Marxist Criticism In The Film V For Vendetta

The 2006 film V for Vendetta, a cinematic remake of the classic graphic novel series by the same name, is the epitome of a Marxist fairy tale. The film is complete with a bourgeoisie government who spreads their ideology, via mass media, to a citizenry composed entirely of proletariats, and a hero who sets out to break said citizenry from the prison of false consciousness. If one examines the setting and environment of the film, and follows the main characters as they fight against, or break free from, false consciousness, evidence of Marxist themes are present throughout the film. The setting of the film, as a whole, displays Marxist ideas of capitalism. One of the foundational themes of Marxist thought is that, within a capitalist society, there will be a distinct polarization between two classes: The ruling class (bourgeoisie), and those whom they rule over (proletariats) (Korczynski, Hodson, & Edwards, 2006, p. 33). V for Vendetta takes place in a not-so-distant future version of a dystopian England.

One of the most interesting parts of the film, in relation to Marxist thought, is the growth of Evey, the female protagonist, and her battle with her own false consciousness. She begins as a proletariat who, when caught on the street after curfew by police, honestly believes she has done wrong. Later, after meeting V and having his message stir something within her, Evey defends him by attacking a policeman during V’s takeover of the government-run television station. Yet, when she awakens at V’s hideout, her false consciousness takes hold and she wonders, “God, what have I done? I maced a detective. Why did I do that? I shouldn’t have done it. I must’ve been out of my mind!” To which V responds, “Is that what you really think, or what they would have wanted you to think?” suggesting the existence of her false