The REAL Reason The Original V Was Fired

[@Nerdstalgic]

Is V For Vendetta the greatest comic adaptation of all time? Check out our other channel to get in on the debate! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKmkgmh5eKatn9k

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

No. The beauty that was the graphic novel was intensely watered down in the film.

[@johnstrawb3521]

It is not. Even as a left-wing anti-feminist I was repulsed by the treatment of Portman's character.

[@soulofash2112]

Absolutely not. It's an atrocious adaptation (as every adaptation of Moore's Works tend to be). And everyone who watches it and doesn't read the GN walks away with a very, very flawed understanding of who V was. It's a travesty is what it is.

[@JoeyLSA]

Will you ever bring back too tall desk?

[@Tulasam]

Nope. Maybe one of the worst.

[@XionLuis]

Hugo Weaving was so damn good in this movie. He gave emotion to a motionless mask!

[@Elaba_]

He also got a tendency to multiply himself.

[@histguy101]

Even with all of Weaving's talent, he has nothing on Purefoy

[@Jen999]

@@histguy101 absolutely agree .. James Purefoy's voice is mesmerizing and ethereal ., pure magic⚘

[@AtlasVRC]

I can't imagine V without Hugo's voice behind that mask. He did a fantastic job making his voice the face of the character...in my opinion.

[@royjones0824]

It’s a fact probably best decision that they did

[@Oblivionapc]

I've heard a few different people talking about this movie today and it's just occurred to me what the date is. It makes so much more sense now lol.

[@Shark0115]

I give KZbinrs a lot of credit for releasing content in such a timely fashion and planning so far ahead. Like if the fifth landed on Thursday but that wasn't the usual scheduled day, there would be no video like all the stars have to align for these perfect events and the best content creators never miss those moments.

[@tylerfecho4454]

Yeah what about my b day? Lol

[@justinlast2lastharder749]

So you're saying you forgot? I did too.

[@dillspickles6934]

What is the correlation of the date and people talking about the movie I genuinely do t know

[@DrunkenDweorg]

@@dillspickles6934 remember remember the 5th of November.

[@koalasandwich567]

There's a lot of irony and humor in V's cast, as William Hurt was in the film version of 1984, as the protagonist, and is now the Leader of Norsefire. Hugo Weaving who plays a freedom fighter, would later go on to found HYDRA. And Natalie Portman of course is once again in the middle of a politcal conflict.

[@mathewguglielmi8451]

You mean John Hurt.

[@HughJass-313]

@@mathewguglielmi8451 What other political conflict?

[@WhiteTrash2993]

@@HughJass-313 star wars lmao

[@HughJass-313]

@@WhiteTrash2993 😆😆 Thanks... I was struggling

[@thejuniorseas7683]

"So this is how Democracy dies. With thunderous applause."

[@grrrrliz]

Fun Fact: Hugo was their original choice for V, but Hugo was already scheduled to film Eucalyptus, with Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. However, that film fell through (rumors about Crowe being difficult...) right around the time when Vendetta parted ways with Purefoy, so Hugo was able to fly over to Berlin and take over. Call it fate!

[@BigDaddyJinx]

Love me some Purefoy but I have to admit that Weaving IS V. He embodies how I would think the person would move, act, and sound. His tone and diction is so crisp you can hear it snap. I could listen to him read the ingredients off a KD box and be impressed. I believe I'd still have liked the movie if Purefoy had remained, but I'm convinced I'd have been missing out on Weaving's stellar rendition. I'm glad that things went the way they did and we all got what we got.

[@Riftrender]

Reminder that Guy Fawkes was not an anarchist. He just wanted a Catholic Monarchy over a Protestant one.

[@isaacschmitt4803]

Specifically a *Spanish* Catholic Monarchy. It's an important point, historically speaking.

[@katokianimation]

Yeah he was the person who would kill students because too much non christian parties have a seat in the parlament nowadays

[@gota7738]

I'm now curious how widespread this misconception is.

[@thatbuckmulligan]

Based

[@Riftrender]

@@gota7738 Well considering all the masks, probably widely.

[@jasonlovi8745]

Hollywood needs to learn that faces and star power isn't what sways an audience. All we want is a good story.

[@StrifeA217]

Hugo Weaving is such an amazing actor. He adds so much weight and gravitas to every character he plays.

[@JonAddisonFilms]

The irony of creative "voices not being heard" in the creation of the film V for Vendetta is palpable.

[@watcherofwatchers]

Maybe with an incredibly overly simplistic viewpoit. It's not like Moore didn't willingly enter into a contract and receive compensation. He just failed to properly vett said contract and had seller's remorse. That's a very different scenario.

