An Underrated Graphic Novel Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2014)

Director Zack Snyder did the impossible when he made "Watchmen". The critically acclaimed 1980s graphic novel the film is based off had been once been deemed "unfilmable." As I myself had read the graphic novel beforehand, I wondered how the complex and layered storyline of the novel would translate onto the screen. But as the end credits rolled before my eyes, I realized that my worries had been nonsensical, for Snyder had created one of the best superhero films of all time.
Before I go any further into my review, I must say that I fully recommend reading the graphic novel first. It makes the film infinitely better and one is able to catch many small details throughout the film. Another recommendation I make is watching the Director's Cut (which I did for the review) or The Ultimate Cut. They both contain more scenes from the graphic novel, including the death of a notable character.
Now, as I continue with my review, I must applaud the film's soundtrack. Featuring tracks such as Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", "Watchmen"'s soundtrack is fantastic and one-of-a- kind, considering that fact that it's for a comic book movie. An opening credits scene set to the tune of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is downright incredible as well.
The majority of the performances deserve praise as well. Jackie Earle Haley gives the performance of a lifetime as the vigilante Rorschach. After watching his performance, I can't imagine anyone else wearing the ever-changing inkblot mask. Patrick Wilson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are superb as Nite Owl II and The Comedian. Billy Crudup and Malin Akerman also do a great job bringing their characters, Dr. Manhattan and Silk Spectre II to life. However, if the film does have a minor flaw, it's the casting of Matthew Goode in the role of Ozymandias. He is in no way bad, but sometimes lacks the screen presence that the world's smartest man commands.
However, we now move on the plot, which unlike most adaptations, has remained mostly intact on film. The changes that have been made (particularly in the final act) do not hinder the film, and are ultimately for the better. Some of the graphic novel's content is just too weird for the big screen, but the changes made keep the spirit. In fact, I would dare say that "Watchmen" is one of the most faithful adaptations I've ever seen. Although I feared that some of the best scenes from the graphic novel might not have included for whatever reason, the scenes were all there, and just as thrilling. If you've read the graphic novel, the plot keeps you just as enthralled, as the mystery is slowly uncovered.
Props must again be given to Zack Snyder for doing the impossible and bringing the world of Alan Moore's fantastic graphic novel to life. The approaching peak of the Cold War and the countdown of the Doomsday Clock give the film a sense of background tension that stays with us until the conclusion closes. The world is interesting and visually striking, as it imagines a world where superheroes have existed for nearly 50 years. In the same way that Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons made "Watchmen" appear unique and unlike any other graphic novel, Snyder has done the same thing with the film, making it stand out in a crowded genre.
"Watchmen" is, without a doubt, Zack Snyder's masterpiece. A masterful adaptation of an already superb graphic novel, "Watchmen" is unlike no other superhero movie. Deftly blending an iconic soundtrack with a complex, layered plot featuring some great performances and some visceral action sequences, "Watchmen" is one of the greatest superhero films out there.
And yet, even five years after its release, "Watchmen" is still massively underrated. If you've already seen "The Dark Knight" and you're looking for a thought-provoking film that has people dressed up in costumes, than look no further. "Watchmen" is your best bet.
10/10