V For Vendetta

Although reading grammatically-enriched classic literature has and always will hold great educational value for students, film study is essential, if we’re to remain critical thinkers, as we progress forward in the digital age.

Classic literature holds great educational value for all those who read it. This is due to the solid grounding in language that it lends to its readers in terms of both vocabulary as well as helping the readers (in this case, the youth) fully comprehend the evolution of language through the ages. Reading classic literature is also beneficial as it provides us with historical context in a way that makes it relatable. Also, while film can be passively viewed, the impact of the written word by great authors like Jane

In the same way that an author uses the power of the written word to comment on issues and convey a “deeper message”, directors make use of film techniques to make their own statements. For example, in the film, V for Vendetta, the film has many socio-political nuances (many of which gave us historical insight into the time period around which the film was made) and addresses several issues including the use of religion to justify prejudice and violence, despotism and the influence of the media in today's society as well as encouraging those who can to rise up and stand together to ward off totalitarianism. For example, the director effectively employs the use of mise-en-scene in this photo to convey the message that if people stand together, they can change things. In the scene, thousands of Londoners are unitedly walking towards the army, wearing Guy Fawkes masks and cloaks and the picture is taken from a slightly high angle to convey the sheer volume of people there. Also, in the film, The Crow, the director aims to convey the message that one person’s influence can heavily impact their environment

For example, both of the films, V for Vendetta and The Crow grapple with issues like moral ambiguity which is another deeper message. In the same manner as postmodernist literature, there is no cut and dry hero, or “superhero in red underwear fighting a bunch of inept bad buys”, only individuals doing what they believe is the right thing is to do. In V for Vendetta, V identifies as “both victim and villain” and engaged in actions that seem contradictory. Although he wants to help the country, he blows things up and although he wants to help Evey rid herself of fear, he does so by torturing her. This is the same with Eric Draven from the film, The Crow. Although Eric is meant to be a hero and a defender of the weak, who is seeking justice for both himself and his fiancé, he achieves this by murdering people in horrific ways. Throughout the film, there is a mix of emotions as although one comes to comprehend the love that he had for both Shelly Webster and Sarah, it becomes difficult to justify his acts of violence. This is why in this shot of Eric at the window, the director chooses to use backlighting around him, which is traditionally used to convey the message that a character is pure or good, but although the director does this, the circle of light surrounding Eric is not whole or complete, there are jagged pieces of glass,