[@Tricykel]

@@watcherofwatchers I think its pretty obvious Alan Moore's biggest regret is not reading the contract well enough just seems like a textbook example of not reading in between the lines and making a deal with the devil (more or less his work became popular but he doesn't own the rights to his own creation) either way this is just another reminder when signing anything

[@dragonkyng]

They wanted his voice. He refused to work with them.

[@watcherofwatchers]

@@dragonkyng He has been famously difficult to work with, I think. It's the impression I have had over the years.

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

Still doesn't change the fact that they purposely strayed from the original meaning of *his* work in order to make a water-downed version of what was a great graphic novel. They took a nuanced and complex political story and bastardized it into your typical, surface-level, "left vs right" action film. A crying shame. I'd be pissed too if I were him.

[@kabr0ne]

"why was the original V fired", Well 6 minutes into a 9 minute video and you haven't gotten there yet but you've read the entire alan moore wikipedia page.

[@JB-1138]

Spent a few minutes praising protestors too. Get to the point!

[@imSUPPRESED]

Read this comment 24 seconds in and now I'm leaving. Cheers for the heads up, realised I don't care why the OG was fired 😂

[@AlTerego816]

Thank you for the info. I shall skip ahead and possibly skip the ending altogether.

[@bernardsoh3559]

But would either of us would be here if not for the clickbait?

[@sir_earl_grey_5530]

I really like Alan but he's a fool for not getting lawyer to look over the contract and I honestly feel like he's more bitter at his own mistake than anything

[@harrymills2770]

There's the letter of the contract and the spirit of the contract. I wouldn't have done that to the creator of the work, even if I could. It's dirtbag behavior.

[@sir_earl_grey_5530]

@@harrymills2770 no I wouldn't do it either but I'd fully expect a company of DC size to do so always better to be safe than sorry

[@shrey768]

I wonder if his fans decide not to buy watchmen and v for vendetta for a year, would the rights revert back to Alan Moore?

[@JohnDlugosz]

Would it even have occurred to a lawyer at the time to elaborate on the clause? Maybe would know to limit the rights to "print".

[@reikun86]

And it happens every time his work is adapted.

[@waleedkhalid7486]

This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. Honestly it’s a classic for me. A perfect movie that shows how people can end up perpetuating evil while believing they are doing good, and how it sometimes takes an outside perspective to see that the system is rotten to core. Of course, change should not be so violent. I would even argue that the movie tries to tell us that what V is doing is the right thing in the wrong way. He knows that at some point the anger people feel will boil over, he knows that at some point something so bad will happen that the system and the people will collide and only the strongest of the two will survive. He knows that this change will be violent. And so it’s a warning to us to make changes, to defeat evil, while it is small. While it is able to be stomped. Otherwise, it’s going to take a Big Bang to beat it.

[@jenpachi2408]

basically society in 2021 sadly

[@olafnilsen1641]

Comic is far better

[@PETERJOHN101]

Humans cannot destroy evil, humans are the source of evil. Your ideology is exactly what leads to mass social schizophrenic totalitarianism.

[@lazytommy0]

I loved this movie. One of my all time favorites and there really isn't anything else like it. I can't imagine a world where it didn't exist. I find it sad that such a monumental film could have caused so much grief behind the scenes.

[@RavenWavesASMR]

james purefoy is such a criminally underrated actor

[@otherkorean]

Not going to argue that but I doubt he had the chops for V at the time.

[@alisonholding7319]

I agree I love James Purefoy

[@ComicBookGuy420]

Yep, his work in Altered Carbon was brilliant Hugo weavings voice is perfect for V though

[@JJMcCullough]

I feel like Alan Moore is almost always portrayed as a hapless victim in the way these stories about the movie adaptations of his comics are told. But I'm sure there's an other side that's less favorable to him, too.

[@kicapanmanis1060]

That's the risk you take when you sign a very important legal document without a lawyer vetting it.

[@Pantherblack]

Boot-lickingiset take.

[@jesusothe3rd847]

J.J. McCullough you watch nerdstalgic? Love you channel btw!

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

It still doesn't change the fact that they took his work and purposely twisted and distorted it for the big screen. The graphic novel and the film depict two different stories.

[@JJMcCullough]

@@jonathanjohnson9611 my point is maybe “they” have a different perspective on what happened.

[@craigbryant9925]

I cannot imagine anyone else being behind the mask. The weight of his voice and the way he carries himself I always thought was the absolute perfect casting choice. I had no idea that Purefoy was the original choice, glad that's not the version we ended up with.

[@internziko]

I love V and adore Hugo's performance. Firing that other dude was the best decision they could've ever made.

[@djcruiselover3827]

Sometimes the creator of a IP is the best person to consult about making a movie and then other times you get movies like Star Trek the motion picture and almost killed a franchise

[@otherkorean]

Star Trek the motion picture has aged very well, IMSHO.

