Alan Moore talks - 01 - V For Vendetta

Alan Moore talks about V For Vendetta on BBC 4's Comics Britannia series.

[@monkeybottomsTV]

Here's why I love Alan Moore: He's not telling us what to think, he's telling us his ideas and giving us evidence to support them.

[@ThunderChunky101]

And apparently his logic leads to supporting literal Maoist communists in 2019... Supporting massive government control. Disgusting. Fucking scumbag.

[@johncarter8741]

I've just read Jerusalem. Pretty accurate. Yeah we need to go against the government October Nov the fifth because they are not dragging us to Xmas

[@magneto44]

Thunder Chunky you sound nice

[@AminJones]

How old was V when he met Evy?

[@spiderjerusalem4009]

​@@AminJonesIn the book, V-Evey relationship resemble that of father-daughter, unlike the movie, which was rather as lovers

[@paulklein5295]

“When you write about the future you’re writing about the present” so true

[@mikebasil4832]

So true indeed. 👍🏻

[@TheNamelessPharaoh]

V for Vendetta is one of the greatest graphic novels I have ever read. Very thought provoking.

[@AminJones]

How old was V when he met Evy?

[@Ap7-b4k]

​@@AminJoneswe don't know nothing about him

[@AminJones]

@@Ap7-b4k people GUESS he was about 40-45, on some forums, Thanks.

[@fabiobarresi5192]

I wish Alan Moore would narrate comic books to me...

[@xaviercarrillo1703]

Fabio Barresi same

[@jhinabloomingflower807]

Fabio Barresi can u afford him?

[@cowyeow]

Anarchy doesn't mean without rules. It means without rulers.

[@jacobburnard7387]

Very correct

[@Neuroticmancer]

+Just Focus and Observe really? Because Star Trek is born of that model and I dane to see a more forward thinking piece of media. Scarcity and control does not propel the human race, it inhibits it

[@danielbowers3423]

Anarchy would allow you to form this group, or join another group. There is no coercion beyond self-defense. If you study anarchist ideas, you'll find plausible alternatives to the services governments provide, but without coercion.

[@danielbowers3423]

I was trying to reply to Just Focus and Observe.

[@Neuroticmancer]

***** money doesn't exist in star trek. This isn't my radical theory, it's something which is widely acknowledged. Again mate, do yourself a favour a do a wee bit of reading before asking strangers to explain shit to you. And calm the fuck down mate you're gonna give yourself an aneurism

[@cha5]

"I am the devil, I come to do the devil's work, I do not have a name, you can call me V" So true, in the book V had no interest in regime change, unlike the film which makes him into something akin to a freedom fighter, In Moore's story V's purpose is to destroy all regimes, not to replace them.

[@ThaKid14]

I just gained an even higher level of appreciation for this man. what a gem, just finished finally reading V for Vendetta. Masterful stuff

[@hexwarp]

I was curious on here if anyone noticed that the "V" character from V for Vendetta is very similar to a form of Zorro mixed with the Count of Monte Cristo? To continue my comparison Zorro also translates to the word "Fox" in Spanish and the phonetic pronunciation of the word "Fox" sounds a lot like Fawkes as in "Guy Fawkes" or "man fox". With the crux of the plot being based on the courage and intrigue of an outlaw hero overcoming a social authority with a LONG history of corruption.

[@vintagetitanic26]

This was assigned for my college British Literature class and I was so surprised and a bit weary about reading a comic book for a college level course. But it ended up being my favorite book we read that semester and now I am using it as a source for my war and art paper for grad school.

[@thegmanofEAP]

"I was marching with the anti Nazis..." Remember that, Reactionaries, when you wanna claim that comics being political is something new.

[@santiagodiaz3358]

"I didn't want to just come into this as a self-confessed anarchist and say 'he's the anarchst he's the good guy and there's all these bad fascists, they are the bad guys'. That's trivial and that's insulting to the reader." That's the problem people have with political comics nowadays, they don't follow that logic and focus more on making a statement than writing a story. Unlike Alan Moore, who writes political stories but does it in a smart way that isn't just loudly screaming at your face his agenda.

