It took over two decades, but Alan Moore's masterpiece of a graphic novel has finally been given the silver screen treatment. Now that it's finally here, the question becomes, does Watchmen succeed? Is Zack Snyder, of 300 fame, able to properly convey what is likely the most complex graphic novel ever conceived in under three hours of screen time? I can happily report that the answer to these questions is a resounding "Yes."
As in any literary adaptation, cuts were made. And no doubt some of these cuts will hit fans hard. Several major characters are given little more than a sliver of screen time. The unpleasant fate of another is completely excised from the film. And of course, the ending has been altered considerably. These are bitter pills for fans of the graphic novel, including myself, to swallow. However, in order to make the film palatable for a major audience and justify the extensive budget, as well as avoid a six hour run time, cuts were necessary. And thankfully, Snyder seemed to know when to put down the knife, so to speak. Yes, this is an abridged version of Watchmen, but it is still Watchmen, and despite the cries of spoiled fan boys, I think that Zack Snyder and company have managed to make the most faithful adaptation possible. That's not to say it's perfect, but adapting a story such as this to the big screen is a monumental task. The narrative jumps from character to character and decade to decade. There are book excerpts and comic excerpts. And of course there is the matter of an alternate reality where Richard Nixon is serving his fourth term in 1985 and the Americans handily won the Vietnam war. So the fact that Watchmen made it to the screen at all, let alone manage to keep its spirit intact, is a feat worth celebrating.
Zack Snyder did a great job with the characters as well as the oppressive, corroding atmosphere of New York City in this alternate, almost otherworldly version of 1985. Much credit is due to the actors and actresses who brought these previously static images to life. Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach and Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl II both do wonderful work and allow two of the most pivotal characters to really shine. Without these bravura performances the film would falter greatly. Billy Crudup has the difficult task of becoming Dr. Manhattan and he does just that. Matthew Goode has a different take on the all-knowing Ozymandias, but I feel it works well in the context of the film and helps to set apart the so-called "smartest man on the planet" from the rest of his costumed cohorts. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is also quite good as the twisted and morally depraved Comedian while only Malin Ackerman falters as Silk Spectre II. It's not that she is terrible, just that I was hoping for something more. Her character lacks the depth imbued within the pages of the novel and I would be lying if I said it wasn't a minor disappointment. Still, she acquits herself quite well in the action scenes, and after reading so many negative reviews of her performance, I found it to be better than I anticipated.
The budget was reportedly around $120 million, but it looks like twice as much. The cinematography, special effects, and music are all worth noting and although Snyder went a little overboard with his love of speed-ramping during the action sequences, they are thrilling all the same. It should also be noted that Watchmen is not for the kiddies, as anyone who has read the novel can attest. There is graphic violence and sex, and I do mean graphic. There are a few instances where the violence seems a bit gratuitous but to say any more would be to spoil some of the fun. The new ending is a difficult topic to breach without giving everything away. I didn't have a problem with the new alternative approach that Snyder and Co. took as I felt it managed to convey close to the same themes as the book. That being said, the execution left a bit to be desired. Anyone who has read the novel knows about the six full-page panels which open the final chapter. These iconic images are nowhere to be found in the film, and although I suppose I can understand why they were excluded, it doesn't mean I have to like it. Also, one thing I simply must mention is the make-up used for President Nixon. It is simply awful to the point of being distracting and I literally winced every time he was onscreen. There is also a very regrettable soundtrack choice which noticeably detracts from a key scene in the film.
Counting myself as an avid fan of the graphic novel I came into the film with tempered enthusiasm and I left feeling as though I had seen a great representation of this classic and powerful story. It's definitely not perfect and it's definitely not for everyone. Newcomers may have a hard time understanding it all and they will certainly be missing out on many of the wonderful details that so fully immersed readers in the Watchmen universe. The DVD release promises to reintroduce nearly an hour of footage and I have no doubt that this will improve the film as an adaptation. All that said, I strongly recommend Watchmen for fans and newcomers alike. It is a masterpiece of fiction that has been transferred to the big screen very much in keeping with its original form and that alone is a triumph. 4 out of 5 stars. (For fans of the novel who don't mind the altered ending - 4.5 out of 5 stars.)
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