DOCTOR MANHATTAN (History + Powers + Philosophy) WATCHMEN EXPLAINED

Hey guys what’s happening? Niyat here with film comics explained, and as requested, today we’re exploring Dr Manhattan.
Created by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons, (Dr. Jonathan Osterman) who would become Doctor Manhattan, is a fictional DC character featured in Watchmen.
In this video, I’m going to do my best to explain Doctor Manhattan’s history, powers and abilities, and his unique philosophy and outlook on the universe that motivates his actions.
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Disclaimer: I do not own rights to any of the source materials I used in this work, appealing to allowance made for "fair use" purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research, under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976.

[@madambutterfly1997]

I love that line. "Your mind goes to Dark Places and you wonder why I keep the worst from you"

[@filmcomicsexplained]

It shows that he views humans almost like children that need to be protected from themselves. Is he really wrong though?

[@madambutterfly1997]

@@filmcomicsexplained I'm sure dating him would be a nightmare

[@ptolemeeselenion1542]

@@madambutterfly1997 Sounds about dating me.

[@madambutterfly1997]

@@ptolemeeselenion1542 you treat your significant other(s) like children?

[@ptolemeeselenion1542]

@@madambutterfly1997 Sometimes. Maybe a too many times.

[@vicmo25]

I don't get how this guy doesn't consistently come up when discussing the strongest heroes ever....dude can literally manipulate and alter anything and everything

[@N1korasu]

People tend to ignore literal gods because there isn't much to discuss so people prefer to argue about who's the strongest on the non creation deity level.

[@D0NU75]

I bet Dr Doom still would find a way to defeat him.

[@ck58npj72]

I think there is a sentient universe out there somewhere...

[@Masa.]

Nah Batman could easily beat him with prep time ;)

[@dans9097]

@@Masa. Ozymandias spent years devising technology specifically to blind his omniscience, utterly tore him apart atom by atom when he did so, and was chided by Doctor Manhattan for not realizing the first thing he ever did was collect his scattered bits from across time and space and that "the world's smartest man holds no more threat to him than its smartest termite." Ozymandias' entire plan may have only worked because he was just aiming to give him a split second blip where Dr. Manhattan couldn't just blink the bomb/"aliens"/etc. away and Manhattan acknowledged that there would be a point where he was blind and that after, the plan would work. A puppet that sees his own strings and knows the script of the play, acting his part because for him, he already has. There isn't really "prep time" when it comes to Doctor Manhattan. He sees all of time as a still image. Even if Batman found a way to "kill" him, Dr. Manhattan has experienced that moment before the Waynes ever got shot. Every second of every day, simultaneously. It's not just foreknowledge, it's absolute omniscience of his entire existence, his entire personal timeline viewed like a perfect memory, even if it hasn't happened from the other observers' points of view.

[@evensbaptiste6415]

This channel just shows how much homework and studying you do every time you you explain a show or movie is just simply incredible. Flawless.

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

I'm with u on that bruh his research is something special as is his accent and the way he narrates he makes even dumb or silly things sound Intelligent

[@deeacosta2734]

Niant don’t F around.

[@3182john]

@@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617 bruh?

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

@@3182john bruh what?

[@shainewhite2781]

Paul Greengrass, Darren Aronofsky, Tim Burton, Ridley Scott and Michael Bay were all considered for Directing the film since 2005, until Zack Snyder was hired in 2007, following the success of 300.

[@AEFarnam]

I love ALL of those directors. IMHO, it's already a masterpiece, but I would LOVE to see Aronofsky's take on it.

[@SnakeRoadComicsOfficial3677]

Dodge a nuke, bay would've ruined the film.

[@grapeshot]

Yeah I'll never forget that scene of him walking through Vietnam like the Jolly Blue Giant just disintegrating people. But if somebody came at me dressed the way he was and was that giant I would turn and run also. Playing Ride of the Valkyrie definitely a shout out to Apocalypse Now.

[@Lion-O-Richie2040]

Especially when his giant blue schlong is swing your way..

[@harleymarshall6929]

Actually the bit playing ride of the valkyries is a reference to the book; in the comic the original nightowl writes a biography and in it he tells a story about how it's the saddest song he can think of; which imo makes the scene even better

[@shainewhite2781]

I found out Arnold Schwarzenegger was cast as Dr. Manhattan but the CGI effects were still in their infancy when production for the WATCHMEN movie had started in 1989. Terry Gilliam, who signed on as director, even wrote a script treatment where Manhattan goes back in time to prevent the accident that turned him into a superhero in the first place.