[@mekaelbayati8040]

Santiago Diaz V for Vendetta is literally hyper-in-your-face about it tho. So your point is kind of stupid. It’s literally a story completely about anarchism/fascism as an idea. This entire story is literally how V kickstarts an anarchist uprising.

[@santiagodiaz3358]

@@mekaelbayati8040 of course it is, but Moore did it in a smart way, he himself explains in this video how he didn't want to just explicitely say "my ideology is good, that other ideology and the people who follow said ideology is evil".

[@suarezguy]

@@mekaelbayati8040 The story is definitely anti-fascist and yet it, though Moore himself supports anarchism, is also about anarchism without being particularly pro-anarchism, it definitely doesn't portray the anarchists as idealized admirable good guys.

[@mekaelbayati8040]

You guys are really delusional, the original story is very much pro-anarchism. Learn how to read a story 😂

[@mikebasil4832]

Thank you, Alan, for V For Vendetta. I re-watched the film yesterday. 👍🏻

[@CourtneyCoulson]

V for Vendetta is my favourite of his stories. It's romantic and I can relate to Evee as I'm around her age and so I go on that journey with her. I agree with almost everything Alan says, he sees the world for what it really is. I'd love to tell him about how my teachers are always telling me "the rules apply to you like they do everyone else. Imagine a world without rules?" Of course I never reply but I always have an image in my head of a perfect world.

[@jetblack81]

His idea about leaders is so true. Give someone a little bit of power and they become Huge arseholes.

[@Eliel20117]

+Just Focus and Observe libertarianism is the answer

[@Neuroticmancer]

+Just Focus and Observe Anarchy is not chaos brother. It's the maturing of a people. Able to accept responsibility for themselves and recognise their agency as individuals and their duty to their species. It's the dismissal of all forms of hierarchy and authority. The end of a people controlled by scarcity of resources and the ideologies that enforce authority. It's the only sane future of the human race

[@Neuroticmancer]

+Just Focus and Observe no, you don't seem to understand that capitalism is a form of oppression and hierarchy. Money is power and power corrupts. In reality anarchist have always been the most constant source of rebellion in communist states. Anarchism is about the removal of all forms of hierarchy from society, including the repeated inevitable hierarchy of communism. Please actually research the side you're debating against before commenting. It makes this all more entertaining

[@Neuroticmancer]

+Just Focus and Observe you need to cool your beans brother. It's not an ideology it's a political system. Hope whatever is giving you stress in your life ceases. One love

[@Neuroticmancer]

+Just Focus and Observe 👍

[@warriorofwrestlingv3]

Saw the movie first, thought it was epic. Bought the graphic novel based on that, and I agree, the film was FAR more focused on the action aspect than the actual story, which is a shame because the story is fucking incredible, Moore's best work, imo.

[@bicnarok]

I read V in the original "Warrior" comic book, brilliant!!!

[@shotaburduli2685]

Just collected all 26 issues, but in order to finish the story u have to have #7-10 comic books, because of the magazine being cancelled... Too bad the black and white works so good with the story

[@sweatt4237]

Anarchist, silently plotting to dismantle the Government, then leave you alone. Love this guy.

[@ThunderChunky101]

He supports communists now. No joke. Massive government control. 2019 he supported literal Maoists who want total government power.

[@sweatt4237]

@@ThunderChunky101 :(

[@ThunderChunky101]

@@sweatt4237 Tragic... I'm heartbroken over this.

[@lessconcerned]

I wish every day I could sit down and have lunch with Alan Moore and discuss anything and everything for two hours.

[@LoverOfManyArts]

V For Vendetta is without a doubt one of the greatest pieces of illustrated literature I've ever read.

