From Page To Screen (64) V for Vendetta by Alan Moore

 

This week on From Page To Screen I'll be tackling one of my personal favorites V for Vendetta by Alan Moore.

First let's discuss the book.

V for Vendetta is a graphic novel written by Alan Moore that ran for 10 issues between the years of 1982 and 1989. The Graphic Novel was published by Vertigo Comics in the US & Quality Comics in the UK. Alan Moore drew upon the political climate in the UK under Margaret Thatcher's reign as inspiration for the world V lives in.





Let's take a look at some of the characters.

V- Sole survivor of a botched experiment in which four dozen prisoners were given injections of a compound called Batch 5 which caused vast cellular anomalies including advanced speed, strength and endurance. V is well-versed in the arts of explosives, subterfuge and computer hacking. He also has a vast literary, cultural and philosophical intellect.

Evey- Saved by V, Evey is a sixteen year old factory worker who lost every person she ever loved to the Norsefire party.

Adam Susan- Leader of the Norsefire party. Adam is an adherent of fascism and racist notions of "purity". Adam genuinely believes that civil liberties are dangerous and unnecessary and that only he and God are the only "real" beings in existence. Despite all of that it is heavily implied that he really does love his people and thinks he is doing what is best for them.

Now let's discuss the movie.
V for Vendetta was filmed by Director James McTeigue and released March 17, 2006 by Warner Bros. Pictures. V for Vendetta cost $54 Million to create and went on to make $132 million worldwide. V for Vendetta opened to positive reviews although its controversial story line made it the target for both criticism and praise from sociopolitical groups. Fun Fact: Activists from the Group Anonymous have adopted the Guy Fawkes mask as seen in the film. Since then Sales for the mask have exploded on Amazon with over 500k sold annually.

Major Differences Between The Book Film

Book	Film
Broke and desperate Evey tries to prostitute herself. She accidentally solicits a Fingerman and as punishment he tries to rape her.	Evey is caught outdoors after curfew. She is spotted by a Fingerman but rescued by V.
The leader of the Norsefire party is named Adam Susan. He is secretly in love with his supercomputer he's named Fate.	Adams last name is changed to Sutler. The computer is omitted.
V for Vendetta is set in post nuclear war Britain. The year is 1997 .	The year is 2020. There has been no nuclear blast but their are environmental issues.
Prothero is driven insane by a combination of an overdose of Batch 5 drugs and the shock of seeing his prized doll collection burned in a mock recreation of Camp Larkhill where V was kept as prisoner. He remains incapacitated the rest of the story.	V breaks into Protheros house and kills him via lethal injection.
Gordon is a criminal whoo hides Evey in exchange for sex.	Gordon is Evey's boss. While hiding Evey he reveals that he is gay.
Fitch takes LSD at Larkhill hoping to get into the mindset of V.	Fitch visits Larkhill but never takes drugs.
Adam Susan is assassinated by Rosemary Almond during a parade.	Adam is killed by Creedy in exchange for V's surrender and to supplant Adam as the leader of Norsefire.
Gordon is killed by gangsters.	Gordon is taken and executed by the Government after being found in possession of a Quran.
The Prime Minister's residence is the target of V's Viking Funeral. Evey puts his body on board the train with explosives. She then assumes the role of V, wearing his costume and mask.	The Houses of Parliament are the target of V's Viking Funeral. As it's being destroyed Britain is left to ponder its future as thousands of people dressed in V's masks and cloaks watch the flames.
V wears a number of different costumes. His mask even changes.	V only wears the black outfit with the Guy Fawkes mask.

These are the major differences noticed when the graphic novel was taken From Page to Screen. Which however do I prefer? This week I have to call it a draw. The graphic novels really go into detail a bit more but on the other hand I really love Natalie Portman's performance as Evey. Definitely see the film and read the graphic novel if you get the chance. 

Still not convinced? Check out the trailer below!
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Well that about wraps up this weeks From Page To Screen. Have a recommendation for an upcoming From Page To Screen, let me know in the comments below!

Have you read the book or watched the film? 

Which did you like better? Why? 

What is your favorite quote or scene from V for Vendetta?

Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses. Like what you see? Please share!