Timeless.

I read Watchmen in my teens in the early 1990’s. Over the years I read about the possible adaptations of the film, just as many Watchmen fans. But a film never materialized, until now. When I was 16 I gave a copy to my valued art teacher who have not read comics before. She thought it was great and never new comics could be as such. The fact was, comics on the whole, were not as such but it was Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons who put this epic piece of work on the map.

I watched it on the opening day and have been to see it again. I have not went to see a film twice in the cinema since Jurassic Park back in 1993. I’m apprehensive to call it fantastic. The film is viewed in perceived in many ways. The first of which is from the original Watchmen fans. The book that is dubbed, ‘unfilmable’ from it’s creator, Alan Moore. Alan Moore, after the other shambles of adaptation to screen of his works V for Vendetta and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen refused to have anything to do with Watchmen and agreed to have all royalties forwarded to co creator Dave Gibbons. The second perception would be from people who have no idea of the book, of it’s history, of it’s gravitas and the struggle of bringing it the screen.

It has been noted not only did Zach Snyder endeavoured to remain faithful to the story and design, but in his intentions of faithfulness- failed to adapt it to the screen- and THIS- is what is curious.

For myself, it was great to see Watchmen brought alive. The actors brought life into the characters we have known for over 20 years on pages. I think it not only brought them to life, but gave them a dimension in reality that was contained in the comic book format.

Many, including once attached director Terry Gillingham said that it was better as a mini series considering it’s original length and depth. And although I agree that it perhaps would have fulfilled it’s original detail in a series, I think it would have lost the violence, the verve and cinematic magic the film had. Even in a series, it could not have contained the detail the book had- only the book has that- it’s a piece of work that is what it is supposed to be- a book.

Saying that, the adaptation tries religiously hard to maintain as much elements as the book- going so far as a line for line dialogue and using the book as a storyboard- which as far as I know- has not been attempted before. Casting no A list stars though still with a $120 mil budget.

It’s got enough cinematic sound and visuals to discern it from the comic and uses it well. Bob Dylan’s ‘Times They Are a Changing’ plays as the opening sequence telling the back story of the original ‘Minute Men’ is great, Nostalgic and in my own feeling, sad, human and a reflection of those times. Philip Glass’s ‘Pruit Igoe & Prophecies’ plays for Doc Manhattan’s reminiscing of time which resonates of Kubrick’s 2001. Nat King Cole’s ‘Unforgettable’ plays as the Comedian is beaten to a pulp and thrown out the window- a device used since Scorsese for Goodfellas.

I was particularly surprised at the empathy Billy Crudup brought to the largely CGI’d character of Doc Manhatten. Except for his outburst at the TV studio, he remains largely an observer of human activity but actually comes across as dualistic as the other human characters. His performance made me feel sorry for him, which I never did in the comic.

Rorshach was given voice by Jack Earle Haley and is excellent. His movement and side swagger as he walks is great. A sociopath with unbending integrity who drives for the truth and the justice earns a respect.

I am disappointed by the response of some people who have no idea of the book and subscribe to the illusion that Watchmen the film is just another superhero movie. It is not.

At two and half hours long, it's actually too short. Adding another 30 minutes correctly, would have made it close to a masterpeice. I hope they have a director's cut in the DVD.

There are so many things I can add about the film but needless to say, I liked it. They made a great film and Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, created a great book. Go watch.

- J