[@samuelburton302]

omg just IMAGINE Arnold, "I am tī-ud of URTH. Dees PEE-PULL. Iyam TIE-YUD OfBeingCotInDuhTangulOfDerLIVES"

[@joebarracuda6038]

Interesting. Love Arnold, but this Actor is obviously a better choice, and thank God they didn't f around with the Source Material too much.

[@joebarracuda6038]

@@samuelburton302 I'm CHAAN Osterman..

[@godless-clump-of-cells]

"The world's smartest man poses no more a threat to me than does its smartest termite." -Doctor Manhattan Indeed the most non-aggressive and badass statement ever. I could only imagine what it feels like to wield such godlike powers.

[@alanmike6883]

And when he reformed himself. And he was like 'please...Adrian, that was the first thing I learned how to do...' 😊

[@UnknownLemming]

I wonder how bad Rick would lose

[@Nowhereman10]

The original quote from the comic is: "I am disappointed, Veidt. Very disappointed. Restructuring myself after the subtraction of my intrinsic field was the first trick I learned. It didn't kill Osterman... Did you think it would kill me? I've walked across the sun. I've seen events so tiny and so fast they can hardly be said to have occurred at all. But you... You are a man. And this world's smartest man means no more to me than does its smartest termite."

[@vsolace4176]

No you couldn’t omnikinesis is an absolute in power it’s so great that it’s inconceivable what you could do

[@UnknownLemming]

@@vsolace4176 it isn't absolute? It just means you have all powers.... Every form of manipulation. It isn't Omnipotence..... Surprisingly Edit: though it's a form or expression of omnipotence so you got a point.... But still doubt he win consistently against an alpha level omnipotent being like dcs God or Marvel's one above all.

[@williehughes1690]

Definitely one of your best videos u managed to explain his powers, his origins and his thought process in under 17 minutes and in a way I think most people can fully understand as John's thought process is usually the hardest thing for most people to completely understand.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thanks Willie!

[@neonhuntersynth]

"I feel fear, for the last time". That quote ...

[@AllBreaksLoose]

The ultimate cut of this film is outstanding. As for doc Manhattan....I see him as an enigma even to himself. He knows what he's capable of but searches out every possible timeline to see which is the best course to take.

[@kiryukazuma8089]

I think Manhattan is a good example of a man, of no want of his own, became a god. While he does view everything infinitely different than us, he still struggles to maintain some connection to what he once was. His struggle was something awesome to watch, even when he had his glowing blue wieners out

[@RayValdezPhotography]

Its more of an example of when being a god you think on a universal level. Things such as wants and needs no longer exist the same way. The end of Squid Game has a similar mentality. When you have it all things become boring or uninteresting.

[@bolikde9389]

Why should care a being as powerful as Dr. Manhatten care about a human dresscode.

[@tankjr84]

Great stuff. I always thought that this movie didnt get the appreciation it deserved. Philosophical and ethical dilemmas were ignored by people i knew that saw it.

[@kw4123]

Do you really believe that most people are intelligent enough to think that deeply?

[@t.a6159]

The zack snyder movie absolutely failed to understand moore's philosophy. It was edgy of the sake of edgy

[@legionreaver]

That's because most people are too stupid to appreciate them.

[@JerBuster77]

That scene when he is slowly putting his body back together after the accident still gives me the creeps.

[@kcgaming0017]

13:17 that is the most subtle way I've ever heard someone say to subscribe and click the notification button ever. Good one, Niyat!

[@twoguysandavan84]

First time I watched this in theaters I was putoff because the advertisement showed a different movie . After rewatching and especially the extended cut, I came to realize this was a much deeper story that I came to appreciate. Definitely in my top 20 films.

[@prime1173]

I just love how much research and depth you go into doing these videos. Please keep up the amazing work

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thanks, will do!

[@shainewhite2781]

Interestingly enough, it's been confirmed that the Watchmen Universe is part of the DC Universe, where they had a crossover comic miniseries with the Justice League called Doomsday Clock, which ran for 13 issues.

[@tylisirn]

I really hate DC's and Marvel's insistence on piling every property into the same universe. They. Don't. Fit. Together. There are some storyverses that are definitely self contained and should not have any kind of crossover with anything else.

