It’s tough. I still haven’t gotten over it. “Watchmen” was a disappointment. For as many things as it did right (the opening credit sequence, the Dr. Manhattan flashback, the adherence to so much of the book) there are as many things that were just deal-killers (the fetishized violence, the slo-mo “cool” factor, the bland performances).
I even rented “Tales From the Black Freighter” last night and watched the DVD “documentary” that’s included on the disc called “Under the Hood.” (It’s based on a supplement of the graphic novel.) My conclusion? “Under the Hood” was a complete mixed bag with a couple of inspired moments (mostly due to its meticulous recreation of a 1970s news magazine) and some more bad acting and laughable dialogue. (I’m sorry, Carla Gugino, but your character just isn’t convincing at all. And the guy that play’s Rorschach’s psychiatrist? He’s saddled with the worst line in either the movie or the companion DVD: “I really do hope that I’m able to psychoanalyze one of these masked heroes someday. That would be something.” Really? Do they think we’re twelve?)
“Tales From the Black Freighter” is well done, but without being used as a parallel story, there’s not much point. The narrative doesn’t comment on anything. After all, “Watchmen” the graphic novel achieved what it achieved because it pushed the limits of its own unique art form.
Comic Stripjoint contributor and Kansas City artist Daniel Spottswood summed it up perfectly (including my denial reflex that tells me I’ll get over it someday and just enjoy the film) in this comic-strip “Watchmen” review from Rorschach’s perspective:
Who plays the role of Sweet Pea in “Sucker Punch”?
Eric is the Editor-in-Chief of Scene-Stealers.com and writes for The Pitch. He’s former President of the KCFCC, and drummer for The Dead Girls, Ultimate Fakebook, and Truck Stop Love . He is also Air Guitar World Champion Mean Melin. Eric goes to 11. Follow him at:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
What!! You wanted Brad Fucking Pitt to play Rorschach! Go hang yourself! Although I do think you were joking.
Watchmen was amazing, but had a lot of turnoffs. If it stayed true to the comic, it would have missed its demographic completely and become an indie-pulp film for the few dedicated fans in New York and LA, leaving the comic and its original message buried in the back of Borders Books somewhere where the masses would never discover it. Instead, now it’s on the Hot shelf at ever book store and everyone will read the comic, spreading its original message far and wide. The cheap violence and porno sex scenes were for the 17-25 year old wank-offs who expect that kind of bs from a movie by the guy who did 300 because of Leonidas’ patootie scene. They just literally saw The Dark Knight like a second ago, that’s what most ppl are going to be comparing it to, whether we like it or not.
What!! You wanted Brad Fucking Pitt to play Rorschach! Go hang yourself! Although I do think you were joking.
Watchmen was amazing, but had a lot of turnoffs. If it stayed true to the comic, it would have missed its demographic completely and become an indie-pulp film for the few dedicated fans in New York and LA, leaving the comic and its original message buried in the back of Borders Books somewhere where the masses would never discover it. Instead, now it’s on the Hot shelf at ever book store and everyone will read the comic, spreading its original message far and wide. The cheap violence and porno sex scenes were for the 17-25 year old wank-offs who expect that kind of bs from a movie by the guy who did 300 because of Leonidas’ patootie scene. They just literally saw The Dark Knight like a second ago, that’s what most ppl are going to be comparing it to, whether we like it or not.
I think the joke was that Rorschach himself wanted to be played by Pitt or Depp. I agree that it’s great at least that the movie has inspired people to buy the book. I just wish it was inspiring people because it was a groundbreaking film, not a disappointing one.
I think the joke was that Rorschach himself wanted to be played by Pitt or Depp. I agree that it’s great at least that the movie has inspired people to buy the book. I just wish it was inspiring people because it was a groundbreaking film, not a disappointing one.
I never read the book, but I liked the movie alot.
I never read the book, but I liked the movie alot.