Remember, remember…the 5th of November. One of the most famous quotes from this story. It has practically become married to the story of a masked man looking to incite a country-wide revolt. Alan Moore wrote the original story between 1982 and 1985 in the UK, later being brought over to the US closer to the end of the decade. An appropriate time as the story is about both ending and beginning. Centered around a man simply known as V, he plans a big attack against the fascist government that has long since taken over Great Britain. Although, even though V is the most famous character, it’s really about the people around him that are the focus. Those that are looking to capture/kill him and the few who might be considered allies. It’s a great story, but this story serves as an example of how an adaptation of a comic – when done correctly – can immortalize it.

Don’t misinterpret what I say, the original comic is an impressive one. And I’m not saying the movie is in any way better. There is validity in the argument that is chooses to depict the same themes differently and executes it’s message in a different way, which can turn fans of the original away. But the way that the story is adapted and shown to a much wider audience, at the time it came out, puts this version of the story in a unique position. The movie was criticized by Moore himself that several of the changes made appeared to make it American-centric. And while there is truth in that, those changes play a role in making this a timeless in a certain way. A lot of the changes made to the movie are said to focus on the Bush administration during the 2000s. But looking back on the movie in the 2020s, those changes can be easily applied to a similar administration at any time in the modern age. Just because certain issues got their first major exposure during a certain time doesn’t mean they can’t continue to appear years later.

But I want to take the time to focus on a certain set of changes that have become significantly relevant. Moore’s original story was one about Fascism versus Anarchism. Not meant to sway people to one side or the other. But to show the ideas in context of events that share similarities to some real world events that have recurred throughout history. The movie can be described as one about Liberalism versus Neo-conservatism. But despite how Moore says that taking out mentions of Anarchy hurt the story, that doesn’t mean this version isn’t about extremes. Both sides go to great lengths to advance their own agenda, creating collateral in their wake. Sure, V in the original story is more ruthless and willing to kill everyone who gets in his way, he still kidnaps and holds his closest ally in a cell for an extended period of time. Not unlike how some criminal groups might try and brainwash someone to join them.

But that criticism about switching out the political ideologies is based on a flawed assumption – that they are mutually exclusive. The Conservatives of the modern era are very willing to enforce Fascist-like policies and enforce them in similar manners. The behaviors of many politicians from that side can be described as cartoonish or surreal. Like there is no way that a real person would say that or do that, yet they just did. And while it can be argued that the government is made up of more realistically depicted people, real life has shown that people can be as direct and black & white as the government in the movie version and still retain power. You can also argue that Liberalism in the modern era is playing around with ideas and strategies not that far removed from Anarchy. Mainly methods that propose eliminating or getting rid of institutions and laws that they see as being harmful and destructive. It may not be the same as the way V embodies Anarchy in the comic. But there are still calls to completely dismantle the current systems in power being cried out in the real world that I’m sure V can get behind.

As previously mentioned, V is a much more aggressive character in the original comic. And that was deliberately done by Moore to present ideologies that are both extreme. That doesn’t mean V isn’t any less extreme or violent in the movie. But the important difference between the two versions is that the movie version allows him to hold onto a sense of humanity. I’ve already talked a bit how the criticisms made about the movie have seemingly been more rooted in real life than we thought possible. At least, in terms of how people working in and enforcing the rule of a corrupt government talk and behave. While those who protest against these kind of politicians in the real world certainly support complete dismantlement of something, their motivations are based in wanting to be kinder to their fellow people. Both versions of this story put the blame on the general public for sitting back and allowing these kinds of corrupt governments come into power. But the movie pushes us to make the decisions to act. And that’s where the legacy of this story can be directly attributed to the movie.

The Guy Fawkes mask has become a worldwide symbol of rebellion for people looking to fight back and expose the dark secrets of the corrupted people in power. It’s true that a lot of what has been discussed in this post can be directly attributed to American politics, the characteristics of a corrupt government don’t care for borders or boundaries. There are governments all across the world that are undoubtedly similar. This movie serves as a reminder to always fight for what’s right. And sometimes the extreme is necessary. But it must be done with the intention of wanting to improve the lives of your fellow citizens. Destruction for it’s own sake will ultimately be meaningless. The original comic is a great story, but it serves as an example of how anyone can decide to simply fight against something. The movie, on the other hand, pushes us to fight for a higher ideal. To fight in support of something. And that is the true legacy of this story.