[@grapeshot]

"I'm not stuck in here with you, you're stuck in here with me".

[@loverila]

One of my favorite quotes to this day. ❤

[@samwill7259]

Just a reminder, to those of you who might forget this, I know I do. This was supposed to be Captain Atom, superhero extraordinaire, multiple time chairman of the Justice League of America and all around one of the most stand up dudes in the DC Universe. Seeing what I've seen, reading what I've read of the timeline we actually got, it's always amazing to me to imagine Watchmen actually playing out with the Charlton Action Heroes that were originally planned. Dr. Manhattan and Nathaniel Adams seem to have almost nothing in common. I'm glad we got the timeline where Moore was able to tell his story AND we got the real heroic version of Captain Atom sticking around in the DCU

[@shainewhite2781]

YES!! PLEASE DO MORE WATCHMEN CONTENT!

[@dudewithtude4476]

best channel on KZbin right here ...

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thanks buddy! :)

[@RandomHero95]

You deep dive on your topics and the quality of your video essays really shows. Stellar job, man. So glad I’m subbed to your channel.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@baddonkey6876]

I think billy crudup's portrayal of dr. Manhattan is so perfectly done that everytime i read the comics i hear his voice in my head when i read dr. Manhattan's parts, same goes for jackie Earle haley's version of rorschach

[@deadlyninja112]

And jeffery dean's comedian too

[@baddonkey6876]

@deadlyninja112 his comedian made me realize he'd be a damn good Tony Stark

[@Darkpara1]

This film was a visual masterpiece.

[@Rodeo_Wizard]

You're one of the greatest KZbin channels, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Niyat you are wonderful. Thank You for all these explanatory/informative videos.

[@damianstarks3338]

Yes yes and yes Doctor Manhattan is one of dc comics most op characters and one of my favorite watchmen !

[@mystic1185]

Wow this one was great! I never realized how deep his character was. It really puts things into perspective.

[@pointcuration1278]

Thank you for making this video, I enjoyed it

[@Grey8728]

FilmComicsExplained is my favorite channel. When I see the bell notification, I click if my life depends on it ngl.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thank you The Riddler! :)

[@Grey8728]

@@filmcomicsexplained No worries 😄

[@Josh_Exitcamper]

This dude is the personification of overpowered.

[@alanmike6883]

I never read or saw the comic so I have no idea about the source material or how faithful it is. I can only say from the movie I liked Mr Manhattan. You could see how he felt his humanity slipping away and there was nothing he could do. Trying hard to hold onto something that he could never get back. As for the movie itself I think it'd OK. Not great but one which if you switch off your brain for a few minutes hours can be enjoyable.

[@AM-mp7ug]

That's pretty much every superhero movie that involves superpowered beings.

[@starkilr101]

I feel bad for this guy sometimes. Seeing the past, the present and the future in addition to possible alternate timelines all at once. Like, what does that do to somebody

[@andresmarte2172]

An experience so unique we can’t begin to imagine what horrors and miracles he can see.but then again,both are the same .it’s just perceived in two different ways

[@Hawk7886]

It literally makes him inhuman.

[@SpikeTheWolf]

so he sees everything but doesn't change anything cuz he believes he cant?

[@mw9688]

@@SpikeTheWolf Because he realizes that changing anything means changing everything and nothing.

[@SpikeTheWolf]

@@mw9688 whoa

[@austincody308]

Been waiting for this one! 🔥 🔥

[@solemnsimulacrum]

As always excellent content and one about one of my favorite characters too! thank you.

[@betterretromess]

The chapter where he's talking to Silk Spectre on Mars in the graphic novel is one of the greatest fictional stories ever, in my opinion. Every so often I'll pick up the collection and re-read just that chapter and still get chills thinking about what it would be like to live that way.

[@jubed]

Thank you for this video it's brilliant

[@soulreaver1983]

Another outstanding video thanks for all your hard work 🙂👍

[@filmcomicsexplained]

My pleasure!

[@soulreaver1983]

@@filmcomicsexplained 😎👍

[@Xainfinen]

Niyat, I think this one is easily in the top 5 best video you've made.

