Rorschach Goes to the Movies

If Alan Moore were dead, he'd be rolling in his grave right now. But he's not dead, so he's probably just really angry. Elizabeth, you ask, what are you going on about? Well, gentle readers, it is my great displeasure to tell you I have learned today of a movie adaptation in the works of Moore's masterpiece Watchmen. IMDb (IMDb.com) lists the director as Zack Snyder (who also directed the Dawn of the Dead re-make and the recently completed adaptation of Frank Miller's 300-- what is it with this guy?), and credits the screenplay to Alex Tse and David Hayter.

I can't even begin to imagine the ways in which Hollywood will ruin Watchmen, which is one of the greatest books I've ever read, mostly because of it's intricate plot and character development. Which, sorry, but no WAY can that translate into a two hour film. After what Hollywood did to League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell (ask me about what I thought about these movies someday if you have half an hour or so), I have absolutely no hope for Watchmen the movie being worth 8 bucks. Sure, with John Cusack rumoured as Night Owl, and Sigourney Weaver as a possible Silver Spectre, it will have the star power to draw in crowds. But the story will no doubt be ripped to shreds, the characters flattened to one dimension, and all the subtleties of Moore's writing completely defiled.

If you haven't read Watchmen, I strongly suggest you remedy that as soon as you can get down to Star Clipper and pick it up. It is the closest thing I have ever read to a perfectly crafted novel. Watchmen is not simply a story about superheroes, it is a story about people, and about the world. And in that it is a story about superheroes, it's a heck of a great one. And if you must see the movie, make sure to give the book a chance, and let Alan Moore tell the story the way it should be told.

-Elizabeth