[@TheRealNormanBates]

ST:TMP made a ton of money in 79. 🤷 It was ST V:TFF that almost sank Star Trek.

[@djcruiselover3827]

@@otherkorean And I respect your opinion on that but Gene Roddenberry essentially got fired from Star Trek movies because of what he did on that film.

[@djcruiselover3827]

@@TheRealNormanBates from a money perspective you are certainly right but creatively I think that final frontier was a better movie but that’s just me

[@TheRealNormanBates]

@@djcruiselover3827 🤷 that’s okay. As long as the blu-rays are available for all of the TOS movies, I will be happy. PS: Paramount is working on a *ST:TMP* director’s cut in HD, with new FX.

[@Jopeymessmusic]

I'd been aware of Purefoy being fired and replaced by Weaving. I've often wondered why. I'd rate both pretty high with regards to acting ability. What an odd development in every capacity this film is.

[@mikestanmore2614]

The salient lesson for today, children, is: read the contract, then employ a lawyer to read it, before you sign it.

[@MrNullifier]

I always think of V For Vendetta on the 5th of November. Thanks for the video and Happy Guy Fawks Day 🔥

[@Zamu273]

This was my favourite film! I didn't even know he was replaced.. The vibe was different in some scenes though...

[@carrottopevans]

Yes I’m here so early and so excited for Friday and Nerdstalgic all on the same day! I’ve never seen this film and appreciate you diving into it for me

[@Nerdstalgic]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@JasonTodd971]

I enjoy this film. Very much 🤷‍♂️ And Weaving is PHENOMENAL in voicing V

[@reticenti6365]

This movie was a masterpiece. So iconic. Its more then a movie, its a symbol for protest and fighting fascism.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

It happened on the back to the future as well! The recast here also was a perfect move! 🤯🤯🤯😎😎😎

[@midwestweirdo666]

Anybody else notice the irony in someone wearing a mask that's a symbol of anarchy holding a sign that says tax the rich which is the exact opposite of anarchy?

[@adisonnanet]

Ah, yes, James Purefoy, also known as the guy I always confuse Thomas Jane with.

[@skn180]

The message here is find a good idea and steal it. Got it thanks

[@heyitsevan758]

Now you are in the capitalism spirit!

[@jwr2904]

@@heyitsevan758 ugh, that's a human thing. Not just capitalism

[@dragonkyng]

No the message is don’t sign a contract without reading it

[@Carnagefiend]

Guys, the author signed his name without any coercion. His work wasn't stolen, he gave it away because he made a foolish decision. Deception is an act seen in nature beyond humans. The best case was that he was naive.

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

Very disappointed that Nerdstalgic didn't touch on the fact that the biggest gripe Alan Moore had was that they took his work and completely twisted and altered it for the big screen. This video falsely portrayed him as some artist who merely got screwed over in a contract, when this is far from the case. So disappointed.

[@jayhartRIC]

I watch this movie every year. About to watch it in a few minutes lol.

[@rickpearlstein6421]

I do too. Love this film.

[@myfuelisramen2890]

Same I love masked mysterious villains/heroes but the only movie I find the best is V for Vendetta. Do any of you have other recommendations?

[@dj1NM3]

Alan Moore was always objecting to any of his comics being made into movies. To be perfectly honest: it's almost a mark of quality, if the grumpy old man objected.

[@erwin669]

Well, seeing how when his work is made into a movie it is changed and the story is very different than what he originally wrote I'd be at the very least annoyed if I was him.

[@formanimacion]

I would be upset too if a movie was made based on my content while I have no rights or royalties to it, he didnt make a penny

[@suarezguy]

@@formanimacion He was offered to get royalties and turned them down.

[@formanimacion]

oh wow

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

@@erwin669 Exactly. People like to pretend that it was all about the money. What pissed Alan Moore off the most was the fact that they took his work and twisted it for the big screen.

[@anticip8dthegamer]

One of my solid favs. Remember remember the 5th of November, which happens to be my son's birthday. R.I.P. Young Dolph

[@TheJtyork420]

Thank God for his 5th of November song ever since I saw the movie its been so easy to remember my moms b day.

[@Beast_Of_Madness]

Remember, ideas are bulletproof.

[@ClarenceSampang]

Oh hey, it's the 5th of November.

[@danielreed4050]

Well made and much appreciated!

[@AynenMakino]

V remains one of my alltime favourite superhero movies. Prime reason being that it dares to be critical of the society that forms it's own audience. Few movies do that.

[@eskhawk]

Too bad for James Purferoy...I always liked him...Luckily Hugo Weaving is really good too

[@SyFy412]

I would love to see a video on “star power” and if it still a driving force to get people to go see movies. Seems like Hollywood still think is but it’s so with people I know.

