better the second time around

Rating: 8/10 (11 August 2006)

i must have gone in the first time with really high expectations, 'cause i was a bit disappointed. but on DVD at home it was really a much richer experience. i have the say, the subtitling helped a bit -- the dialogue doesn't slow down for people in America, who would definitely have trouble with English vernacular and all the historical references. i'm a life-long Californian and i love it here, but let's face it, the educational standard for mainstream moviegoers is sub-par, at best.
the acting was great. it takes a lot of talent for someone to deliver as much emotional punch as Weaving does behind a mask. his delivery, intonations and gesticulations are masterful. (this assumes it really is him behind the mask at all times.) Portman is also good, but her English accent is forced at times, and makes her a bit stilted. Hurt as the High Chancellor, and Pigott-whatshisname as Creedy are outstanding. Rea as the detective / conscience of the people is great.
the set designs and production value are outstanding. visually it's a very rich film, using a full range of color to emphasize content. my favorite use of it probably was the narrative sequence when Portman is imprisoned and tortured.
i don't usually laud plot points. to me, film these days is much more about character and dialogue. but the plot here is intricate and well thought out, picking up pace at the right moments to keep you engaged. the fervor and maniacal devotion that V has to his goals could only be properly rendered with an equal amount of attention to detail, and the Wachowskis achieve that goal.
the editing wasn't right. there are several moments where a plot point or political concept has to breathe for a moment and sink in. it cuts too quick to the next scene; it's jarring. i'm too lazy to open another tab and find out who it was, but whoever you are, read Murch's book already.
for the people that don't like the domino scene: i didn't appreciate it much either, the first time around. with everything that's going on in the film, you wonder why V takes what must have been a ridiculous amount of time to build an elaborate pattern of dominos. obviously, it's a visual device to tie in with Rea's narration on connectivity. but, again, the second time around, things seem to fit better. i think, additionally, it shows V's obsession with detail, connectivity and coincidence. and it's a great visual to crosscut with Rea's character realizing that everything is linked.