V for Vendetta: From Script to Film [Paperback]

(from an extended feature, copyright 2006 Michael F. Hopkins)

Few literary masterworks offer more narrative wonder,

and more frustration to adapt to the silver screen,

than the socioculturally-charged V FOR VENDETTA by

writer Alan Moore and illustrator David Lloyd. Its

mix of Fascist horror, Romantic adventure, and

Science Fiction contemplation, has thrilled readers

of Sequential literature and a world of enthusiasts

for over 20 years.

The questions posed by its pages, particularly the

point at which Terrorism becomes the State, or the

crucible in which Dissent can be compelled to fashion

the tools of Rebellion from the State's own Terror,

still await finer resolutions in the trouble-torn

world of the Here and Now.

As ambivalent as the tones of a William Blake painting,

V FOR VENDETTA strikes as aggressively for the souls

and minds of thinking, caring people who refuse to

settle for any quick emotion, and easy answer.

These are the focused aims superbly met by the wondrous

film from the shapers of THE MATRIX Trilogy. Larry and

Andy Wachowski spent many years forging their prodigious

script, and director James McTeigue brings the momentous

tale to stunning life.

Not a word-for-word adaptation of what is perhaps Alan

Moore's signature work, the film masterfully embraces

Moore's questing spirit; holding true to the original

author's vision while imbuing the film with a life and

character all its own. Its myriad inquiries into the

nature of Faith and Wisdom in a bigoted World run by

Lust without Ethics, and Reason gone mad without Virtue,

mark the cinematic V FOR VENDETTA as a classic tale of

the Human spirit prevailing against all odds.

Those who love to look within the shaping of such

presentations would do well to purchase V FOR VENDETTA:

FROM SCRIPT TO FILM, a handsome coffee-table book

(Hardcover, as well as paperback) from Rizzoli's

Universe Publishing which offers the film's complete

shooting script, a wealth of photos and pre-production

art from the movie, along with invaluable insights from

director McTeigue himself.

Edited by Spencer Lamm (who edited THE ART OF THE MATRIX)

and Sharon Bray, the volume is a massive tribute to the

power of gifted artistry; crossing idioms to make even

broader points to ever-growing audiences with unimpeachable integrity.

If there continues to be confusion regarding author Moore's

disavowing of such a landmark adaptation of his work, it

is hoped that this volume will make the adaptation's

worthiness crystal clear, beyond any shadow of a doubt.

Perhaps only Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillipa

Boyens (LORD OF THE RINGS) along with Ray Bradbury

(John Huston's MOBY DICK) had a more imposing task of

adaptation.

Those who admire both the Literary original and the

Hugo Weaving-Natalie Portman tour de force can respect

-if not agree with- author Moore's disavowal of film

adaptations. By the very breath, one can only hope that

the excellence of this motion picture -ably reflected

by this book- will earn Mr. Moore's respect, in turn.

Differences between parties notwithstanding, the film

is a masterpiece; one which ably complements the book

from which it came. Each holds wonders for all. Time

for the idiomatic skirmishes to end.

Come in, and be enlightened.

Has the full shooting script. Lots of behind the scenes stuff.

THICK, glossy pages (the kind you sort of get a high from, from such heavy gloss fumes).

Wonderful artwork from the film!!!! Mock movie posters and the print posters. All very nice.

A must have if you're a fan of the film!

Great book containing the shooting script with director's notes and hundreds of stills. The last third of the book contains artwork and storyboards and how they were transformed into film, complete with explaining notes by the film's makers. Poster gallery and credits included. All color photos and artwork, high quality print, great book on this great film!

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