How ‘V for Vendetta’ Changed Perspective on Superhero Movies

Growing up, superhero movies never really appealed to me. I saw them as formulaic stories that repeated the age-old struggle between good and evil in a way that felt outdated. My limited understanding of superhero lore and youthful arrogance led me to dismiss these films. I was constantly bombarded with images of Superman, who, with his pristine reputation and unwavering commitment to righteousness, seemed one-dimensional. I also struggled to grasp the deeper moral complexities of Batman, which my youthful indifference couldn’t appreciate. This made me indifferent to superhero films in general, until I saw ‘V for Vendetta’, which dramatically shifted my perspective.

Superheroes, as traditionally portrayed, have become deeply ingrained in our psyche. There’s a certain enchantment in seeing heroes who save the day and embody the battle between light and darkness. This repetitive narrative can become tiresome and even alienating over time. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

For instance, Superman, the epitome of virtue, was often paraded as the ideal role model. Whether in the classic Christopher Reeve films, ‘Superman Returns’, or the modern ‘Man of Steel’, Superman’s unwavering morality was presented as the ultimate standard of goodness. It was hard to see beyond this simplistic portrayal, especially as I grew older and began to see the limitations of such narratives.

Then came ‘V for Vendetta’, featuring a character far removed from the conventional superhero mold. V, a masked anarchist, challenged the status quo and committed extreme acts in the name of his own version of justice. This portrayal captivated me. Unlike the heroes I was used to, V operated outside the boundaries of traditional morality, and I found his actions thrilling and thought-provoking. The film’s climax, where V overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds, opened my eyes to a new understanding of what a hero could be. 

Image Courtesy: Collider

This film made me realize that superheroes are more than just characters; they represent ideas and philosophies that resonate differently with each person. My initial disdain for superhero movies was rooted in my personal experiences and biases. Watching ‘V for Vendetta’ taught me to appreciate the diversity of perspectives and the emotional impact these films can have.

 While I found solace in V’s unorthodox heroism, I now understand that others may find similar meaning in more traditional heroes like Superman. Each viewer seeks something unique from these stories, and recognizing this diversity has enriched my appreciation for the genre.

–Farheen Ali