“To thine own self be true.” Famous words from Shakespeare’s play and somehow fit modern superheroes recently. “Watchmen (2009)” exposes them as sentimental, selfish, obsessed and nave as the people they defend each day. For centuries, the public has revered these idols from Greek myth to the modern-day fables of comic books. Their pedestal is of our own making at times, but it is always hard to seem them fall or as seen as vulnerable. The only difference is the apparel.
One of the revelations throughout the film is the superheroes are human, which makes for a mirror pointed at the audience. Despite their powers or abilities, the biggest conflict comes from dealings with love, death and the sacrifices they’ve made to fight crime and accomplish the greater good. Life struggles tend to overwhelm them that somehow, like any form of entertainment, their alter egos are an escape to a sense where they feel most competent. The reassuring idea of bravery against evil seems easy next to the thought of facing the real world and fitting in with a normal existence. Yet, these champions of virtue are not simply born to fight injustice.
Society molds these heroes even though the one in the movie is an alternate reality of America during the decades until 1985. Each character becomes more damaged, twisted or disillusioned with the world around them as it plunges to inevitable nuclear war. But they still fight to protect citizens since this is what is right even as the era of the masked vigilante is about to be outlawed. Perhaps, if there is no combat, these individuals may never find the solace that the costumed existence grants them. Their world may not be perfect, but it is worth rescuing from the horrors that lurk in every street corner.
Villains are not obvious as diabolical maniacs who wish to profit from the chaos and destruction of the planet. Often times, it is the enemy within that compels a person to go through extremes to accomplish their own goals. The worst exists when that ideal, no matter how well intentioned, motivates one to manipulate events to promote the greater result. And when the ones who guard us turn against the innocent, the real monsters emerge from the disguise of righteousness. The devils of our nature are as predictable as the wind and just as easy to see coming when the changes occur inside.
Films based on comic books must embrace these concepts that makes the medium endearing to fans. It is not simply to see the costumed avenger overcome the bad guys, but to see the triumph against their own personal demons. This is a trend that will hopefully endure long after the picture arrives on DVD.
One of the revelations throughout the film is the superheroes are human, which makes for a mirror pointed at the audience. Despite their powers or abilities, the biggest conflict comes from dealings with love, death and the sacrifices they’ve made to fight crime and accomplish the greater good. Life struggles tend to overwhelm them that somehow, like any form of entertainment, their alter egos are an escape to a sense where they feel most competent. The reassuring idea of bravery against evil seems easy next to the thought of facing the real world and fitting in with a normal existence. Yet, these champions of virtue are not simply born to fight injustice.
Society molds these heroes even though the one in the movie is an alternate reality of America during the decades until 1985. Each character becomes more damaged, twisted or disillusioned with the world around them as it plunges to inevitable nuclear war. But they still fight to protect citizens since this is what is right even as the era of the masked vigilante is about to be outlawed. Perhaps, if there is no combat, these individuals may never find the solace that the costumed existence grants them. Their world may not be perfect, but it is worth rescuing from the horrors that lurk in every street corner.
Villains are not obvious as diabolical maniacs who wish to profit from the chaos and destruction of the planet. Often times, it is the enemy within that compels a person to go through extremes to accomplish their own goals. The worst exists when that ideal, no matter how well intentioned, motivates one to manipulate events to promote the greater result. And when the ones who guard us turn against the innocent, the real monsters emerge from the disguise of righteousness. The devils of our nature are as predictable as the wind and just as easy to see coming when the changes occur inside.
Films based on comic books must embrace these concepts that makes the medium endearing to fans. It is not simply to see the costumed avenger overcome the bad guys, but to see the triumph against their own personal demons. This is a trend that will hopefully endure long after the picture arrives on DVD.
