Friday, March 6, 2009
In Which I Find Myself in a Quandary
For two years (give or take), I've been anxiously anticipating the release of the Warner Bros. flick Watchmen.
It all started when one of my fave actors Patrick Wilson was cast in some movie based on a graphic novel I had never heard of.
(I'm a geek for a lot of things. Harry Potter, Star Wars and Firefly are my biggest pop culture loves.)
But I had never heard of this thing called Watchmen. I just knew Patrick was going to be in it and I was excited for him, since it was a superhero-y action movie and some of my friends and I have waited a long time for him to get his "breakthrough" role. This looked like it could be it. And then I started looking up Watchmen-related stuff online. Holy crap. It was going to be huge. I had stumbled onto a phenomenon.
I read the graphic novel (my first ever) and really liked the story. It's not a happy story at all. It's not the typical superhero story where the hero knows the villain and defeats him and lives happily ever after. The heroes in this story are real people with real-life problems and worries. And someone is out to get them.
After reading the graphic novel, I went to Comic Con. For the very first time. Major geek fest. I enjoyed every minute of it. Director Zack Snyder and all of the stars (including Patrick Wilson) were present for the most coveted panel of the convention. And I somehow managed to find myself there. And it was completely awesome. They showed a montage of clips for the film that looked so incredible that I really couldn't wait.
Now comes the part where I find myself in a quandary. I don't know what to do. Perhaps y'all can help.
I've been waiting for this movie for two years. I've been very anxiously awaiting this movie for at least half of that time. It finally opens today.
The problem?
I've known for a long time that there would be some nudity. The character Dr. Manhattan (played by Billy Crudup [aka: The Voice of the MasterCard commercials]) walks around a good portion of the movie completely naked. They used motion capture to animate this character since he is also blue and glowing and incredibly tall and Billy Crudup possesses none of those qualities.
I also knew it was going to be very violent. I mean, the cover of the book has a blood-spattered Happy Face on it. Not exactly a warning that the movie will be light and happy.
Apparently, there is also a very graphic sex scene.
This is why I am just not sure what to do. It's not any one of these elements that make me question whether or not to see the film. It's the culmination of all of them. I've seen plenty (or maybe way too many) R-rated movies in my life. I tend to choose movies based on their storylines rather than their ratings. But I do have some standards and there are just certain things that I don't particularly want to see. I don't particularly want to see a graphic sex scene. I'm not really looking forward to seeing Billy Crudup's man parts. And although I got through Zack Snyder's very violent 300, this one promises even more action that the Spartan war pic. Yikes!
But Watchmen has an incredible storyline. And a stunningly talented cast of lesser-known actors (that will all be huge stars by Sunday). And I hear it's Patrick's best work to date. And I've been looking forward to it for two years.
What would you do?
Here's the trailer, in case you haven't watched it. Patrick is the one in the bad hair cut and the lousy suit:
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"...since he is also blue and glowing and incredibly tall and Billy Crudup possesses none of those qualities." I laughed out loud at this!
ReplyDeletePersonally, the violence would bother me a lot more than the sex/nudity. I have some sort of thing in my brain where every image I see is sort or burned into my memory. I had nightmares about the witch in the Wizard of Oz for years. So, I wouldn't see it, but that's me.
I loved the graphic novel. I hope you enjoy the movie.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Blog Stalkers, Happy Friday.
I don't quite understand the problem. Nudity and violence equals awesome.
ReplyDeleteJanet: Thanks for the input! And I'm glad I made ya laugh!
ReplyDeleteMartha: Thanks for visiting and it was a great book, wasn't it??
Kristina: You're so right!
As for Dr. Manhattan, I assume he will look like a Ken doll, right? You say naked, but lots of male frontal would not get an R, but an NC-17.
ReplyDeleteGraphic sex? Cover your eyes for that particular scene. I assume it won't just hit you in the face, but start off with kissing and stuff, so you'll know it's coming.
Or, wait till someone you know goes and they can tell you exactly how graphic it is when it comes to Dr. Manhattan and the number of sex scenes.
I would "clearplay" the rated movie. Or at least, I would recommend clearplay if their players didn't keep crapping out on me. I've had three of their players and am getting pretty annoyed with their poor equipment.
ReplyDeleteI just nominated you for an award on my latest post. Don't feel like you have to acknowledge it by perpetuating the whole thing... it does get tedious and turns a fun blogging hobby into "work". After completing my first award challenge, I never want to do another!
I think the violence would bother me. Nudity doesn't bother me but I think that graphic sex ruins the imagination (I don't need to see it to know what it is). Follow your instincts.....I think you'll chose the right thing.
ReplyDeleteKaren, first, thanks for droping by my blog and saying hello!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I'm with R Max; if you can clearplay it, do it.
Third (OK, second, subparagraph a) I can only go with my own experiences, but almost any time I've seen an R-rated movie, I've come away with an image or a word stuck in my head that I really don't want there, and I can NOT get it out.
You may be better at filtering those things (some people seem to be) but, as disappointed as I am about "Watchmen" (and I am! I watched the TV Guide channel's dealio on them this morning and it looks amazing!) I probably won't see it for the aforementioned reasons.
Best of luck! It's a tough call, I know!
Kristina P.'s comments crack me up everytime!
ReplyDeleteThis is a serious quandry. However, I think that you answered your own question. You waited for this movie for two years. Isn't that long enough? Also, in terms of the graphic scenes that you are dreading, might I suggest shielding your eyes? That is my sure-fire violence and graphic sex avoidance method!
So glad that I was able to connect with you through SITS. I like what you have to say.
-Francesca
Thank you all for your input! My decision was made.
ReplyDelete"As for Dr. Manhattan, I assume he will look like a Ken doll, right? You say naked, but lots of male frontal would not get an R, but an NC-17."
ReplyDeleteEr, I guess have to take this comment back. I saw the film earlier today.
The last few Judd Apatow movies have proven that male frontal doesn't necessitate an NC-17. Signs of the times, eh?
ReplyDelete