So, I saw Watchmen on Saturday, after weeks of anticipation. I should point out that I’ve not been a fan of the graphic novel for years and years. In fact, I only finished reading it for the first time about two months ago. Yes, it’s been out for over twenty years, but I’d not read it. Surprisingly, I had not been spoiled on any plot point in those twenty years, either. So I went into the book with a clean perspective.
Of course, I loved the graphic novel. I had known that it was a very layered story, with depth upon depth, and it delivered. It wasn’t a superhero story — well, it was, but it wasn’t, and it was the ways that it wasn’t that made it the story that it was.
That’s convoluted. But that’s also proof that it’s no simple story. So how did the movie do?
It’s a very heavy movie. It’s got action for those of you who like action. It’s got a bit of a love story for those who like love stories.
But it’s a movie that you really need to sit and think about Even a day later, I’m thinking about it.
If you loved the look of the comic, you’ll love the look of the movie. There are shots that are (for better or for worse) directly lifted from the comic. Sure, the costumes are restyled, but you’ll recognize the world from the novel instantly. You’ll recognize characters, themes, and even some of the injokes.
But if you’re a fan of the novel, you’ll definitely be wanting more. I would see characters on the street and think “Oh, hey, that’s insert character name!” And I would want them to delve into their side story… and the movie doesn’t.
It can’t. It’s about 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and you can’t tell the full story of Watchmen in that short a time. You just can’t. You can’t get all the back story and the thematic additions without a 12 part mini-series.
Maybe not even then.
But the movie tries hard, and it succeeds mostly. Some of the changes from the book worked… some didn’t. The changed ending worked for a while, then after discussing it with friends, I found myself unsatisfied with it. I loved the soundtrack, and the opening credits were a work of pure beauty.
I’m sure my review is one of hundreds and won’t do much to sway you one way or the other. Let’s just put it this way — if you loved Watchmen, you owe it to yourself to see it. Just don’t expect everything you loved about it in there.