[@Cryptiic6]

I love the point he makes about the characters being more than just "good guys" and "bad guys". As a writer, I am always apalled by the lack of moral complexity in most of nowadays books. Its always the incorruptible good guys, who are all exessively good and virtuous and kind and so forth, and the evil bad guys, who all are wicked, sadistic and malevolant to the core without exeption. In real life, it isn't as simple as that; there are good guys serving bad guys, bad guys thinking they are good

[@christianali5431]

And yet still, she does not allow the character of V to be considered anything other than a romantic hero out to do good. A deeper look at the world would reveal that the problem is caused in society stem from a universal lack of moral character. Leaders only cause problems because they become leaders. If every person in the world was given the right to govern their own destiny, they would make just as many mistakes, and be just as evil as the worst politicians in the world.

[@ANT96-x8d]

But how would “these bad fascists are the bad guys” be “insulting to the reader”?

[@parkerpshebnisky1051]

His best work is watchmen!,but my favorite is batman the killing joke!,I love how it explored batman and the joker's relationship!!

[@El_Rebelde_]

Some of the comments make it clear people are completely ignorant of what anarchism is.

[@ThunderChunky101]

Yeah, maybe that down to Moore himself coming out as an outright communist in 2019?

[@Neuroticmancer]

@@ThunderChunky101 anarchism is a leftist ideology read the writing of Kropotkin

[@ThunderChunky101]

@@Neuroticmancer I have. The idea thag free market capitalism is left wing is a joke. You're absurd for pretending otherwise.

[@fabricio2467]

@@ThunderChunky101 is that true??

[@ostsarahb7466]

Neuroticmancer Right-wing anarchism exists as well (anarcho-capitalists for example). But I’m pretty sure left-wing anarchists are more common.

[@liike28]

I liked the bit about facism, very true. The end was awesome too. He read it with just the right amount of enthusiasm, so dramatic and inspirational, the perfect voice for the graphic novel.

[@agnostoatomo]

How much i enjoyed V4Vendetta in black&white when i read it back in the mid80's! It was 1 f my Jewels of anarchistArt & remained 'til 2day.Not many Comicnovels i have are still revered as much as this 1. 2 see Moore talking on this Masterpiece is just marvellous.Thanx 4 the post & thank you Alan 4 this epic peace of freedomenhancement. I wish there would be a Movieremake with all those subtleties and freedom messages we can see&read in the Comic.

[@colemartinst123]

Ive never read anything by him, but hes turning into a hero of mine purly and his ideas. He gets it and i love him for it, hes a top bloke.

[@Ryan-the-Rocketeer]

That gold coat and the awesome gauntlet of rings make him seem like Supervillain in retirement

[@MegaAchilles23]

Alan may hate his books being adapted, but he must know that more people than ever are reading them because of the movies

[@Koshiro2k3]

I wish V for Vendetta had been completed in the original B&W form...

[@yoda4833]

Koshiro2k3 yeah me too

[@alpertroncp2198]

Having said, I do love the way V was coloured with watercoloury washes - there's some places where the colours are just superb.

[@ASkippingRock]

This was on British television? That surprises me. As much as I love hearing Mr. Moore you would never see or hear this on american media. Now that I think about it you never hear of any alternative system on US stations unless it is in negative comparison to the US system. Alan Moore is a brilliant thinker.

[@TheGingerburger]

Probably because we (Britons)know that NO system is ideal,that we need to think of alternatives and cherry pick the best parts of capitalism and communism, fascism and anarchy because they all have good ideas.A totalitarian dictatorship is good at getting shit done but crushes individually while anarchy is the ultimate freedom but would most probably lead to chaos, it's coming up with a balance. Industrial fascist is amazing on paper but when applied to the real world leads to nothing but misery and death

[@RAMSEY1987]

0:41 I think one of the most insightful comments regarding futuristic comics or books or films "Your not talking about the future your talking about the present"

[@UnchangeableBird]

Alan Moore is a sweet old man. Kudos to the person who posted this.

