V for Vendetta

In our 31st episode of Dystopian Fiction Has Been Moved to Current Affairs we return to the 2006 classic dystopian film, V for Vendetta, directed by the Wachowskis and based on Alan Moore's graphic novel.

We explore the film's depiction of the rise of Fascism in the form of Sutler's Norsefire party, elected and granted authoritarian powers in response to fabricated fears and manufactured bio-terrorism. We discuss the role of democracy in permitting dictatorship to take hold, and the way that citizens are culpable in allowing injustices to continue unchecked at the hands of their governments.

We consider the ethic's of V's vigilantism, his obsession with vengeance and parallels with the Count of Monte Cristo, and whether his actions are effective and justifiable, especially Evey's incarceration.

Our particular focus is the power of symbol and story for the effectiveness of V's call to arms, and how we might learn from the messages around change and protest that the film offers.

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