[@dashvash5440]

There aren't as many stars I'll always watch but if some of my fave actors or directors are involved I'm much more likely to watch. Tarantino is a good example.

[@RafitoOoO]

For some people it sure is. I'd pay to see anything Tom Cruise is doing lol.

[@TheFilmFella]

Just did episode 18 of my podcast on this! We discussed this swap, but I had no details as to what caused it. Great video, love your explanations!

[@Michael_______]

Nice narrative there. Well written whomever(s) put this video together ❤

[@Zerofightervi]

You know the reason the creator didn't want a film? It would then keep the character popular & therefore the books would remain popular & he'd never get back control of his creation.

[@Narvre]

Alan Moore has a history of hating film adaptations of his work and has only liked one screen play adaptation of his work and that was the Watchmen treatment David Hayter wrote, and even then he didn't think it should be made. He doesn't believe in adaptations as he thinks a piece is made in the medium it originates and adaptations are shadows of the source

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

Alan Moore didn’t want a film because he knew they were going to take his work and twist it so much it would become a mockery. And he was right

[@beuxjmusic]

Watchmen and Deathnote had their entire purposes raped by the film versions for the sake of an ignorant, feckless public. Both films ultimate conclusions make me desperately disappointed in the public.

[@MelchVagquest]

Can we stop pretending that Alan Moore isn't actually an a**hole in real life? V For Vendetta is one of my all-time favorite movies.

[@m1_garandmaster541]

What a sad story I really enjoyed this movie but now knowing what had happened I may never watch it again

[@grimreaper5264]

I just watched this movie this morning, celebrating today.

[@ChaosMechanica]

The beginning of this video discussed some of Alan Moore's woes with DC more directly. Later, some of the rhetoric about whether V For Vendetta the movie could have been better or not if Alan Moore was around, and whether he wasn't around because he wasn't listened to regarding this movie, is delivered in a way that almost feels like it puts the weight of his distance from DC on the film. To be fair and clearer to this film, I believe that when this was film being created Alan Moore had long been at odds with DC, and never wanted any of his properties to be adapted in general, both due to how he viewed DC and that he didn't feel that stories written for comics could be adapted into film. He's said in different interviews that he believes purely in the medium of comics as it is, and so doesn't feel viewers can ever get the experience he wants for them in the same way from a movie or TV adaptation. Through this lens, I don't think the film could have ever been made no matter the other factors you mentioned. There would be no V, no Watchmen movie or TV show, no From Hell and no League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.... though to be fair again, one could say that only two/ two and a half of these adaptations were worth their effort.

[@shotsniper009]

I had no idea that was Hugo weaving his range is amazing

[@blainemitchell]

This is a very good movie and Hugo Weaving does a fantastic job! Very well done.

[@Dzan500]

Kind of ironic that the rights to V for vendetta were essentially stolen from the original creator and absorbed by a big corporation

[@kicapanmanis1060]

Stolen? Lol he gave it away and was just salty he didn't do basic due diligence.

[@och70]

He could have prevented that by having a lawyer read the contract he blindly signed. That's on him for trusting a corporation to have his best interest in mind instead of their own.

[@RockBandRS]

Not stolen if you willingly and, from the sounds of it, excitingly sign over the rights.

[@rickpearlstein6421]

@@RockBandRS YES he could have prevented it by seeing a lawyer but don't give the company a pass because of some obscure language hidden in the contract. That's bullshit. They screwed him and did so knowingly. That's just wrong.

[@RockBandRS]

@@rickpearlstein6421 Yeah he got screwed over, that still doesn't make it stolen.

[@BDeerhead]

Remember, remember, on the fifth of November, the conspiracy everyone knows. They no longer show this movie anymore, because it's far too "on the nose".

[@jwr2904]

The world in the film isn't too far removed from the world we live in now

[@CHIL2903]

life imitating art, Billy.🙁

[@Egilhelmson]

I assume that you mean at the theater, because I drifted over it on cable, a few days ago, unfortunately well after it’s start, so it wasn’t worth joining.

[@DaveTex2375]

Things *"V"* got absolutely right were In 2020 government(s) would use health and disease as a way to control the masses and criticism of government action on anything/anyone related (Fauci, The Jab, NHS, etc.) is misinformation and conspiracy theories. Things they got completely wrong? Ruthless oppression of Islam and Gays/LGBT. When major corporations and media promote how stunning and brave it is to promote permanent, life altering procedures to children, then the LGBT community isn't being oppressed. In the UK the police are worried about mean tweets, and ignored public criticism of "Asian Grooming Gangs" molesting little girls because someone might consider it "Racist and Islamaphobic".

[@mnikhk]

I think they did the right thing, Alan Moore couldve got compensation if he talked it out, but then again he refuses to watch any movie they make on his work or consult with directors. As much as I love his work and respect him, they got no reason to pay him he agreed to sell his works, now he is just bitter they are making more money on it.

