Who Would Watch the Watchmen?

I finished Watchmen yesterday, and then I saw the movie release at midnight this morning, so I'm feeling pretty saturated with Cold War fear and hopelessness... Yippee! I would definitely recommend reading the graphic novel, because it's chalk full of ideas about the world that I think are remarkably insightful and still other ideas that are tragically false. As for the movie... meh. It's ok.

In the book, you'll be encountered with a world totally devoid of hope, a world that is, in my opinion, the most rational conclusion for people who don't believe in God. This attitude is conveyed most effectively by the god-like Dr. Manhattan, who has little concern for human life till late in the story. His comment about the murder of Edward Blake in the first chapter makes this evident, "Life and death are unquantifiable abstracts. Why should I be concerned?" In Alan Moore's world, life is just a chance conglomeration of atoms and electrical signals that cannot be quantitatively discerned from death. Life has no specific purpose or hope, and death is the only end. What a great point to initiate a conversation with someone about this novel! I'd love to know how many people actually buy into Moore's atheist worldview, and I think the popularity of Watchmen will create a good wedge to open up spiritual conversations.

Another telling moment in the novel comes in chapter 9 when Laurie attempts to convince Dr. Manhattan to save planet earth from nuclear holocaust. In response to her plea, "You've got to prevent it! Everyone will die!" the super-hero coldly responds, "...And the universe will not even notice." According to him, humanity is a completely insignificant speck in the midst of a vast universe. To him, the universe will get along fine without humans to pollute it. This is such a tragic lie! Again, what a great opportunity to tell someone that we are humans made in the image of the loving Triune God!

The one character in Watchmen I like to identify with at times, strange as it may seem, is Rorschach. Sure, he's smelly and everywhere he goes he commits a dozen party fouls, but the man is passionate about justice! I love this about Rorschach: he's uncompromising. He says near the end of the book when asked to compromise his principle of retributive justice, "No. Not even in the face of Armageddon. Never compromise." I love this, because it's the attitude I want about justice and holiness and truth. I don't want to give an inch. This is so counter-cultural, and yet Alan Moore, who created this world devoid of external truth, seems to value Rorschach's passion. I don't know much about Moore to comment, but do look him up on Wikipedia- the guy has had a really painful and weird life.

Though I think reading the book could be very profitable and even enjoyable, I wouldn't recommend the movie for a couple of reasons. First off, if it would keep you from reading the book, just get the book and don't spoil it for yourself. The dark nihilistic tone fills Moore's work, but the movie just doesn't convey the theme clearly. Also, the movie takes a good deal of license in overdoing the sex scenes. In the novel there are several frames with nudity, but the scenes are not so overdone and the story takes little or no pause for them. The film expanded these scenes gratuitously, which is neither enjoyable or beneficial for anyone desiring sexual purity. Outside of this and a few small adjustments made for the screen, the movie really holds to the novel. I would only watch it having read the book, and having a desire to waste 3 hours of my life. Seriously, I won't ever watch Watchmen again.