12th June 2017

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta, is a dystopian film based on the graphic novel “V for Vendetta”, set twenty years in the future, that follows the anti hero ‘V’. The corrupt government, ‘Norsefire’, has taken control of the country, and V has decided that it needs to change. He needs to serve justice and reveal the truth to the public about who their government is. James McTeigue’s film shows, through two key scenes, that ideas are invincible and hold so much power. V himself represents an idea, and through him, we can see that ideas are too strong to be shut down and suppressed. The domino and final fight scene, are two which have been crafted in a way that demonstrates that “ideas are bulletproof”. This is shown through the techniques symbolism, dialogue and camera shots.

The domino scene is an important and significant scene in the film. It is towards the end, where Inspector Finch starts to piece together V’s plan and V’s story. In this scene the use of dialogue and symbolism work together to portray Mcteigue’s intention which is the power of ideas. We see a montage of past, present and future events which is followed alongside the Inspector’s dialogue. While seeing these events, the camera also shows V setting up dominos in the shape of a ‘V’. This leads to the climax of the scene, where V knocks down a single domino that triggers the rest of them into falling and crashing into each other. During Inspector Finch’s dialogue, he talks about all the pieces of the puzzle, all of the events which have and haven’t occurred leading up to this day. “I suddenly had this feeling, that everything was connected. Like I could see the whole thing…” The dominos and being built and rebellion is starting. The use of showing us the dominos being set up while Finch is talking, makes the viewer interested as to what is going to happen. We are on edge as we see each domino being laid out, being made into a large ‘V’ on the floor. The dominos are a representation of the people in the UK. They have all been affected by V’s small touch. When he knocks over the first one, the rest follow. As we see each domino fall in slow motion, the camera flicks to show riots and anarchy infecting through out the city. It shows the true impact of V and what his idea has done to so many people. This is where Finch’s dialogue stops to give the full impact of what is happening. He stops mid sentence, “And then Sutler will be forced to do the only thing he knows how to do. At which point, all V needs to do is keep his word, and then…” V flicks the first domino, telling us what is going to happen without Finch finishing what he was saying. They start to fall, getting faster as more and more people protest and create anarchy. The use of the two techniques together has heightened the viewers experience, instead of us just seeing Finch whilst he is talking, and presented Mcteigue’s intention. V himself is represented as an idea, so when he flicks the first domino, the viewer can see that his idea has a huge impact on the whole population in the UK. The viewer feels powerful from V’s actions. He has been able to challenge the norm and make something so small into something huge. The director has intentionally created this scene to show that a small idea can go very far. You just need to persist and stay true, and that idea can take you far. Even if the idea is something which stands against the norm and against societies views, it can still influence people and they will stand with you to make a significant change.

The final fight scene in the film represents V’s last duty in his battle for freedom. In this part of the film, we hear a speech from the Chancellor for the whole country. It plays on every T.V, yet we see that no one is listening. V has come to meet with Mr Creedy and his body guards in a train station for an exchange. Instead, V swiftly and gracefully fights the 12 guards and is able to kill them all before he reaches Creedy, where he is killed. This scene uses the two techniques, dialogue and camera angles to show how ideas can not be submissive. Once V has killed the guards, he starts to run to Creedy. He tries to stop V by shooting him, “Die! Die! Why won’t you die?! Why won’t you die?” At this point the camera is shot inside the gun, looking at V through the barrel where the bullets have just been shot. The bullets have no effect on V, he keeps moving forward towards Creedy. When V reaches Creedy, he replies “Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask is an idea, Mr Creedy. And ideas are bulletproof!” V then strangles Creedy and cracks his neck against the wall. The use of this camera angle, inside the barrel of the gun, proves that V is an idea and he is bullet proof. After everyone has tried to push him over and stop him, he is still able to stay standing and make his idea known. We See V though the barrel two times, both straight after a bullet has been shot at him. We see no harm to V, he ignores the bullets and carries out what he started. After this shot, is when V states what he is and how powerful he is. These two techniques have worked together to show that ideas can not be stopped by a person, ideas are too powerful and too strong. V has just been shot, but the idea in him has taken over, and bullets can not stop it. The idea is too dominant and it can not be silenced. The viewer empathises with V during this scene. He has worked so hard, only to find more people trying to stop him. When the viewer looks down the barrel of the gun, they see the true power of V and what he can do. V is a a representation of all ideas from anyone. The viewer feels connected to V because of what he portrays. When V finally kills Creedy, the viewer feels empowered through him. He has been able to overcome everything that he has faced and been able to create hope. His idea has changed the way that people think and act, it lit a fuse which started a whole revolution. This scene has been utilised to show how much of in impact one idea has. If your idea is something important to you, and you believe in it, you should fight for it. There will be people who will not agree with you and people who put-down your ideas, but you need to push through and maintain your stance. Doing so will make sure that you are heard and your idea will be recognised. An idea can not be muted or broken, they are strong and have the power to change the perspective of so many people.

The film V for Vendetta has been crafted fantastically by James McTeigue. It shows the true power of ideas and the impact that they can have on people. McTeigue has designed two scenes which especially demonstrates this theme. It has been conveyed through the techniques symbolism, dialogue and camera shots. These have helped the director tell the audience his idea and what his point of view is. I think that this film is very influential to the audience and their opinions on ideas.

Join the conversation! 1 Comment

  1. You mention dialogue in the Domino scene, but give no specific examples of it.

    Ensure task particulars are met in body paras (alongside specifics of cinematography techniques):
    – Director intention
    – Position of the viewer through the techniques
    – Worldview

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