I'm really not a fan of Zack Snyder's works. I feel often enough they're a bit too over directed. I'm out off by such heavy exaggeration that makes films look more like a video game than a film. I don't think I have seen a lot of films directed by him due to this. And, to be honest, I didn't even know Watchmen was something he directed until I had already started watching through the film and got curious, only to look the film up and see his name. It did throw me off a little, and I did have a brief moment in which the obvious felt far more obvious to me based on the few scenes I had already seen. What was more surprising was that I had actually enjoyed the directing up until that point. But knowing he had directed the film, and then continuing on, I sort of had a fowl taste in my mouth, as if to expect the worst.
What was more surprising was that this film had a runtime of three hours. I actively avoid these films because truthfully I just don't have the time and attention span to deal with them for the most part. I feel often enough, such films just don't utilise that time well and don't necessarily need it. Yet I continued on with Watchmen out of curiosity, and not a whole lot else to watch. I have to say, it was an interesting idea. An interesting look at superheroes and the powers they have; though this has sort of grown to be a staple of Zack Snyder's style of storytelling and directing in regards to such films. The idea that not all of these characters and titles should be childish, but ask more deeper, philosophical questions regarding their impact on the world and society at large. After all, people with powers places them above the average person, and even the government. Would they be obedient, after all? Would their have their own breaking points?
I admire this about Zack Snyder's attempts. But I still don't think they catch my attention enough to want to watch them. But, that admiration is worthy of a mention.
Watchmen
Zack Snyder's more serious approach to this genre probably came here with Watchmen. While I could be completely wrong and this is a guess, it does seem like there's much of that influence present. Little about Watchmen seems to be lighthearted, instead more gritty, rich in action and violence. More pertaining to the philosophical questions of what those with powers could achieve. And it does this with a wide range of characters; understandably this comes from an existing franchise from Alan Moore, a comic book artist that originally created the characters. I haven't read it, I admit. The film starts off giving us a serious look at all of this, the early days of their presence, the passing of time as they phased out of the public eye until it becomes present that they're being hunted. Each of the characters having a different idea of how to feel about this.
I quite liked how diverse these characters were. Each one really felt like a different person. A character capable of their own thoughts and agendas rather than part of a larger group that all thinks and acts the same; something that really bothers me regarding more modern superhero titles. And it's here that these characters quickly grow on you. Much of the film given to us through a masked character that narrates his feelings over the world, the city and the disgust he has for it. This hero sees the worst in people, and he's hardly a hero as a result. More a rogue individual. Lurking in the night, pursuing investigations on his own, talking to his prior colleagues to try to pry and find more information on the killing of The Comedian. This sequence is all action packed, cinematic and directed as you would expect from Snyder. And I honestly quite liked it. For the most part, I really enjoyed the directing throughout. I felt it didn't get too overly ambitious, but added to the darker story that was present.
And this story is simple, yet rich in ideas too. A character getting killed off which brings them all back into action but on their own accord, not really working together and instead being remembered of their pasts. Some heroes moved on, revealing their identities to the world and leading through business and merchandise, others pursued simple lives and gave everything up to disappear. But there are those who cling to their strengths, realising it is all they have, and it's these inner turmoils which give us a fun look at how twisted these people can be as they pursue their own gains and lash out on people through their frustrations. The Boys was something that tried to do this, but perhaps failed a little. That might give you an idea of how this film is.
And with a three hour runtime, I feel it was actually necessary. Jumping from character to character and really giving them enough screen time and depth to make us understand both their histories and their nature in the present. The development of them all felt vital, not just aimless exposition, but a glimpse into the past to see who may now be hunting them and why. All of this is mixed with the drama of tense relations with the Soviet Union, fearing a nuclear missile crisis to which the United States assumes it has the winning hand with heroes, though reality is they don't, and there's only so much they can do. This also grounded them a little, even if in some instances some characters seem like Gods. But, are they? Or is it merely ego? To add to this, these characters are designed pretty well. The special effects when used aren't really noticeable, it doesn't pull you out of the more grounded reality that Snyder has established. And it feels used only when necessary.
But, even so, I can see how the runtime and the gradual telling of the story could put people off. There's only so much you can see and show regarding the idea of superheroes being evil. For me, I didn't feel like it went too far or overstayed its welcome, though I can see how others may feel the same when compared to other titles which may have half the runtime. It's not a short film to just sit down and enjoy, it'll take a significant part of your day. And that pacing just might not be enough for everyone. In my case, I broke it up into two different viewings over a few days. I feel that's probably the best way to go about it. But it's still a decent film, a fun look at a now oversaturated genre. With a more tame Zack Snyder that isn't trying to abuse the slow motion effect every thirty seconds. I'd say I enjoyed it. And I'm surprised I'm saying it!
