V for Vendetta

What describes a villain? Subconsciously, the first thought that comes to mind is a person who causes terror, who wilfully takes the lives of others with no sympathy or remorse for anyone other than themselves. If this is true, can the means and reasons of their actions justify their ends? It is easy to say no, that murder is murder and nothing makes it tolerable, but even so, in V for Vendetta we can not help but view V as a hero rather than an accomplice. Through his various humanly acts of love and affection we as audience grow attached to this havoc inflicting terrorist. The miraculous movie V for Vendetta beautifully captures your attention the whole way through changing your outlook on V after every step he takes. To me, a good movie is based upon whether it broadens your view on the life surrounding you or not, and this movie did exactly that. What makes this film so appealing are the controversies that arise with it, the fact that people can disagree on their outlooks and both sides still have valid reasons backing them up. The movie, and the characters in it, were relatable, loveable, and hateable.

A key element of narrative in this film is the excellent use of costumes. The idea behind never revealing V’s face adds to the mystery of his character and leaves it to each of our imaginations to picture our own V. By placing a face under the mask we would view him as more human and find his actions more intolerable, whereas now he is placed in a category almost above human, closer to hero. He would seem more average, regular, with a face revealed and I believe we would have lost respect for him. Not only is V hidden by the mask, but he creates a symbol out of it and adds importance to it. The mask exposes the importance of identity. The major issue with London’s society at the time is the constant fear they have of their surroundings. Though most are unhappy with the governments’ actions they think themselves useless and powerless as merely one person versus the government. They are afraid of getting hurt, afraid of failure, and afraid of death. What they need is belief, and that is exactly what the mask symbolizes. Beneath it, individuals gain a sense of strength, power, and most of all, mystery. Hidden by a layer of plastic gives them the opportunity to have an alternate identity, one in which they gain strength and unity and are no longer afraid to stand up but rather to stay still. It allows everyone to mask themselves and overlap their emotions with V’s courage and fearlessness.

This movie is here to open our eyes, to let us know the world is not as innocent as we believe. V makes me question my own morals as I doubt myself as to whether or not he is a villain or a hero. It irritates me that the plot of this film make me view terrorists around the world differently. One side of me wants to believe their human too and might have a story to back up their vengeance, while another,  larger, part knows it doesn’t change anything even if they do. The sole purpose we are able to look at V with love and admiration is due to our knowledge of his history and intentions. We are aware of the fact that the government has ruined his life by mutating his appearance, and for this reason V's anger at the government is transferred to our emotions, excusing his actions. Does this mean killing is okay if it comes with reason? While examining facts alone, V should be referred to what he really is, a murderer.  In essence, by justifying V we rationalize terrorists worldwide and belittle their acts. Though i thoroughly enjoyed this film and largely recommend it, i hope its plot forever remains a fantasy and fails to ignite in reality.