Watchmen is a tough one. Directed by Zack Snyder, and adapted from Alan Moore’s graphic novel of the same name, the feature length movie runs for a whopping 162 minutes, which unfortunately causes the movie to drag along as it reaches the 100 minute mark. Clever writing weaves various plot lines into the main story in an attempt to carry viewers through the moments of low action, and the introduction of individual character stories – Rorschach, Dr Manhattan, Laurie, Daniel – enables a personal element that adds colour and depth to a simple story.
Set in the year of 1985, in an alternate earth, or, if you prefer, a parallel world, the superheros exist in a time where Richard Nixon is still president, where a rogue superhero was behind the assassination of JFK, and where heroes Dr Manhattan and The Comedian helped end the Vietnam War. Watchmen is set in a time much bleaker then ours, where the onset of World War Three threatens nuclear war on a global scale. Alongside the threats of WW3 is the sub plot involving members of the superhero world. Essentially, someone is hunting down the superheros of a time gone by, members from the original Minute-men, and the new group, the Watchmen. Introverted Watchmen member Rorschach, disenchanted by the state of the world, takes it upon himself to warn the remaining heroes, and uncover the truth behind their fall from grace.
At times, the story is a little hard to follow, but repeat viewings make this task easier. The intricate detail in the many interwoven plot lines creates a curious atmosphere, and the constant shifting between character stories requires a keen eye from viewers if they hope to keep up. Despite this obvious flaw, the constant shift between stories creates a highly engaging film, where viewers are given every opportunity to connect with various characters.
Rorschach’s (Walter Kovacs, played by Jackie Earle Haley) story takes him to a prison in a state of riot, where he must fight the very criminals he put behind bars. Laurie (superhero Silk Spectre 2, played by Malin Akerman) and Daniel (superhero Night Owl 2, played by Patrick Wilson) combine their strengths to free Rorschach, once again donning their super hero costumes in hopes to stop the upcoming war. Dr Manhattan (played by Billy Crudup), the only superhero with real super powers, is at once the cause of, and solution to, the upcoming war. His story is engaging, but his state of mind and inherent lack of faith in humanity makes him, at times, hard to relate to. Submerged within these stories is The Comedian, otherwise known as Edward Blake (played by Jeffery Dean Morgan), the first superhero we see, the first to be killed in the war against super heroes. We also follow the story of Adrian Veidt, once known as the super hero Ozymandias, now the number one businessman of the new world.
The adaptation from graphic novel to feature film was quite successful, as the film follows the original story closely. Dedicated fans of the original work may be put off by the alternate ending, but those who haven’t read the original graphic novel should be pleased at how well rounded the finale is, and at how well individual plot lines come together. In truth, the ending was most likely changed in order to bring the 1980s novel into a more modern era. Audiences have changed dramatically since this time, and are now more aware of, and more frequently annoyed by, a “blame it all on aliens” ending, such as it was in the original form. The current film ending is perhaps more suitable to today’s informed audiences.
Overall, Watchmen is a well written, well directed film. The subplots weave effortlessly together to enhance a rather simple story, adding depth to characters and story lines alike. Special Effects and CGI are never overused, except perhaps when creating the character of Dr Manhattan. Clever editing in opening scenes enable viewers to accept the state of the parallel 1985, with traditional footage from historical events manipulated slightly to show how small events changed the history of the world. These tiny details combine to create a highly entertaining and thought provoking film, offering commentary on the current state of humanity, and the possible outcomes that face us if nothing changes. Four Stars.