Review: 'V for Vendetta' ... and Vacuous

March 17, 2006 — -- Lots of controversy surrounds "V for Vendetta," where the hero is either a terrorist or a revolutionary, and the enemy is a parallel London 20 years from now that's become a fascist dictatorship.

Scheduled to open last year, the film was postponed after the real London subway bombings. The Wachowski brothers, the filmmakers who gave us "The Matrix," have tried to make an important political statement. I guess they get points for trying.

The largely British cast turns in excellent performances. Natalie Portman, out after curfew, is manhandled by the 21st century English Gestapo when V (Hugo Weaving, Agent Smith from "The Matrix") saves her life.

"This country stands on the edge of oblivion," says John Hurt as the High Chancellor, addressing a cadre of yes-men. "I want everyone to remember why they need us."

Hurt's lines are right out of Orwell, and half of "V for Vendetta," is "1984." That's the Wachowskis' intent, and it's good filmmaking with a powerful message. They're giving us a serious warning against fascism and totalitarianism.

Still, "V for Vendetta," based on a graphic novel, is sabotaged by its second half, which is more like "V" for vacuous. By the end, it's "1984" meets "The Phantom of the Opera."