[@mfundo6619]

Good video once again. Please delve in to the film 'The One' by Jet Li. It's basically about the multiverse and how killing one of your multiverse selves makes the remaining yous stronger, if that makes sense lol😂

[@vomeronasal]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@derickwilson2608]

This one was awesome you have to do more like this

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

@3:10 "Gerard Butler" Whoa! I didn't know he was in this great adaptation.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

He played The Sea Captain in the Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter comic/animation sliced throughout the film film in the ultimate cut

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

@@filmcomicsexplained I overlooked that one for sure.

[@HelioPopTart]

Thank you for being one of the few channels that provides a thorough perspective on the topic and providing a neutral dialogue. Are you planning to continue comic narratives like the 28 days later? I really enjoyed that series!

[@mariobostic475]

love this content

[@GR-wp4wb]

Great video. Loved the depth.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Billbeaux]

Love the vids. Did you get a different mic?

[@rabidbogey1463]

I hit the pause button to comment. This....is going to be amazing 👏 Edit - 2:40....that background music is amazing. Well placed. 4:20 makes me want to draw again. 6:51 VALKYRIES

[@Kreau]

Underrated movie with an overpowered character. That gold android Lex Luthor made (I think it's named Amazo) reminds me of Dr Manhattan.

[@ipodclassic91]

I THOROUGHLY enjoy these type of videos delving into the psyche and philosophical ideologies of various characters in DC & marvel

[@caleblott399]

This channel is underrated.

[@joed2818]

What happened to Zack Snyder? The Director's Cut of Watchmen is so under-rated, it may even be remembered as the best comic book movie ever made. An epic masterpiece. Start to finish.

[@kafukwamekemeh]

zack snyder is still doing movies sooo he is still great, Mos, BVs and Zsjl were great

[@SpikeTheWolf]

wow noice vid, my head hurts now never knew there was so much in these characters.

[@jerriatrix2127]

Highly, highly, highly entertaining 🔥🙏🏼

[@warmac88]

Great video bro

[@13thravenpurple94]

Great work thank yoU

[@angel_bop]

God dang, i love this channel

[@ThethArchamus]

I subscribed because of this video, Dr Manhattan has been my number 1 since Snyders movie came out. You did this character justice my friend. The enigma between god and man

[@mercuryman1250]

Im surprised you havent made your own comic book series. I would buy it, not just to read but collect as well. Great narration

[@brandoncox6108]

That was eye opening.

[@kaz5150619]

MORE WATCHMEN OMFG I LOVED THE MINISERIES

[@Space-Cowboy88]

Great video!

[@shad0wf1sh74]

Great video! Have you done one for Rorschach?

[@BentBackwards]

Great video, one of the most powerful characters in the whole DC Universe

[@thecopperiris]

I guess I need to watch this movie for the sheer fact that Jeffery Dean Morgan is in it playing himself as usual 😂😂

[@RomireTV]

Thanks for explaining him, Makes watching the movie more interesting

[@daver4510]

Amazing

[@IronHeel]

One of my favourite comicbook movies and criminally under-rated

[@nicholassiple7838]

Great content sir

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@NYR14477]

Loved that part of the movie when they were getting it on in the aircraft and when she hit the big O the flamethrower was hit LOL

[@1smallball]

The motion comic version of Dr. Manhattan is far superior, the voice is perfect.

[@kafukwamekemeh]

Great video

[@Wayfarer45]

Friend: It'd be cool to have Superman's power. Me: I beg to differ sir.

[@Darkpara1]

I don't know. Dr Manhattan is so detached from humanity, it doesn't seem like it would be pleasant.

[@youtubestudiosucks978]

@@Darkpara1 perfection leaves no room for emotion

[@piercingpencils_art]

I rarely comment because all of your videos are STELLAR. BUT WOW!!!!

[@Cervando]

One of my favourite, if not my favourite, superhero film and story ever. I loved the graphic novel, and personally didn't.ind the changes, as many were necessary. It was an incredibly difficult story to reproduce in such a short time frame and yet he succeeded. All of the characters in the film are fascinating.

[@bryanaragon4979]

Great video, Dr.Manhattan is one of my main favorite powerful beings inside the comics of DC universe. I gotta say, honestly the first time that I knew about him was when I saw the Watchmen live action movie of 2009. After that I gave myself the opportunity to read the comics where Manhattan appeared. And I must admit, that from my own point of view about him is that he doesn't feel like a hero or a villain to me, he seems like a being trying to do good things while getting swept up in currents of life that are beyond his control. That are even perhaps not meant to be controlled. He reminds me of God in the hypothetical case that if God was different than what mankind expected or didn't work the way they wanted. I find him to be a character I'm sympathetic to, much like God and Man.

