly, leaving the audience equally horrified at his actions, but rooting for him still. Patrick Wilson plays Nite Owl, the everyman of the group. His character is the most important connection between the audience and the Watchmen, as he is the one that people can identify with. I'm on the fence with Dr Manhattan - nothing to do with Billy Crudup - more an uncertainty about the effects I guess - something just didn't quite work. Malin Ackerman is ok, but outclassed by the others. The final key character, Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt didn't sit quite right either, but I'm struggling to decide as to whether this is the performance or the script. He never reaches that God-like status that the character in the book achieves. But to be honest, this is all just me being picky.

7) Visually, the film is stunning. The city looks grim and troubled, and believably inhabited rather than just a set. The special effects used fit in seamlessly, only marred bya few moments Dr Manhattan and Veidt's pet Lynx looking slightly out of place. Snyder's use of speed changing in some scenes is utilised to excellent effect, and the fight scenes are beautifully choreographed. It goes beyond simply doing justice to the art of the novel and takes it to a new level of excellence.

8) I am very glad they made it into a film. For years they claimed it was unfilmable, but Zack Snyder has proved the cynics wrong, and proved them wrong in astonishing style. The glee I felt at watching the initial fight scene unfold was undeniable. Seeing someone take something you love and craft it into something new with such care and respect is a great thing. Yes, it's not a flawless film. Yes, there are details I would change if given the choice. But I am also a very happy bunny. I've been thinking a lot about both the film and the story it tells over the last couple of days, and am itching to both re-read the novel and see the film again already.