[@linda10989]

Definitely! He might want to read his contracts before he signs another one!

[@Nube-Gamer]

I feel like no one’s talking about Alan Moore. Like, I love the movie and all… but imagine losing the rights to your creation. Not being able to have control over what you made with love & passion. It sucks. This is one of my biggest fears as a creative artist. People will try to trick you giving your work away. And what was once your magnum opus is now your worst hubris.

[@SpencerJ289]

Excellent episode as always. Very informative

[@ARealPersonNotABot]

One of my favorite documentaries

[@TonySnow663]

Sounds like Hugo saved the film

[@linda10989]

Imo, yes he did! Movie goers will at least, know who he is. With all apologies to Mr. Purefoy, i knew (and enjoyed) Mr. Weaving's work way before your own.

[@awakenedwarrior952]

I would not have even watched that movie if Hugo was not in that role. He made the character if you ask me. An unforeseen foresight.... that paid of well. A great movie. Thanks to Hugo Weaving...

[@jgriffin9084]

This is my favorite movie. It gets better every time I watch it.

[@koalasandwich567]

Bro, you have good taste in profile pics

[@oftenspanx]

I truly love the V For Vendetta film, even despite understanding the conflict of how Moore and company was screwed over. My enjoyment doesn't justify how he was treated or how how his work was stolen though. It's fucky shitty, and he is owed his character back, all rights, and financial compensation, from a "what is morally right" standpoint, hands down, no debate. That being said, look no further than George Lucas if you want an example of how a creator sometimes may not know what best to do with their creation. He's not the only example, just perhaps the most well known, and I'm certainly not here to argue that what Disney has ended up doing with Star Wars is all sunshine and rainbows, and it STILL does not justify what happened to Moore or the countless creators throughout history that had their work stolen and usurped from under them... V For Vendetta was quite good is all I'm saying.

[@BNGamesYT]

100% Agree with this

[@kicapanmanis1060]

Any competent adult know you don't sign any important legal document without a lawyer vetting it especially if it's an important work of yours that involves ownership. When you sign an agreement, you signed off to a deal described. You don't like what's on offer, reject and walk away. A signed contract is not some joke or pinky promise, but an actual trade agreed by two parties described in said conditions.

[@oftenspanx]

@@kicapanmanis1060 ah yes, the laws, those things we made up because society taught us the valuable lesson that some rules are good and necessary if you want to have a fair and just civilization, shame how we went overboard and allowed for a whole slew that exist to literally fuck over people and take advantage of them, and the sheer number of them, necessitating entire schools and professions focused around the, but I digress. You've made a statement that seems to imply anyone in this particular thread said anthing to the contrary, but alas, no such thing transpired. We're aware of the monumental mistake that was made, we're just voicing that morally, it's super fucky is all.

[@XitlalicProductions]

Thank you, I completely agree. I was looking for this comment; if you didn't write it, I would have.

[@Tigerwolf102onYoutube]

You’re a legend for releasing this video on Nov. 5th

[@Pokemon-TradingCardGamePocket]

What a compelling video you made here. Always impressive!

[@Moviefan2k4]

After watching this, I was reminded of something author W.P. Kinsella once said: "Writers are generally not happy with how Hollywood treats their books, and for good reason. But I'm proud to be the exception." He was very proud of how his 1982 novel "Shoeless Joe" was adapted into the now-classic film, "Field of Dreams". James O'Barr also commented, saying people had often asked Raymond Chandler "What do you think of how Hollywood has treated your books?" Mr. Chandler's response was very blunt: "Fucking Hollywood hasn't done anything to my books. They're right on the shelf where they've always been."

[@derriondedlogicdavis8300]

Thanks!

[@Nerdstalgic]

Appreciate this man! Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@00fgytduydrtu]

​@@NerdstalgicThe goverment were the good guys. Heil Fascism heil Mosley.

[@pmcclaren1]

This film is the most, hold on, yes, wait for it . . . beautiful LOVE STORY in decades (ref 1970). Evey's stunning, breathless BEAUTY and innocence so rare fire V's COURAGE, DEVOTION and LOVE for her. Thus, she thrives in his 'total' SECURITY of her. She gives him LIFE with her love for him. She says to him 'How can you be . . .the most important one to me.' He tells her 'Nothing existed until I saw you; then everything changed and I fell in love with you. Thus they give to all of us LOVE and HOPE (John 3.3, 33-34) in today's world which 'destroys' all the demonic "fear", hatred and death (Revelation 13) of today. V V says near the conclusion 'MY TURN!!!!!' It is NOW OUR TURN!!!!!STAND UP! NOW ALL YOU BRAVE PEOPLE! Good news! WE WIN!!!!! (Luke 24.6).

