My friend Shag has a prediction about how the general public will react to the “Watchmen” film, though he hopes he’s wrong. His theory is that most people either won’t care enough about the movie adaptation of “the greatest graphic novel of all time,” or they won’t get it. What happens if millions of people show up expecting “Spider-Man?”
Shag's got a point. Since I’ve discussed “Watchmen” mostly with other casual-to-hardcore comics geeks, I hadn’t considered the fact that it might not resonate beyond our borders.
While I had problems with "Watchmen" as a work of literature, I'm still interested to see it on the big screen. However, it is entirely possible that the uninitiated will see the trailers and scratch their heads in confusion — or shrug. But even if they are familiar with the plot, will the average moviegoer want to see an event film that is set in 1985, subverts the superhero genre and is relentlessly grim? The Guardian said it "makes last year's famously brooding Batman sequel 'The Dark Knight' look like 'Alvin and the Chipmunks.' "(At the very least, I’m glad it’s rated R so that stupid parents will be less likely to bring their children.)
We'll see what happens on March 6. Until then, check out some of the early buzz.
7 comments:
I need to read it still! I know, I know, I've just never got my hands on it. Must do that this week.
I'm curious to hear your thoughts on it, DG. I didn't love it, but I DO understand its importance to the genre.
As soon as I read it, I'll let you know. This week I took a break from my dystopian list and read a Terry Pratchett novel. Man, I love that guy.
Thanks for the plug!
I also think the merchandising is going to fall flat on this film. There is SO much merchandise out there for Watchmen right now. If you didn't know any better, you'd think it was the next Spider-Man or Batman movie. Okay, that's an exaggeration because there isn't kids merchandise for Watchmen, but there is still a ton out there.
I think geeks will celebrate this film, while the general public won't care or won't "get it".
The Irredeemable Shag
http://onceuponageek.com
http://firestormfan.com
Oh, the merchandising is ridiculous. Action figures? For real? Why not just sell bathing suits in "Dr. Manhattan blue?"
Heck, I was creeped out by the Batman merch. Does the world really need homicidal, deformed psycho masks for pre-teens?
Thank you! I didn't exactly run out and buy my son that Joker action figure.
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