WATCHMAN

Film "Watchemen "(2009), directed by Zack Snyder is a screen adaptation of the cult graphic novel "Watchmen " by Alan Moore (writer) and Dave Gibbons (drawings). Comic regarded as a masterpiece today, was published in the United States between 1986-1987 and started, together with dating from 1986, "The Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller (screenplay and drawings), Modern Era - also known as the Dark - the American comics mainstream. Both titles reconstructed iconized and dressed in tights characters, gave superheroes psychological depth and play with the convention adopted previously. Translating the language of film so intricate and complex works, which is the "Watchmen" seemed impossible. Fitting lasted for several years, Snyder was chosen to a director’s chair after the success, due to his screen adaptation of graphic novel "300" by Frank Miller.

Adaptation was basically successful. There were some shortcuts, which imposes a film medium, but still came out a consistent, lasting 155 minutes movie. What the a young director "Dawn of the Dead" (2004) failed to give the screen, and which is the comic is clearly steeped, this pervasive fear of the Cold War and nuclear conflict, to the minute "counts" symbolic clock - Clock of Doom. The depth of meaning was also a little shallow a on the screen. Novelty in relation to the comic book is, in turn, lasting five minutes intro, deposited in the post-war heroes of American history and a precursor to the film, which is also a separate piece. Bold undertaking in cinema those days and even more so in Hollywood, where we deal with displaying more top end or the beginning - during the movie, where nobody pays any attention. Bulk popcorn eaters not accustomed to complex introductions, like from the "Pink Panther". Due to the fact that the previously is important to read the comics as well I will often referred to the original paper. Events at the forefront are based partly on the prose passages of autobiography of Nite Owl, entitled "In the Hood", which were as additives in the first few notebooks series "Watchmen". They are not presented in strict chronological order.

In the first scene we see how the first Night Owl keeps an armed thug. It is used a distinct form of allusions to the origins of Batman. Elegantly dressed couple exiting the back door of the building is a reference to Thomas and Martha (bearing the famous pearl necklace), Wayne - Bruce Wayne's parents, who died in front his eyes, shot by a thief - which was the catalyst that he has become the Dark Knight. In this line, a man in the car next to the steam in this case is Alfred Pennyworth - Butler and family friend Wayne. Next door, we see the word "Gotham Opera House" - the city of Batman is Gotham City. On the wall are posters of the series covers the first issue of "Batman" (co-creator of the character by Bob Kane), which appeared in April 1940. This year alone we have in the alternate reality universe of "Watchmen". It is thus beginning the era of the local superhero, which began in 1938.

Another cages show the beginnings of that era, a group of people possessing 'superpowers' dressing in colourful costumes fighting criminals, eager posing in the media for pictures with a smile. At the first shot Sally Jupiter is holding a newspaper on the first page describing its success, while a police officer looks into her deep cleavage. On the second, Comedian in front of a bank robber grabs the prey. Carefree times when dressing up in colourful costumes were fun and the thrill of giving opportunity to gain great popularity at the same time the desire to do something good. In 1939, dressing up in costume and defend the people of the area was the fashion.  However the reality is not as happy as it it seemed as the film continued to reveal real truth about the iconic characters.

Technical and social  Aspects

Watchman of the original, hailed by some of comics of all time, seems to be interesting not only because of the excellent drawings, unique atmosphere and an engaging, multi-threaded story, but above all - a series of fascinating reflections on human nature, the idea of democracy and so full of bitter cynicism to look at ''Watchman'' as the title, forced to premature retirement and re-find their place in society, it was considered provocative statement from the era of the reign of superheroes in pop culture.

Zack Snyder (before the director of "300" by Frank Miller) faced the challenge of filming the cult comic book comprehensive in content. To my surprise - though not without a few stumbles - a brave director up to the task this difficult task. Snyder is in its screening of extremely faithful to the original: each filming cages look as if they were transferred to film from the comics’ pages. The visual side of production dazzles with spectacular solutions. Aesthetics native of German expressionism mixed with scenes of brutal naturalism (broken bones, body with the gun bullets and many more), and intense red drop of thick blood is strong accent of colours on the background of grim urban gutters.

Transitions between scenes, dynamically intertwined storyline and neat in a daring way dialogues come alive on screen. Snyder was able to talk for more than two and a half hours almost the entire history of the superheroes. Writers, however, exaggerating; in my opinion a few cuts in a script will save some time of lengthy picture, but also helped to successfully maintain the voltage at the highest level. Some changes were made while in the end. Unfortunately, wordy final film "Watchmen’’ seems drag too much.

On the other hand, the perverse happy ending is an appropriate complement to a pessimistic vision of having a genuine sense of Moore’s humour. Snyder skilfully captures the dark atmosphere of the comic. Confronts the superhero myth, showing how quickly the characters lost their erstwhile glory. Some people choose convenience conformism. Others fell into alcoholism, utter powerlessness, and the service of humanity became the stigma, or obsession. Almost all have abandoned faith in the values, which they fought in the name for.

By the way, the director introduces a handful of well-own concept. In an ingenious manner, with a wink, uses standards and popular songs. Some of his chosen songs ("The Sounds of Silence" Simon & Garfunkel duo, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen and "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix), appearing in unexpected moments, not only evoke a smile to the viewer, and ironically comment on what is happening on the screen, but also add a second bottom for the scenes.

At the screening of the comic by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons audience waited for more than twenty years (the law already bought it in 1986) and there are indications that it was worth it. Developers had to use sufficiently large funds and access to cutting-edge technical solutions, but more important seems to be another reason. This is the time for such a cinema - the production of Zack Snyder appears on screen in almost perfect time. In the face of global crisis brings a cynical alternative to the full message of hope and optimism that comes from the successful, Oscar-winning blockbuster "Dark Knight, Slumdog Millionaire".

The atmosphere of the period of social unrest and insecurity Thatcherism caused continual arms race, which was created under the influence of the original, it now seems surprisingly relevant. Also, due to the film "Watchmen" deserves attention - is likely to become more than just another screen adaptation of the comic, but the ‘future fortune teller’.