[@leancats]

I actually watched this movie on the 5th of November, funny stuff.. I love the video btw, I never thought this 2005 film which I thought was a B movie; was a cult classic and is the whole reason for anon masks.

[@DaveTex2375]

V sauntering around in his lair cooking, doing household chores is a half step from the Adam West BATMAN fighting villains in that cheesy costume. 😅

[@outlawscar3328]

7:35 Quite the reversal on the concept of original creative ownership from this video to the one about Kermit the Frog and Steve Whitmire. What's up with that, Nerdstalgic?

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

You would post this video today 👍 the 5th of November

[@koalasandwich567]

Ah yes V for Vendetta, or as it is known in France, V for Valjean.

[@DaveTex2375]

In India it's known as "V for Vagene" 😅

[@fangorn23]

having read both the V for Vendetta comics and seen the movie alllow me to be controversial for a moment..... the movie was better. sorry alan moore. Having your main character take LSD then run through town screaming about how he misses racial minorities is too weird. And your villain literally being in love with his security network wasnt any better.

[@TheUnreliableNarrator64]

This is one of my all time favorite movies of all time 👌

[@pugmasterofaz529]

Weird this came up. I was looking at my vast DVD collection today and randomly pulled out V for Vendetta and wondered to myself how I aquired it. Was it a Christmas present? A birthday present? Or did I buy it? Great movie though.

[@wthwasthat8884]

Nice touch releasing this on the 5th of November...

[@Robustacap]

Alan moore, Grant Morrison, Alan Moore.. Doing some amazing visual and textual story masterpieces (Like prometheus from Alan Moore).. Never got why graphic art/storytelling + text = kids stuff if in paper?

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

Film Exec: *”Ok here’s what I want the films overall message to b….-wait ((stops pacing)), why is this part of the floor squishy?”* Underling: _”Um, because you’re standing on Alan Moore, sir.”_ Film exec: *”Oh.”* ((finally looks down, steps off to the side and continues pacing around.)) Underling: _…((awkward silence))..._ Film exec: *”ahem, ANYWAY…as I was saying-I envision this film to be about giving a voice to the voiceless! An inspirational message about never letting the MAN walk all over you, ignore your wishes, treat you like you’re worthless and continue to benefit from oppressing the little guy!!”*

[@HughJass-313]

🤣🤣

[@rars0n]

Regardless of what Alan Moore or anyone else originally attached to it thinks, V For Vendetta is a very good movie. Definitely one of the strongest of the Wachowski's, even if it does teeter a bit towards some of their annoying excesses. I had totally forgotten about James Purfoy being cast and while I definitely think he could have easily filled the role quite well, it sounds like he wasn't really playing it the same way Hugo Weaving did (who, IMO, knocked it out of the park). It's a shame we couldn't get a glimpse at both versions. It's like the Eric Stoltz version of Back to the Future: would it have been as good? Probably not. But watching it in hindsight sure would be interesting.

[@wrongthinker843]

Everyone was obsessed with this movie when it came out. Yet when it's playing out in real life, everyone suddenly pretends such a story never existed.

[@Bacbi]

It's hard not to feel bad for the actor, but unless something else comes out revealing more information. It doesn't sound like they just did it out of malice or spite as we know have happened in other movies or tv before. What is a bit strange however is that you would think that they would have done camera and chemestry tests so what was it he delivered in those that they felt was right but didn't feel right when it came time to actually do the movie? It's hard to imagine someone else other than Weaving now because he just has such a commanding voice, but I hope one day we get a leak of what the original was, like that Watchmen test footage. As for Alan Moore, yes DC and WB screwed him over but it is also a strange situation in that if the books had been praised upon release but just sold the normal numbers most comic books sell. Instead of becoming some of the most industry-defining standards of the medium. They might have tried to keep it just long enough for the movies and then given the rights back. Still a shady thing to do since that at the time it was standard for books to be in print for just 6 months. And not what Moore wanted given how they turned out, although I think even if someone had managed to truly crack it perfectly to the point where they would have gotten Oscar nominations. I don't think that would have changed it for him, just from the interviews I've seen of him the impression I get is that his reasoning for not wanting his work to be adapted at all. Beyond just thinking that it usually doesn't work well, with the Justice League adaptation For the man who has everything being the only thing of which he says that he has both watched and approved of. Is that he doesn't like how the people involved in the adaptations of comic book work are the ones reaping more benefits and rewards than the people who originally created the work. I'd be really curious to hear his opinion on the Watchmen series after having seen it. Because that was a legit good series and staggeringly, they allowed for it to just be one season as planned even with its success. In some sense it was done in the same way he himself have used public domain characters in LXG and Lost Girls instead of just straight up trying to retell the same story in another medium. It would probably be hard for him to say anything good in public even if he actually did like it, since it seemed he approved of the Justice League episode because he wrote it when he was still invested in telling those stories and knowing that he didn't own them when he did.