[@AlexSzollo]

Sometimes to preserve democracy you have to start a revolution,and that is what V stands for

[@the2500]

I remember listening to radio talk show hosts talking about V for Vendetta when the movie came out. Obviously these people aim to present themselves as every-day american Joes; love baseball and apple pie, and love reminiscing about comics (like these) they read as kids. Of course, as radio talk show hosts there main job is to be mouthpieces for power (while acting like challengers of authority, of course), so it was interesting to listen to them wrestle with these ideas.

[@MrChrisHermes]

Mr MOORE is spot on-shows how its done-from V for vendetta to anonymous-life IMITATES art-MAGICK-where nervous system and cement meet-SHAZAM!

[@godbluffvdgg]

@hexwarp Formal Education is the bane of learning. The quest for learning is self motivated and a quested knowledge is more readily absorbed. I imagine Alan read voraciously and I am grateful he took the time to put pen to paper and bring forth great, modern works of written art. You have good taste my friend. Peace, health, love and beauty to you and yours.

[@sciencefreak20]

I do like V for Vendetta in color, but it would be awesome to read it in the original black and white format.

[@voske44]

just hearing is voice wants to make you listen when he was reading out V for vendetta i was lost it was soo good told

[@yharnamhunter8759]

Also, this whole bit with you and Rorschach making a weapon out of anything, he only did this on maybe three occasions. There is also the fact that V once broke out of prison by making bombs and mustard gas out of fertilizer and some grease solvent used in gardens. That's pretty impressive in itself.

[@1805movie]

Whenever "V for Vendetta" is mentioned, people immediatly think of the movie. To me, the movie was like "Tom and Jerry" compared to the graphic novel. I really liked the movie, but it seemed more like an action flick rather than a psychological thriller. Its like being a huge fan of "Dracula" without reading Bram Stoker's "Dracula". To each his own, I guess. I'm just hopefull the graphic novel won't fade into obscurity. Because it's definatly the best of its kind.

[@cha5]

Outstanding! Moore is probably my favorite comic writer bar none, Oh the Alan Moore documentary 'In The Mindscape Of Alan Moore will be coming out on DVD in America in a couple of months.

[@verbaluk1]

From the context I'd presume it's the name of a Japanese artist or series, though I too would be interested in knowing a definitive answer. On a related note, the point he was making at that moment in the clip was great, regarding a juxtaposition of art and narrative styles. It's amazing to see that much care given to subtle thematic devices, and is one of the many reasons Moore is so respected as a master of his art.

[@adcashmo]

I read the book because of this. Brilliant!

[@spenceII]

first time i have herd him talk, hes a pretty smart guy

[@daddyfunkdrums]

Philosophy, Vision, Honesty, Integrity. Where has this way of THINKING GONE in Our World Society. I still think like this, but in a funny sort of way I'm on the outside of "Normal" Society, just like this Brilliant Man. British Philosophy at it's very BEST! Daddy Funk.

[@MrLimbodude]

What a guy

[@ThunderChunky101]

Not anymore. 2019 he supported communists. He's a commie.

[@terriblehumanbeing8117]

@@ThunderChunky101 Woah. And just when I thought he couldn't get any more based

[@ThunderChunky101]

@@terriblehumanbeing8117 Jesus...

[@TaskMaster619]

When V tells the priest "Let me introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and tatse" I just realized that's from The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil"

[@zune145]

I have beening reading your posts and I have to say you are one of the most intelligent I have ever seen.

[@DixyRae]

the V movie wasn't bad. But it did split from the book in a very important way. As stated in the video, Moore intended the fascist regime be comprised of real people, not the disembodied bogeyman of the film. As such, the only real form of empowerment comes from ones own individuality. Anarchy is not about spray-painting "fuck the man" or staging protests or what have you. In the film, one brand of populism overthrows the other. "Good" defeats "Evil". The morality in the book is much greyer.

[@BurningFeathers888]

Movie was absolutely brilliant. Till you've read the thing. Then you'd never even think of seeing the movie again.

