Presentation on V for Vendetta.

Genre

What is genre?

It refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative elements from which films are constructed. Codes and conventions are what makes a film, e.g. Mise-en-scene, location, props, etc.

V for Vendetta is an action packed thriller with a subtle hint of Sci Fi. It was influenced by a British comic book which contained black and white reprints. Black and white creates a 'film noir' style which is a cinematic term used to describe crime dramas, therefore this particular style fits perfectly well with the genre.

This film is basically a modern interpretation of the story of Guy Fawkes. Fawkes was a member of the
Roman Catholic Revolutionaries from England, and he planned to carry out a plot to destroy the English Parliament Building in 1605. This plot is similar to the plot that V plans to carry out against a fictional totalitarian regime that has taken over the British Government.

Another inspiration could be Hamlet, there is reference to the character in this film, and it is a play which vividly portrays real and feigned madness which explore themes of revenge and moral corruption.

Character

He is unknown; you don't know what he looks like, what his real name is, or even his background. This creates a very mysterious atmosphere and it forces us as an audience to decide for ourselves whether he is sane/psychotic? A hero/villain? It doesn't conform to other mainstream films as they usually have a hero or villain and this does not confirm what specific role he plays, even at the end when usual endings unravel all of the problems and questions.

V is a mysterious masked revolutionary who follows the conventional superhero look. As the setting progressed, so did the character's development - V gave a bad impression at the start of the film, rebelling against the government but as the film developed, he became a heroic anarchist. He lives in 'The Shadow Gallery' which is built underground, this suggests that he is a very secretive character which makes him even more mysterious. The way V acts can also be labelled as a 'transsexual terrorist' who represents all oppressed minorities.

V's attire is very unusual; it consists of a cape, a wig and a mask. He wears his mask throughout the film in order to conceal his identity. It is his identity that the world knows and identifies. He is fairly ambiguous in his identity and the mask is very symbolic as it is used to create an impression in people because it is haunting. It also makes the audience feel uncomfortable and edgy. And whenever you see him or his mask, we would logically expect trouble to be following behind him.

There is also another main character, Evey. She helps V and they have chemistry as the film develops. You can use Propp's theory and apply it to the characters. Evey is quite clearly V's princess as she cares for him and is there for him throughout the film, even when he intentionally tortured her. Propp's theory can suggest that it is going to be an action film as the hero fights against evil and battles through obstacles that are in his/her way from reaching his/her goal.

Mise-en-scene

Weapons are used throughout the film. The knives are significant as it is a part of V's costume. Explosives play a big role in the film as it is the build up to November 5th. The 1812 Overture is used to play diegetically in the background whilst the explosion is present which contrasts and challenges the conventions of the genre. A drug is also a weapon as it is used to kill several people in connection with V's past. A red rose is used as a prop, it is a symbol of V and he leaves these at the crime scene after he has killed someone. The colour

red symbolises death and vengeance.

The film begins with an elaborate, violent, theatrical campaign. An eerie atmosphere is immediately portrayed as it is created by the use of gritty scenes; narrow streets, close buildings, and it is deliberately filmed at night. The mise-en-scene foreshadows what is going to happen to Evey when she is out during cerfew past 11pm. The way she walks around knowing she could be in danger creates a tense atmosphere. She is surrounded by tall grimy buildings and no one is around except fingermen. This helps create a sense of entrapment.

There are several authority figures, like the fingermen, the government and the chancellor. They are all portrayed negatively as they use fear to control people. As these characters are shown in this way, it makes the audience see V in another light. This also challenges the expectations for the audience as it doesn't conform to other mainstream films.

'People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.'
Another point that makes this film an action thriller is that flashbacks are used a several times, this is to give the audience more of an understanding of what is going on or what has gone on. This also help parts make more sense and to make the audience relate to V and feel sorry for him. We are made to feel sorry for him or support him even though his plan is disastrous, this is because he is the main character and we are forced to see things from his point of view.

Quotes

'There is a face beneath this mask, but it's not me. I'm no more that face than I am the muscles beneath it, or the bones beneath them.' - I think V is saying that he has become the identity of the mask. He no longer believes himself to be a normal person. The mask is who he is.

'Beneath this mask there is more than flesh, beneath this mask there is an idea. Mr Creedy and ideas are bulletproof.' - This quote is ambiguous, V says that his face is more than flesh and it immediately enables our imagination to let loose and assume that he looks like a monster? The word 'bulletproof' suggests action already. V suggests that his face is bulletproof so it makes us think whether is some sort of immortal creature.

'Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it's my very good honour to meet and you may call me V.' - Here, he is using alliteration of the letter V which gives emphasis on his name. The constant repetition of the letter V in order to introduce his name, V makes the audience aware that the letter is significant to him and that he is evidently intellectual. It also makes the audience feel a bit scared as it is not normal for people to speak like that in the modern society so it conforms to the genre of the film. V is the Roman numeral for 5 which symbolises the 5th November. This also shows that V is so focused on his goal that he believes and makes himself part of his goal.