[@MarcWeavers]

i cant imagine that character in that film not being played by Hugo Weaving

[@Nerdstalgic]

It really is pretty unthinkable, isn't it?

[@TighelanderII]

In 2009, I asked David Lloyd about "Warrior", the magazine that published V for Vendetta, and his face lit up. He said that no one had a chance to work on their own projects before. Although he loved the time, loved the opportunity, many of the people that worked on the magazine did not love the man publishing it.

[@Nerdstalgic]

Have you checked out his anthology? I believe it was called Aces High? He published it online with a bunch of other cool comic book artists and writers in England. It was kind of their attempt at doing a "Warrior" style magazine again.

[@hugh_jasso]

Still love this movie and underlying message to this day.

[@kakarroto007]

Remember, remember! The fifth of November!

[@SuperWorldJumper]

Tldr, The original actor’s performance wasn’t scary enough according to the movie makers.

[@c62west]

Great info. Thanks.

[@GraySkull289]

'in the English anthology comics magazine titled Warrior aiming to be the answer to England's beloved 2000ad' Eh? Aiming?

[@dlbutters7164]

I remember that original actor was also in the first Resident Evil movie.

[@Jen999]

James Purefoy is brilliant in Resident Evil .. also in every other role I have seen him play .. feel like he was shafted for sure ..

[@_JayRamsey_]

How have I never realised that was Hugo Weaving?

[@isaacschmitt4803]

Like how you completely washed over the fact that they disregarded the overall point of the book which is the biggest thing that pissed off Alan Moore. The book portrayed both the Norsefire government and V as villainous and heroic at times, that neither was objectively right by any metric, and that it fell to the reader to decide which side should have won. Norsefire were fascists that did horrible, horrible things, and it allowed monsters to rise up and prey upon the weak, but it also protected many innocents from the depravity of many more monsters with rigid government. Hell, you have only to look at current governments in the Western world to see immediate parallels, invading people's privacy to provide security and public health. V fought against them, but was prone to terrible acts of savagery. Also, in the books, he didn't really give a damn about anyone else. His goal was to topple Norsefire, not out of altruism and the greater good, but out of burning hatred and personal revenge after they took *his* life away from him and turned *him* into a monster. It was his own petty desire for revenge that drove him, and other people fell into two camps: those in his way and those he could use, and he treated them accordingly. Evey was just a pawn in his game, someone to be used in his plan to get back at those that wronged *him.* I cannot stress enough how much of a monster V was in the novel. For the movie, however, the usually "thoughtful" Watchowskis white washed him into a rouguish anti-hero, taking away any nuance for the idiot masses in a way they could digest easily. It should be rather obvious I side with the author here. And as counter-intuitive as it seems, I urge you not to buy the book. If we can all tank the sales, the rights revert back to Alan. Look on the interwebs. I'm sure you can find a digital copy to read. Oh. Almost forgot. Bit of a spoiler, but the end of the book heavily implies that regardless of all the work V put in to tearing down Norsefire, another equally terrible one would rise to replace it as soon as the brief interlude of anarchy ended, rising from one of the many gangs birthed from the destruction of general order. Which, if you look at history, is sadly true. Most governments have turned fascist in very quick order, upset only by the occasional switching of parties and a different but exactly same form of fascism takes the place of the old regime.

[@kaimagnus5760]

And you see, while that is a golden recipe for a gripping page turner, it would make for a rather uninteresting movie that the average viewer couldn't latch onto. Now, on that note, a proper TV Series that directly adapted the novel would be an entierly diffrent story. Because then it would be able to take its time and show you that both sides are morally grey at best and diffrent shades of Evil at worst. I agree 100% though that taking the original creator for a ride and playing him for a fool was a dick move by Warner Brothers. There was no excuse for that.

[@isaacschmitt4803]

@@kaimagnus5760 Imma need you to take a look at The Hobbit and tell me how a 304 page children's book became three separate movies with epic battles, while V for Vendetta, a paltry 296 pages, got a feature length schlock fest with about as much nuance as a over-ripe turnip. No, it could have been a good movie. The Watchowskis and Warner Bros just wanted a quick and cheap turnaround on their investment with no respect whatsoever for the book's content or author. It certainly entertains, but to the lowest common denominator.

[@kaimagnus5760]

@@isaacschmitt4803 The Hobbit was also a High Fantasy story aka one of the lowest points of entry for any movie goer. V for Vendetta on the other hand was a Political Commentary at its core. Which is a much harder sell. Think of it like trying to sell a Cheeseburger vs a Liverwerst Sandwich. Its not that no one like Liverwerst, its just that its far easier to find someone that wants the cheeseburger.

