Book and Film - Two sides of the same coin

Rating: 8/10 (19 March 2006)

As are a lot of people I am a big fan of the book of V for Vendetta. When I heard that a film was going to be made I was a little bit worried - a classic comic book made into a film? So many times this has happened in the past and so many times disappointment has followed. So, when the film finally arrived, it was with some trepidation I paid my money and took my seat....
As usual, the film makers decide to leave things out and put some of their own stuff in. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. My wife hadn't read the book and was able to enjoy the film as a "standalone" piece, whereas I had read the original episodes published in Warrior and in the subsequent DC/Vertigo effort where I was able to complete my reading. My wife loved the film, and I must say, so did I. Although the film makers saw fit to do their thing and fiddle about, they did retain the spirit and the intent of the book. The acting is to a high standard and I'm certain that Hugo Weaving paid a lot of attention to the books and in my mind became "V".
As I say - film and comic, two sides of the same coin. The film, whilst not a perfect copy of the book, it does endeavour to remain faithful to the ideal and in the end, ends up in the same place. Sometimes, arriving is as important as th journey.