V for Vendetta exam response exemplar (messages & values)

Thesis Statement

V for vendetta 2006 presents a dystopian vision of Britain in the near future where a corrupt and Fascist totalitarian government oppresses the citizens is challenged by a revolutionary Terrorist. The film's messages reflect the context of the early 21^st Century the political and social unrest caused by the war on terror and 9/11. The film contains contentious and conflicting messages questioning the central character V's role as a both a Freedom Fighter and a Terrorist, and his motives condoning the use of violence for both personal revenge and to overthrow Fascism. Through the character of Evey the film makes the statement that the value of freedom is worth more than life, and that ideas are more powerful than the individual. Finally we are told that 'governments should fear their people' - that the rise of tyranny is the responsibility of the people's fear and willing dependency on government.

Theme: Terrorism

Scene: Opening

V's mask is based on Guy Fawkes and celebrates him as a freedom fighter. He blows up buildings and uses acts of terrorism. Opening scene with Evey

MICRO – locations (blows up Old Bailey = Justice), mask- guy fawkes, music builds up to an overture – his monologue is all about vengence

Message: Terrorism/violence is justified as a freedom fighter

Theme 2: Oppression

Scene: Dietrich's house/Evey breaks curfew

MICRO - has a copy of the Kohran (threat of Islamic beliefs), sex pistols style poster of Sutcliffe (Punk rebellion), a protest poster (Coalition of the Willing) homosexual erotic images (also the Lesbian character in the flashback is taken away for being gay)

He is 'black bagged' - taken away by the Secret Police like Eveys parents (Nazis)

Message: Facism = religious and sexual intolerance and restriction of rights of protest

Theme 3: Torture

Scene: Eveys is abducted, tortured and refusal to confess

MICRO – costume orange jumpsuits (Guantanamo), the small confined cell and shot in CU, her hair is shaved off – removing her femininity and fear/making her masculine and toughened, her rebirth is in the rain outside juxtaposed with images of Vs rebirth – one is fire, one if water (symbolism)

Message: Freedom is more important than the fear of death/Fear is a prison of your own making

Theme 4: Revolution

Scene: Ending

MICRO - The population are shot together as one united, Evey pulls the lever to blow up Parliament (so her choice), the dead characters are behind the masks – everyone is V

Message: When the people are united behind an idea of freedom it cannot be killed

or
V's Monologue Revolutionary Speech, uses Terror tactics to take over the TV station

Message: The people must take responsibility for themselves/not rely on government to protect them from Terrorism/take away their civil rights

 Theme 5: Vengence
Scene: Ending
MICRO - Evey pulls the lever NOT V to blow up Parliament the Revolution is no longer about vengeance but the decision is taken by a Free person/V has killed everyone in power but has his own selfish motives for revenge.
Message: Mixed messages - is the Revolution for Freedom or for his personal vendetta?         

Conclusion

The film uses the themes of Terrorism, Torture and Government Oppression to express the values of Revolution and a message that calls citizens to be vigilant and mindful of their governments in the face of the threat of terrorism. It also appears to condone the use of violence for political ends portraying the terrorist V as a freedom fighter and a hero even though he is motivated by vengance as much as he is freedom. The value of freedom is held greater than the life of the individual and the film communicates the idea that to be liberated from fear means to believe that the value of freedom is greater than personal safe or your own life – citizens ought to be wiling to die for this ideal. V for Vendetta addresses the conspiracies and fears surrounding the war on terror and the 7/7 bombings and 9/11, of governments using acts of terrorism to restrict of civil liberties and of protests.