Awe Inspired "Watchmen"

Rating: 9/10 (12 March 2009)

In Zack Snyder's "Watchmen" the hero is flawed, very human, not necessarily noble, and perhaps more an artifact of whose side he stands. "Watchmen" is mesmerizing and compelling. Snyder ("300") emerges as one of the premiere action directors and storytellers with a distinctive visual style. When Watchmen Rorschach (powerful Jackie Earle Haley) is interviewed by the prison psychiatrist, he confesses, "God doesn't make the world this way. We do." "Watchmen" has amazing gravitas. In "Watchmen" evils prevails in the world, and exists within its heroes.
'Watchmen" is heroic tragedy in the struggle of questionable good against evil. The screenplay by David Hayter ("X-Men") and Alex Tse is based on the beloved graphic novel by Alan Moore that was illustrated by Dave Gibbons. "Time Magazine" named "Watchmen" as one the 100 Greatest Novels of the 20th Century. Set in an alternate 1985 where Richard Nixon has been President for 25 years, the threat of Cold War is very real with the Soviet Union. Superheroes are part of the American culture, until Nixon passes a law outlawing their masks.
In "Watchmen" most of the superheroes have no superpowers, except for Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) who is a shredded naked blue skinned man who can control matter, space, and time. At a story arc his lover Laurie/ Silk Spectre II (stunning Malin Akerman) asks Jon (Dr. Manhattan) to save the world. Jon replies, "Why would I save a world I no longer have a stake in?" The god-like Dr. Manhattan has forfeited all his humanity.
These heroes are not necessarily good people. The Comedian/ Edward Blake (stark and amazing Jeffery Dean Morgan) is a cold blooded killer and misogynist. Rorschach (Haley) is a sociopath. Androgynous billionaire Adrian Veidt (charismatic Matthew Goode) is the "outted" superhero Ozymadias, who fancies himself as a modern day Alexander the Great. Dan (vulnerable Patrick Wilson) is the conflicted hero Nite Owl. Laurie Jupiter's (Malin Akerman) mother Sally (tragic Carla Gugino) is a bitter drunk hiding a dark secret. The nobility of "Watchmen" is that each has to act heroically in the face of their failings.
So "Watchmen" are great fighters with amazing martial arts prowess. Dannon Caro and Richard Cetrone craft visually explosive fight sequences. However, "Watchmen" apparently like the graphic novel is more than its action. 'Watchmen" is really a murder mystery that leads to an insidious global conspiracy in this grand morality play.
The relentless hero seeking the truth is Rorschach (Haley), who wears a mask with morphing ink blot patterns, possessing unequaled force of will and fighting prowess. Deep personal suffering and genius haunt sociopath Rorschach's quest and existence. He is crazy; however, there is something so noble. Haley's portrayal is electrifying. Uncovering the truth, Rorschach says, "Never compromise! Not even in the face of Armageddon." The paradox: Rorschach will kill evil men without mercy, but for him the ends can never justify the means.
"Watchmen" opens with the vicious murder of The Comedian (Morgan). Blake concedes, "It's just a matter of time, I suppose." Rorschach wonders if this is the first in the plot kill off the Watchmen, and pleads for Dan (Wilson) to help. Dan is no longer in the game. He meets with Veidt (Goode), who dismisses Rorschach as paranoid. In the meantime Rorschach reunites with Dr. Manhattan (Crudup) and Laurie (Akerman). Jon is obsessed in his work with Veidt to change the world; at the same time isolating himself from Laurie. Laurie eventually finds comfort and solace with Dan, who is a good man. For both there is a visceral sexual thrill in superhero.
Amidst the melodrama on earth and Mars, Rorschach follows the murder trail that reveals a heinous conspiracy. To that end Zack Snyder weaves an astonishing tale. My bud Ron is a huge "Watchmen" fan. He said that Snyder delivers about a 95% faithful translation. The outcome was altered from the book; however, he said that "Watchmen" retains its spirit and emotional resonance.
Snyder generates amazing performances from Haley and Morgan. All the performances are strong. Matthew Goode is a surprise as Veidt, who has the right balance of duplicity and nobility. Malin Akerman is commanding and sexy as Laurie. Patrick Wilson infuses great humanity in Dan. The compelling story, strong performances, and stunning visuals result in an awesome "Watchmen".