[@ChristiaanMindfulness]

The matrix is my favorite movie indeed, also promoting Anarchy in that neo statement. I do understand the whole waking up from sleeping thing, but after that it gets kinda blurry. It's probably because we as a people have to figure it out ourselves. But being educated is the first thing, many are being educated to make money or rule over others. Education alone doesn't seem to be enough. What do we need? A neo or V to free the people? Aren't we then again dependant upon "heroes"?

[@RyanDayThompson]

"There’s nothing hypocritical about making the best choice available from the limited range of alternatives, despite paying rents in the process to companies in whose interest that range of alternatives was restricted, and simultaneously criticizing the injustice of hooking those companies into this system of state-enforced monopoly." - Kevin Carson

[@snorlax42]

Truly a fascinating man...also he's really good at reading out loud, if I had all the money in the world, I would spend it all just to have Mr. Moore read to me every night.

[@AminJones]

How old was V when he met Evy?

[@AminJones]

How old was V when he met Evy?

[@RjWeapon]

"Last night I destroyed the Old Bailey, to remind this country of what it has forgotten."

[@socillizt4life]

Eric Finch has the best story arc & is my favourite out of all of ‘Moore’s characterisations.

[@ysplse]

Thanx for this sounds like a great bloke

[@hey12358y]

Always interesting to hear creative people describe how they snap together elements of their experiences and ideas to make a story, but I'm stuck on that chair. It looks like a throne. It's the kind of chair interviews should always be conducted in.

[@flyagaric23]

Yes, some of the deeper points of Alan Moore are "sinking in" generally, i guess. His masking and glossing of the primordial forces through his communications languaging' seem far more relative in 2008, than any other individual i can think of right now. Genius!

[@Wolfreys44]

he looks like a modern day Bakunin

[@Rob_Shoot]

Think what you want about Moore, but he does show respect and gives credit to his co-creators.

[@HotaruZoku]

I know it was about comics, but the part about Anarchy was quite enlightening. A cool head and that message are something I"d not experienced before.

[@Maxpound]

the way he reads it makes it even more epic.

[@wallacelovecraft8942]

Neat, I'm interested in hearing more.

[@godbluffvdgg]

When you google alan moore quotes and read the pages of his statements and writings. It is more profound than almost all other works. Brilliant beyond his time...As if time exist ~smirk~

[@PrincessNine]

Beneath this book lies a movie Mr.Jamesoffutt. And that movie ROCKs

[@0981462]

I respect this man as I respect my great father!!

[@Nebelung13]

Brilliant insight. Loved it.

[@Aginor27]

that big ass whole finger ring on his left hand is so eye catching O_o

[@chrissup19]

I'll be sure to check that out, thanks.

[@2DUK]

Those rings on his hands are epic.

[@TheVetoSkreeemer]

@TheVetoSkreeemer That set events for his demise ten or so years later. All that geniius in an eight page Back up story. He did a two parter back -up of Green Arrow that is also impressive.

[@TheVetoSkreeemer]

@Harlotito I know but that is what V for vendetta is all about Fascism vs. Anarchy, V is a very charismatic an interesting character , but he proposes Anarchy, that is why at the end of the book people are leaving on camps, with the rule of the stronger being the law. Great book, makes you ponder

[@NodDisciple1]

It took place in 1985 in the book too. :X

[@sgmaths]

Excellent Movie...!

[@sgmaths]

Generation X Obviously you lack the mental capacity to watch Movies that make you think outside the square...! You are a Dullard...!

[@sgmaths]

Generation X As I said the world is full of Dullards like yourself...! I pity your ignorance...!

[@sgmaths]

Listen...! In my opinion this is a great Movie...! It was not intended for Dullards like yourself...! Don't bring people like Alan Moore into this discussion...! Got the message...!

[@thegonzoguy]

@1805movie I cant comment on the graphic novel since I haven't read it, but I did find the movie playing with my mind. From the beginning all the way to the end, I was on this wild ride in my mind, with its many crescendos and climaxes. I guess people forget about the magic of movies with the amount of bogus films being turned out every year. Here is one that is worthy of a "classic" title and parallels the matrix. My favorite part is when V an Evey meet, his introduction was like a rocket.

