Notes

V for Vendetta

Theme= religion
Example= strength through unity; unity through faith
Explanation= religion is corrupt; it is used to obtain control and power over the people. They believe in God- they have faith in it.

Thesis- introduction

norse fire >> team of villains (government)

V is doing the same as the government- they are both manipulating the people without them knowing it.

"the end justifies the means"

"there is a right for violence to get freedom"

there is no hero-they are all villains:
-V is a terrorist
-Government is a dictatorship
- Evey has been brainwashed/ manipulated

Gender Studies
V's gender is unknown- other than his voice he has no other obvious gender specifier: he is covered head to toe in a unisex outfit
however he is seento have feminine activities such as cooking and dancing

evey is seen as feminine and vulnerable at the start of the movie- typical traits. Evey is seen to develop masculine characteristics after her torture at the mock prison camp as she does not care what happens to her and has lost her hair (feminine feature)  and does not dress feminine- sweaters and trousers

comparison between Evey and V through their reactions to the outside world after their reactions to the outside world after their torture > hands held up to the sky (V in fire- starts; Evey in rain- finishes)

the masks given to the people make everyone gender neutral so their identity is secret. It is a symbolism of them supporting V - masks protect his identity and their own

Marxism
Government is a fascist dictatorship >> media and cultural elements help the government keep their marxism control.

media is biased and is controlled by the government- people do not question the propaganda through fear. Lewis Prothero is the face of the media.

V uses the media to start his revolution- preaches freedom and democracy. knows the message will get out to everyone as the government has control over the media stream into people's homes >> typical marxist control.

artwork was banned by the government so the people could not form their own identity. not allowed it in their homes - however some people have it hidden >> V steals artwork from the government. repression of creativity makes them blindly follow the government.

Sutler is the high chancellor and is not seen in person at all >> mostly seen on screen so it gives a 'big brother' feel >> spying on the citizens of London.

Government is scared at the situation in England so try and control it as much as possible >> curfews to stop people being ale to have extra time in the day that the government can't control- so no one is allowed out their homes.

 Religious
-governmen distorts religion for their own control
-corrupt religious figures
-postcolonialism (dictatorship) imperialist in power

Themes in V for Vendetta
Hope
Fear
Revenge
Corruption
Post colonialism
Marxism
Gender Identity
Media Manipulation

Most important 5 Themes in V for Vendetta

Fascism- could happen in our society if we let it happen

Revenge- V's secret agenda is to get revenge

Media Manipulation- sutler used the media to gain control by blaming diseases caused on anyone who is not white, straight or christian

Revolution- citizens uprising

Opression- Gays and transvestites and people that are accepted now will lose their rights in the future

Revolution
End scene is an example of this as all people are overthrowing the army and Evey sends V off on a train filled with explosives to blow up Parliament.