Great gallery, we gladly greet you with a gallant gathering of good trash film analysis. As we prepare to remember the fifth of November, we decided this Flashback Friday post would best be served with a look at V for Vendetta. This episode was part of our “You Pick the Trash” campaign. Our dear listeners offered up suggestions for programming, and we listened. Fran King’s #YouPicktheTrash choice was the Wachowski produced, James McTeigue directed, V for Vendetta.
We Remember the Fifth of November with V for Vendetta
For newer listeners, things may feel unfamiliar as the earlier format of the show was a bit different. We start with our synopsis and reviews as always, and then move straight to our film analysis. Arthur cites “Not Flag Waving but Flag Drowing or Postcards from Post-Britain” by William Brown to discuss post-British cinema in a post-9/11 world. Brown argues about the nationalism of V. But Arthur contests the British identity of the film. He argues that the film, as many critics point out, focuses on a W. Bush-era political discourse. Dalton goes the adaptation route to talk about the transformation from print to screen. He mentions the differences of goals between the character of V in both works. He argues that the film is a commentary on neoconservatism.
Alex builds off of Dalton’s analysis and talks about the cultural implications of the film. She reminds us that Guy Fawkes’ image became a troubling public visage because of this film. She brings up Anonymous and cyber-terrorism and the problematic issues that revolutionary mindset can bring. Dustin questions the political usefulness of the methodology in V for Vendetta—violence. Dustin argues that violence polarizes and prevents people from accomplishing real change. Dustin argues that a more interesting choice would have seen public demonstrations to force the government to reflect on their actions—he keeps dropping references to Selma through here.
Stay in Touch
This week’s film analysis dissects and adds to the conversation surrounding V for Vendetta. But there is more to the show! This week’s game sees the hosts talking about their Favorite Cinematic Revolutionary Characters. Finally, the conversation goes out in flames as the gang talks about what had them Fired Up in Pop Culture. Grab your hat and grab your mask and prepare for the GoodTrash Revolution!
Timestamps
02:17 – Welcome and Introductions
04:05 – Synopsis and Reviews
18:27 – Analysis
47:21 – Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
55:15 – Social Media
1:00:06 – The Game – Favorite Cinematic Revolutionary Characters
1:05:25 – Fired Up in Pop Culture
1:13:04 – Wrap Up
Arthur is a creator of content, lover of movies, and father of dogs. If you want to keep the conversation going, then click here to follow Arthur on Twitter. If you would like to keep up with what Arthur is watching, then head over to Letterboxd and give him a follow!
