Film Techniques Used to Emphasize Themes in V for Vendetta
Film techniques used to emphasize themes in V for Vendetta
In the film V for Vendetta, the director, James McTeigue uses symbolism, costume and dialogue to emphasise the idea of everybody having a right to individuality, and the right - and duty – to resist forced conformism.
James McTeigue uses symbolism in the film V for Vendetta to juxtapose the idea of individuality and the resistance of forced conformity. The first important symbol used in the film is V’s mask. This symbol is shown in all of the scenes V appears in and again in the very last scene. In this scene thousands of citizens gather wearing the masks and remove them. Masks often symbolize a character hiding their identity. This final scene when the citizens remove their masks is important for emphasising the theme. The citizens show that they are no longer willing to allow themselves to be forced into conforming, that instead they will resist. The other important symbol used by the director is mirrors; at the beginning of the film we are introduced to the characters of Evey and V as they put on their masks for the evening in their mirrors. V is also seen reflected in Delia’s eyes during the fire at Lark Hill. Mirrors often symbolise an unknown identity or not seeing yourself for who you really are. McTeigue uses both of these symbols to juxtapose the right to individuality and the right- and duty – to resist forced conformism. He shows the characters in the film doing the opposite of this to emphasise why the viewers need to fight to preserve their own individuality. When speaking in an interview with Ryan Lambie on March 2nd 2012, McTeigue was asked how he feels about people using the masks for political protests and other such activities, McTeigue replied “I think the mask is a good way for people to feel free to do things they might not normally do” this statement shows McTeigue’s desire for the public to fight for their individuality and resist conforming to the wishes of the government.
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In the film V for Vendetta, the director, James McTeigue uses symbolism, costume and dialogue to emphasise the idea of everybody having a right to individuality, and the right - and duty – to resist forced conformism.
James McTeigue uses symbolism in the film V for Vendetta to juxtapose the idea of individuality and the resistance of forced conformity. The first important symbol used in the film is V’s mask. This symbol is shown in all of the scenes V appears in and again in the very last scene. In this scene thousands of citizens gather wearing the masks and remove them. Masks often symbolize a character hiding their identity. This final scene when the citizens remove their masks is important for emphasising the theme. The citizens show that they are no longer willing to allow themselves to be forced into conforming, that instead they will resist. The other important symbol used by the director is mirrors; at the beginning of the film we are introduced to the characters of Evey and V as they put on their masks for the evening in their mirrors. V is also seen reflected in Delia’s eyes during the fire at Lark Hill. Mirrors often symbolise an unknown identity or not seeing yourself for who you really are. McTeigue uses both of these symbols to juxtapose the right to individuality and the right- and duty – to resist forced conformism. He shows the characters in the film doing the opposite of this to emphasise why the viewers need to fight to preserve their own individuality. When speaking in an interview with Ryan Lambie on March 2nd 2012, McTeigue was asked how he feels about people using the masks for political protests and other such activities, McTeigue replied “I think the mask is a good way for people to feel free to do things they might not normally do” this statement shows McTeigue’s desire for the public to fight for their individuality and resist conforming to the wishes of the government.
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