Verisimilitude

I'm no historian, but even I can't think of a time when the message of V for Vendetta didn't resonate with one society or another... and never moreso for this American than right here, right now. But don't take one citizen's word for it, take a look around. Just a few weeks ago, the British House of Commons passed a law banning the “glorification” of terrorism. Hard to disagree with on the face of it, but look closer... how chilling is that? Who defines "glorification?" The law is fantastically broad, so obviously this lack of clarity brings with it the potential for tremendous abuse of authority.

We saw V for Vendetta last night.

It's an incendiary film that constantly reminds us that the obliteration of freedom –both personal and broad– tends to start in simple, subtle, and often well-intended ways. V for Vendetta is amazing, and not just because it's a well-made, fast-paced adventure. It's greatest impact rises not from the story it’s actually telling, but in its relationship to the world we live in. Ironically, if we lived in the reality the filmmakers urge us to create, there wouldn't be a need for this film.

As long as we're mired in irony, it should be noted that -while we can argue the artistic merits of the film 'till we're alabaster in the face- arguing the message of the film effectively makes us the "them" the film warns us against.

V for Vendetta is a constantly chilling and sometimes humbling wake-up call. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but we do have to accept that we are responsible for the actions of our government. “If you want to see who is responsible…” intones V, “Look no further than a mirror.”

I dare you.