[@mouseutopia]

Incredibly well put together video.

[@Carlos-ui5dx]

"And has clicked the notification icon on materialism with neutral indifference" LMAO

[@ServantofJesus1996]

Love that guy🫡🤷🏼‍♂️🙏🏼

[@alexbriseno8863]

Amazing video and love ur channel but your voice audio needs to be louder or everything else quieter

[@Joeromano95]

Well done.

[@NSFLBrando]

This will be my favorite video from you of all time, I love the complexity of Dr. Manhattan

[@denzelstrasser-king661]

I love your content.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thanks for watching!

[@gabrielhughes8221]

@@filmcomicsexplained can you talk about the Dr.manhattan powers in the tv series?

[@jerroco8388]

Can you also cover the dude that wears the mask with a fedora and trenchcoat in the watchmen whenever you have time

[@loafysworld9327]

Yes!!

[@shainewhite2781]

Thanks for the video!! See you later!! Stay safe.😊

[@filmcomicsexplained]

Thanks! You too!

[@vazzaroth]

Dr Manhattan is my favorite INTP character in fiction and the phrase "had his intrinsic field removed' makes me realize that the initials for that are I.F. Which just so happens to also be like Fi, Introverted Feeling, the INTP 8th and final shadow function. The Demon. Commonly seen as the "humanity" in humans. Fascinating, and relatable. Definitely had people tell me to stop my bullshit when I'm ranting about theoretical quantum physics when asked, like, what I want for lunch. He's like the patron saint of living with derealization daily to the point where it just becomes your norm.

[@jejeaguayo7359]

I’ve been watching your videos for awhile haha so hopefully you’ll do The Witch king from the Lord of the Rings soon

[@clydedenby1436]

Beautifully executed video reliant upon extensive research. Unfortunately, the background music is still too loud.

[@urameshiyaa2830]

Can alter his appearance any way he pleases. Doctor Manhattan: I'm gonna have my donger out and its gonna be blue.

[@filmcomicsexplained]

And you have no deterrant to stop me hahaha its the ultimate alpha move

[@daustin8888]

If Dr. Manhattan is expierncing every moment of his life at the same time, then he is forever expierncing the pain of getting ripped to shreds in that intrinsic field. Horrifying

[@kd3283]

Thank you for telling me he was a fictional character, I was getting a little worried

[@skywalker2759]

This is my second video from your channel and I just have to say that with 625 videos and counting you more than deserve 1 million subscribers 💯💯💯

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

I love your videos man especially your accent and the way u narrate makes even dumb things happening in a film sound smart..i think this film is underappreciated and Zack Snyder did a pretty damn good job adapting the comic..though i never understood why a god like being would ever allow humanity to use him as a weapon...i guess u could say it was the last remnants of his humanity that binded him to the united states but I'd think he'd be beyond any human needs like war from the beginning..another thing I'm curious about is I'd think they'd want to try to recreate the situation that created Manhattan on others but maybe they did and Manhattan was a special case with all others failing ..i haven't seen this movie in a few years but i think imma watch it again very soon i really do feel it's much better than most give it credit for and i was always ok with ending being changed, to me it makes more sense than a giant squid monster

[@citronm1405]

Read the book instead please. The movie was...lacking. Read the comic and you will get the feeling.

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

@@citronm1405 i have read the comic numerous times but the questions i wrote about still remain

[@whiskeredcrocodile]

Rorschach & Ozy have always been my favorites characters. I can't choose between them, though they're totally opposites. I also recommend the "Before Watchmen" series, for the episodes on Ozy and Doc Manhattan.

[@najeekgreen2543]

This video is the simplified way to explain Dr Manhattan anything Edit: And that's a good thing he's complicated

[@nateriver5233]

Please do a Rorschach Explanation Vid 😲?

[@nasis18]

Watchmen is such a deep, and nuanced story.

[@ttrestle]

You forgot to mention arguably one his greatest powers - giant, blue, DONG! But seriously, great vid, as always. Keep up the outstanding work.

[@CeeDoubleU]

I only watch your videos for the music at the end

[@ButtersCCookie]

I wish you had done ALL the characters deep dive. Outstanding story. Up there with the Bible, The Shinning, and No Country For Old Men.