Who Watches The Watchmen?

Well, me… for one.

But after 20 years of development hell, production green-lights, production red-lights, attached directors, detached directors, big name actors, lesser known actors, script writes, script re-writes, script binnings… the cinematic version of the very amazing and ecstatically acclaimed Alan Moore / Dave Gibbons graphic novel finally hits theatres worldwide.

But who, exactly, will be watching? Big-name directors such as Terry Gilliam, Darren Aronofsky and Paul Greengrass have all, in the past, decided (or had decided for them) that making the jump from page to screen in this oh-so-multilayered and complex story a near impossible task. So what makes this young-buck, hot-off-his-massively-homoerotic-but-rather-ace-‘300’-successes Zack Snyder reckon that he can succeed where so many other have failed?

Well, it seems he made the (hopefully) wise decision of not adapting the graphic novel, but rather keeping the on-screen version as (reportedly) faithful to the page as possible. But if this IS true, how exactly will the film play to those uninitiated to the characters and storyline?

Points in question:

• The film’s cinematic release weighs in at a colossal 2 hours and 45 minutes… a pretty demanding play-time even for those who aren’t prone to arse ache.
• It has an 18 certification, and has more than one report of the film being particularly violent – both physically and sexually – making it inappropriate for a large slice of the typical comic book fan base. And if every person who has read the graphic novel goes to see the film – it’s reported some would do an Alan Moore and snub the film – it would likely just turn a profit.
• This isn’t your typical superhero story. Its intention was to deconstruct, rather than glorify, the role of the hero. Everyone here, even the minor characters, have different sides. Even the most chiselled of jaws has a sociopathic-side, even the most hardened of criminals has some validation in their madness. Without a clear moral arch, how will viewers respond? If their heroes have given up on them, what does that tell them about themselves?

This film, rather refreshingly, seems to be genuinely made for the fans. No dilution, no compromise, no mercy… all very Walter Joseph Kovacs – or at least, we can hope.

PS. I’ll be seeing this at the IMAX on Saturday (7th) so if you see the film before me, any remarks that would ruin my experience will dealt with – with hooded justice. Or something.

PPS. I’m rather excited.

PPPS. For the sake of a certain Mr. Harris, i’ll make the above a little clearer: “Will Watchmen make money? It doesn’t have an appeal even half the size of Superman, but that didn’t stop the last Superman film from only just getting the money it cashed in. Outside of comic book fans, who will watch it?” – I hope that clears things up, Simon. If you’d like me to make it even simpler, let me know.

PPPPS. I have now seen the film, and was very pleased with the result. Gawd bless ya Zach, and all who sail in yee.