[@jonathanjohnson9611]

THANK YOU! This is the elephant in the room *NO ONE* wants to address, and the reason why is in some of what you already mentioned. The beauty that was the graphic novel was intensely watered down in the film in order to make it palatable for the lowly masses. Those who get their political opinions from social media or imageboards. The people who think of themselves as "well-informed" politically, but know nothing of political ideologies or political theory outside of mainstream news media, and a shallow, surface-level understanding of history. The lowest common denominator. In the film, there was *no* mention of anarchy -- a central theme in the novel. And the "fascism" in the film was completely neutered to the point that it had no potency; it looked like nothing more than stiff neoconservatism. There was *no* mention of the intersection of Christianity and fascism -- once again, a central theme in the novel. There was *no* mention of racial purity -- you know, one of the *essential* components of fascism. Whether people want to admit it or not, there are a lot of people who agree with (or at least, are willing to turn a blind eye to) these views, in regards to fascism. We can see this in today's political discourse where many people are fine with authoritarianism so long as those in charge espouse their views. I think the creators of the film knew this and chose to take the easy way out in order to avoid ruffling feathers as well as earn profit. They completely removed these elements because they were more concerned with not offending the masses as opposed to telling the story the way it's supposed to portrayed. Nerdstalgic *knows* this and I'm disappointed that he, too, didn't mention any of this. I assume he wanted to avoid any potential controversial discourse at the cost of the integrity of this story. This is very disingenuous to say the least. And while it's true that Alan Moore should have done his due diligence in regard to contractual matters... it still doesn't excuse nor change the fact that they took his work and purposely twisted and distorted it for the big screen. The graphic novel and the film depict two different stories. They purposely strayed from the original meaning of his work in order to make a water-downed version of what was a great graphic novel. They took a nuanced and complex political story and bastardized it into your typical, surface-level, "left vs right" political/action film. A crying shame. I'd be pissed off too if I were him.

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

It's not a cult classic. The movie is IN the mainstream. It does have subcultures as you say. Left,right and center political movements and so on. But I believe calling it a CULT classic is incorrect. The movie is loved by millions. And so I believe it's just a classic film.

[@Ariana321]

And it's gotten a bit *TOO* real these days.

[@ChrlzMaraz]

Okay Mr hipster

[@nickangelo116]

It has a cult following of millions of people in a tiny cult

[@ceterfo]

I feel like dude should be able to sue for a bad faith contract.

[@chairmanm3ow]

I still think Fox committed to a bold vision for F4 and then read too many hate comments and tried to fix it with reshoots. I would still like to see the original cut of the movie.

[@Paethgoat]

Purefoy made Solomon Kane watchable. Weaving was good but now I'm curious.

[@Jen999]

James Purefoy was brilliant in Soloman Kane .. some of his fight scenes remain in V ., the best ones :)

[@veespa_]

“a two-inch piece of plastic over his face” - I’m sorry, what? That mask is in no way two inches anything - height, length, or depth. I truly don’t understand what you’re saying with that? Otherwise, gosh, great video! Thanks for sharing, your content is excellent.

[@muchanadziko6378]

it's called hyperbole, and he meant it about the depth

[@veespa_]

@@muchanadziko6378 I considered that when I made the comment but I don’t understand the purpose of the hyperbole, what does it accomplish in the context it’s given?

[@veespa_]

and, you think I can construct well-written sentences, but I don’t mean know what, “hyperbole” means? lol

[@jackalope2302]

@@veespa_ kinda like exaggerated

[@Him_Downstairs36]

I think Purfoy would've done a good job as well.

[@Jen999]

James Purefoy would have been brilliant .. his voice is mesmerizing .. they will never know how great he would have been⚘

[@cassandrasheek8510]

Fun fact! My husband and I got married on Guy Fawkes day because 1. It's easy to remember and 2. This movie is AWESOME (and I wanted a fall wedding but mostly 1 and 2).

[@LULU-wn4ng]

The film is STILL A BOP!!! and fitting to every time period since fascism, religious extremism, and conservatives are still prevalent around the world. Come on GEN Y and Z...let's vote them out!!!

[@TheRamfan27]

Lot of comments so if this was already stated, apologies. I’ve read numerous times back then that Purefoy quit due to being in the mask too much. Never heard he was fired.

[@graemejackson5979]

Any links to that Moore footage? I've never seen it before.

[@ronniejdio9411]

I read an interview where that actor claims he did all the action scenes. . . .

[@Jen999]

Since James Purefoy was the actor .. I am sure he did all the best ones .. the guy is a Master with swords and does most of his stunts :)

[@antonellamR2D2]

As a lover both of the comic and the film, that is a wonderful essay!