V for Vendetta
James McTeigue's V for Vendetta proposes the idea that violence can be both oppressor and liberator. England's fascist regime, Norsefire, terrorises its citizens into conformity, whereas protagonist V uses the same principles of terror to establish freedom. The films metaphoric reference to historical people and events provides us with a key comparison tool. Through the use of camera work, dialogue and symbolism viewers are able to better understand this bizarre ideology.
Camera work allows us to observe Norsefire’s execution of violent scare tactics. In the opening of scene three, Evey is caught breaking a "yellow coded curfew" by fingermen. Viewers would expect Evey to be prosecuted accordingly, however a long shot showing Evey being smothered by the men proves otherwise. The suggestiveness of the men's positioning in this shot implies they intend to rape her. Norsefire’s odious campaign is not confined to harrying its citizens in alley ways. TV personality Gordon Dietrich witnesses the full brutality of his government after satirizing High Chancellor Adam Sutler on his show. Government officials systematically raid his house. A high angled medium shot depicts Gordon kneeling before his oppressor, the latter armed with a baton raised above his head. The angle illustrates the victim’s vulnerability and the amount of space allocated to the government official (Creedy?) suggests his power. Gordon is ultimately killed; his death a sublime message to the people. Camera works identifies that the key to Norsefire’s power is fear and fear is obtained through violence.
Carefully worded pieces of dialogue allow us to understand complex concepts. V discloses his intention to destroy parliament early in the film. He informs Evey that "Violence can be used for good... justice". Before we judge V for his lack of morality we must keep in mind he lives in darker times. The use of violence is the last hope for England and thus V's actions are understood. Yet how will
Camera work allows us to observe Norsefire’s execution of violent scare tactics. In the opening of scene three, Evey is caught breaking a "yellow coded curfew" by fingermen. Viewers would expect Evey to be prosecuted accordingly, however a long shot showing Evey being smothered by the men proves otherwise. The suggestiveness of the men's positioning in this shot implies they intend to rape her. Norsefire’s odious campaign is not confined to harrying its citizens in alley ways. TV personality Gordon Dietrich witnesses the full brutality of his government after satirizing High Chancellor Adam Sutler on his show. Government officials systematically raid his house. A high angled medium shot depicts Gordon kneeling before his oppressor, the latter armed with a baton raised above his head. The angle illustrates the victim’s vulnerability and the amount of space allocated to the government official (Creedy?) suggests his power. Gordon is ultimately killed; his death a sublime message to the people. Camera works identifies that the key to Norsefire’s power is fear and fear is obtained through violence.
Carefully worded pieces of dialogue allow us to understand complex concepts. V discloses his intention to destroy parliament early in the film. He informs Evey that "Violence can be used for good... justice". Before we judge V for his lack of morality we must keep in mind he lives in darker times. The use of violence is the last hope for England and thus V's actions are understood. Yet how will