Is the movie " V for Vendetta" an Anti-American movie?

Question

Having seen the movie “V For Vendetta” three times (with great pain I might add) I feel that I can be an objective critic of the film. Bottom line, “V” was terribly anti-American and even went as far as to carry fanatically liberal stances on many issues, such as; terrorism, wire tapping, surveillance, invasion of privacy, President Bush, Fox News, public school system, etc etc etc. . The entire movie is filled with cowardly overtures and warmongering innuendos directed toward the United States. The ironic thing about it, is that it is an American movie.

Anyway, I just want to hear your comments on the movie. Was it anti-American? Was it pro-terrorist? Was it neutral? What was the political message in the film? Or, was it just a movie?

Please explain your opinion..

Answer 1

I wouldn't go that far. "Anti-American?" Not really, but I would say it's anti-fascist. Not sure if you knew this, but the original comics by Alan Moore and David Lloyd came out in the early to mid 80's. So technically, considering that they could've made this movie years ago, the story's seemingly obvious connection to what's going on in today's world is just a really big coincidence.

I have to admit, it does strike a very relevant chord with today's modern American society though, which is probably why a lot of people (including myself) enjoyed it so much.

Answer 2

I think the fact that you read so much into the film says a lot about how YOU see the American goverynment, no the writer and director of the film. I think it does touch on how we as a people need to not follow blindly our leadership and how we need to ask the tough questions and not rely on a "hero" or a "government". And F.Y.I, the book is almost an exact retelling of George Orwell's 1984, which was written over sixty years ago, long before Bush was in office, and also happens to take place in London in the unknown future. I find it ver telling that you associated the, in your words, "Cowardly overtures", about the President, terrorism, and warmongering with America. Because when I saw it I associated it with modern Western world in general, Europe and the UK included. And if the writers were speaking out against the American government how is that being anti- American? Isn't that one of the things that makes the country great? One of the things that Bush likes to keep saying that we're giving to the Iraqi people? The ability to say what's on your mind without fear of censure and retaliation.

Answer 3

It's anti-American in so far as the American government currently resembles the government portrayed in the movie. You might already know this, but V is an adaptation of a graphic novel by the British comics writer Alan Moore. He wrote this story in the 80's very much in response to a Thatcher controlled Britain. Of course, the movie changed things to play it more toward our the current terrorism situation.

I think the movie, like Orwell's 1984, is really about totalitarianism in a general sense. That would include, but would not be limited to it's current role in the U.S. V is more of an anarchist than anything.

I think it's kind of strange that you think it's so "ironic" that an American film could express anti-American criticisms. Are you under the impression that this never happens, or that all Americans support a right-wing agenda?

Answer 4

It's just a movie.
Were you upset the Stars And Stripes wasn't being flown, and waving around in every scene?
Sit down and think how much Hollywood upsets other countries.
If there's a UFO invasion - oh, America saves the day.
If there's a meteor heading towards earth - oh, America saves the day.
If there are terrorist threats - oh, America saves the day
And on it goes.
If there's any political message in V for Vendetta, it's to put the flag away, and start thinking about issues that are larger than your house, and concern people further away than the end of your street.
As for surveillance, it's a disgrace how many times you are captured on film, every day, without your consent.
As for tapping, well, anyone has access to my computer and it's contents.
Some may not find it, but all the data is stored somewhere.
And as for Fox, well, Rupert Murdoch is the equivalent of a James Bond villain.
He has every politician in the world clambering up his trousers trying to lick his a*rse so he doesn't paint them in a bad light.
I think the film was trying to say that Empires are eventually going to crumble.
The further you spread your wings, the more the likelihood of damage to them.

Answer 5

I believe it is anti-British and political message based film about terrorism as that part of the plot was created from scratch for the film version (it was nuclear in the novel).
It was the Americans translating a British graphic novel, plot changes made so that it did not even resemble the original graphic novel and showed the British as slagging the Americans off with over the top references and police state.
Do not get me started on the numerous plot changes, oversights and misconceptions such as the wrongly termed 'eggy in the basket' and other British terms they messed up. Subliminal indoctrination was the theme.
I love the Graphic Novel, I hate the film version is all I can say.

Answer 6

Firstly would it matter if it was anti-american? The right to offend is a sacred part of freedom of speech.

Secondly it was written as a graphical novel and takes swipes at 1980's Britain when Maggie Thatcher was in power. She was the political devil to many (o.k. all) left and centre leaning artist/politicians and public. She never lost a general election as Prime Minister, took her country to war ( the Falklands), fought terrorists and was herself almost killed by them ( the IRA bombed the hotel she was staying in during a Party Conference in Brighton), rode rough shot over everything she went near (she hated the EU) and disenfranchised an entire generation (the Poll Tax).

Now if you can see parallels between Maggie and Dubya, well good luck to you. An unpopular leader hated and loved in equal proportions.

That said I think this was just a movie, Hollywood is a machine to make itself money. If it has to have some kind of angle to do it, then so be it.

Ultimately if you were offended by it, so-what? They just have a different opinion to you.

Answer 7

It is based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore (who wanted nothing to do with the film) and illustrator David Lloyd. Its a very thought provoking movie that makes a strong statement about the importance of freedom and equality. It stresses how all points of view must be allowed to be discussed in order to have a functioning nation. V is a revengeful character, but he is on a mission to help the people of the UK break free from a totalitarian dictator that controls all aspects of life.

Answer 8

I think V for Vendetta was against any country that tries to push away not just homosexual relations and becomes the national big brother where your every move is accounted and like being a clebrity your life is no longer "private". I heard there even going to try and predict the murderers etc of the future which is like minority report. I think power goes to others heads and they lose control as they want to have control over it all!

Answer 9

It's ANTI-BUSH and everything HIS Administration stood for

The movie shows several shots of protesters marching with signs. On one of them is an anti-war/ anti-Bush remark.
---You should definitely do a "slo-mo" during that scene

In addition , the film addresses the issue of homosexuality, something that Bush vowed to be intolerant of , etc.

The only real ANTI-AMERICAN person in the film is that Spokesperson dude (the one who Vendetta kills while the guy is in his bath robe practicing his speeches) who, on television, is telling other Britons to just ignore America's cries for help as it falls into its own demise of civil war and disease.

Answer 10

I dont feel that it was anti anything, regardless of what anyone thinks, opinions - particularly controvesial ones - are what allow the average man to think freely, when you veiw something you dont like, rather than bad mouthing it to all, try seeing it from the viewpoint of the people that have made the 'story', or just dont view it at all. that is why most countries still have freedom of choice, we can choose not to see something we dont like. and we still are able to express an opinion.....be thankful you dont live somewhere like afghanastan, korea, china, iran, lebanon or jerusalem.