From Comic Book to film: A late salute for The Watchmen

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From Comic Book to film: A late salute for The Watchmen
By Patrick Oliver
August 20, 2009 - 14:45

Writer(s): Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Alex Tse, David Hayter
$19.99 US
Starring: Carla Gugino, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Akerman, Stephen McHattie, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Produced by: Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Lawrence Gordon Productions, DC Comics
Running Time: 162 minutes
Release Date: July 21, 2009
Rating: R
Genre: superhero movie, mystery, science fiction

'What do you see?'

I finally saw the watchmen last night. I watched it with a friend on dvd. I thought it was fantastic. And regretted not being able to get tickets to see it at my nearest IMAX cinema due to huge demand. (If they decide to show it again, I will be there, and so will my friend.)

A measure of how good this film was is shown by the reaction of my friend. He is not a comic book buff. But he is a bit of a cinematic connoisseur, and he was uncertain about this film to start with, but all through the viewing was impressed. And said as much when it finished. He rated it as one of the top five comic book films that he has ever seen. I forgot to press him on what the other four were, but perhaps that will be the subject of a joint article at a later date.

The performances, direction, production and cinematography in Watchmen was exceptional. I haven't read my copy of the graphic novel in a great many years, but I recognised some of the now iconic imagery. I purposely hadn't read it prior to viewing this, because I didn't want to taint my view of the film with undue expectation. Well, this film delivered. Violent, dark (and darkly funny in parts) and intelligent, it's a veritable gem in my opinion.

The depictions of Rorschach, The Night Owl, Silk Spectre, Dr Manhatten et all were first class. With Jackie Earl Haley as rorschach and Patrick Wilson as the Night Owl in particular praiseworthy in their roles.

This film held the attention and moved along at just the right pace, not once, as I have done in the past to my shame (or perhaps that should be the filmakers'?) did I think about the time, I was so engrossed. There was wonderful period detail and attention to detail in general. I loved this film and will be revisting it again many a time I'm sure. Now that is the mark of a job well done.

Cast and crew of The Watchmen, I salute you.