V: V for Vendetta

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Please stop by the IWSG blog for some daily inspiration.

V For Vendetta is a movie based on a comic book. V wears a Guy Fawkes mask and works to take down a corrupt fascist government in some future world. Along the way, he helps Evey, a young woman to see the rot at the center of the ruling class. The movie is tense and dark. V is a mysterious character and it's difficult to decide at first if he's a good guy or a bad guy. He really is the ultimate anti-hero. V pricks and nips at the authorities until his final climatic victory, witnessed by thousands wearing his mask. Some people find the movie confusing and I did too the first time I saw it. I wasn't that familiar with what Guy Fawkes Day was or the significance of the date, November

5th. I didn't even like the movie until my kids talked me into watching it for the third time. I'm glad I did though I can never believe terrorism is the way to change things. V did only attack the government people and not helpless citizens.

Lesson: Themes about untrustworthy or corrupt governments and leaders are always popular. I'm not sure what that says about us in general. Readers empathize with people feeling betrayed by their leaders. People also believe that governments hide things from them. The stereotypes and exaggerated personalities might work in a movie or even a comic book but aren't likely to work in a novel.

"There's no flesh or blood within this cloak to kill. There's only an idea. Ideas are bulletproof.” V

“Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” V

"People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” V

Have you ever watched this movie? Good, bad or just strange?  Are you familiar with the Guy Fawkes story? Do like any of the V quotes above?

Almost there for the grand finish. Enjoy your day off and brace for the final four days next week.