There are fewer films more controversial, debated, and divisive in the comic book community than Zack Snyder‘s "Watchmen." The filmmaker’s bold take on Alan Moore‘s groundbreaking graphic novel was a mix of the filmmaker’s worst tendencies and his wildest ambitions. But perhaps the biggest critique against the movie is the trickiest one: it was too faithful to Moore’s work. In trying to honor the original material, Snyder often copied panels frame by frame, with the end effect being deadening instead of exciting. And that’s where this conversation about the movie, between "Young Adult" pals, movie lover Patton Oswalt and Patrick Wilson AKA Dan Dreiberg/Nite Owl, kicks off.
The pair appeared at the Word Bookstore Café in Jersey City for a talk, and the inevitable "Watchmen" question popped up. And what followed was an interesting five-minute discussion about Snyder’s approach to the movie. For Oswalt, it was too slavish, and he argues the film’s best moments — the opening sequence, the prison break — work because it finds Snyder venturing away from Moore’s comic. As for Wilson, as an actor, he enjoyed Snyder’s dedication to the material because it made his work as an actor more complete. And for comparison, Wilson shares a quick anecdote about Todd Field‘s "Little Children," where he was instructed not to read the book on which it was based, but regrets that decision, as he would’ve made different choices.
This will certainly spark more discussion about "Watchmen" so share your thoughts in the comments section. [Comic Book Movie]