[@SpikeJet2736]

Leaders fuck things up. Alan Moore you rock. By the way that Guy Fawkes mask is awesome. Great idea.

[@thenewguy461]

You are one of the few conservative people that i will agree with. Amen man.

[@xjod9]

I think i have read V for Vendetta about 11 times now...

[@ChristiaanMindfulness]

let's go educate the world! Enjoyed talking 2 u

[@davidmcdonnell767]

LOVE Alan Moore :)

[@SpikeJet2736]

His stuff is like poetry.

[@kieranrowan3060]

What a fascinating man I would love to meet one day

[@vimmryan]

Ya I agree that HBO would be the best way to go about this, I haven't seen the motion comic yet, I'll pick it up on Blue Ray later when it comes out.

[@aktake2]

man this guy is legend. an introvert for sure bt nt the kind whod sit at home worryin bout ppl n bein cynic bout the world. i must confess i dnt like his lifestyle much bt to realise the fact dat he stands at the pinnacle of enlightenmnt seems to make my former opinion insignificant

[@Ishidasouken]

@ilikethecure basically 1600-1900 A.D. of Japan I was especially referring to the "bakumatsu" - mid 1800's

[@xIegionx]

The one main plot of V for Vendetta was "Ideas never die" And in a way that can be looked as good and bad. However the negatives outway the good... Because if you think about it.. Bad ideas that terrorists, , radical religious people, criminals, KKK, hate groups, rebels, all of these people that lead the world into hardship or violence.. Their idea will never die, therefor their hate may continue till the end of time.

[@WyldOats]

In the words of Pop Will Eat Itself "Alan Moore knows the score"

[@chrissup19]

There have always been those that break break the mold, you could call them leaders or heroes, but if we all have the same intent then that is not an issue, if people stood up and revolted it would be a combined effort, one man can't save an entire country, but one man can influence others to save themselves, that is a leader, not a ruler, because he is doing what he does for others as well as himself, we wouldn't be depending on them, they depend on us, because without us nothing changes.

[@tevfikfikret67]

it's still the best comic book i've read.

[@molewizard]

Thank you. At least someone sees things from a reasonable standpoint. I have no problem with the romanticism of anarchy, but people have no thought about what it would actually mean...

[@246trinitrotoluene]

alan moore and frank miller are my fav

[@maranrolta]

Absolutely. No doubt at all.

[@Transformers217]

@TheVetoSkreeemer I love that scene, and the movie was really good. It's not the comic book, but it's the best adaptation out of Alan Moore's work to date. :)

[@MichaelGodding]

Perfect definition.

[@radioblueheart]

I didn't know that. I'll have to get a copy.

[@pathfinder1295]

i like this man.

[@Balloonbot]

I was unaware of Britains comics. Although most comics these days, and i own some, are humour comics such as Jamie Hewletts "Bear".

[@hexwarp]

@Cryptiic6 This is just an armchair guess, but I think its when you begin to scrutinize "grey" characters and read between the lines it makes people very nervous, because that makes a 2d character become more 3d.

[@DixyRae]

I think Alan Moore is the only person in the world that, though he is a living legend and a genious, I wouldn't want to meet him for fear of him not liking me. His intellect is such that he could crush me, physically, like a gnat with an idle thought and not notice. And the beard, and the claws. How could you even interview this guy in person? Just set up the camera and flee the room in terror, defecating on the way out.

[@JO-uy6zs]

BEST COMIC BOOK EVER!

[@whssy]

More relevant than ever.

[@TheVetoSkreeemer]

Great artist, and a visionary. What he criticized back in the eighties , is not outdated, the present seems to have streceched for quite some time, governments restrict liberties, patriot act and all, and nothing seems to change, except cold war, states are more pracgmatic. Or cynical.