View source for V for Vendetta (film)

{{Short description|2005 film by James McTeigue}}
{{pp-move}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = V for Vendetta
| image          = vforvendettamov.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[James McTeigue]]
| screenplay     = [[The Wachowskis]]<!--Do not change without consensus. See [[Talk:The_Matrix_(franchise)#Request_for_Comment_-_Crediting_The_Wachowskis]]. -->{{efn|name=Credited|Credited as ''The Wachowski Brothers''.}}
| based_on       = {{Based on|''[[V for Vendetta]]''|[[David Lloyd (comics)|David Lloyd]]}}{{efn|Alan Moore, dissatisfied with the film adaptations of his other works, ''From Hell'' (2001) and ''The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'' (2003), declined to watch the film and asked to not be credited or paid royalties.}}
| producer       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Joel Silver]]
* [[Grant Hill (producer)|Grant Hill]]
* The Wachowskis<!--Do not change without consensus. See [[Talk:The Matrix (franchise)#Request for Comment – Crediting The Wachowskis]]. -->{{efn|name=CreditedProducers|Credited as ''Andy'' and ''Larry Wachowski''.}}
}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Natalie Portman]]
* [[Hugo Weaving]]
* [[Stephen Rea]]
* [[John Hurt]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Adrian Biddle]]
| editing        = [[Martin Walsh (film editor)|Martin Walsh]]
| music          = [[Dario Marianelli]]
| studio         = {{Plainlist|
* [[Silver Pictures]]
* [[Virtual Studios]]
* [[Babelsberg Studio|Studio Babelsberg]]
* [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo DC Comics]]
* [[The Wachowskis|Anarchos Productions, Inc.]]
}}
| distributor    = [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name=bfi>{{cite web|url= http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8b0df5be|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170219144110/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8b0df5be|url-status= dead|archive-date= 19 February 2017|title= V for Vendetta|work= [[British Film Institute]]|access-date= 16 May 2017}}</ref>
| released       ={{Film date|df=yes|2005|12|11|[[Butt-Numb-A-Thon]]|2006|3|17|United States}}
| runtime        = 133 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 133:23--><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/v-for-vendetta-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00mtu3mdy|title=V FOR VENDETTA (15)|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|date=16 March 2006|access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref>
| country        = {{Plainlist|
* Germany<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/2006/02_programm_2006/02_Filmdatenblatt_2006_20060289.php#tab=boulevard|title= &#124; Berlinale &#124; Archive &#124; Annual Archives &#124; 2006 &#124; Programme – V For Vendetta &#124; V wie Vendetta|website= Berlinale.de|access-date= 29 March 2016|archive-date= 28 March 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160328210352/https://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/2006/02_programm_2006/02_Filmdatenblatt_2006_20060289.php#tab=boulevard|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=bfi/>
* United Kingdom
* United States
}}
| language       = English
| budget         = $50–54 million<ref name="boxofficemojo"/><ref>{{Cite web | url= https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/V-for-Vendetta#tab=summary |title= V for Vendetta (2005) |website= [[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] | access-date= 29 December 2020}}</ref>
| gross          = $134.7 million<ref name="boxofficemojo" />
}}

'''''V for Vendetta''''' is a 2005 [[dystopian fiction|dystopian]] [[political thriller|political]] [[action film]] directed by [[James McTeigue]] (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by [[the Wachowskis]].{{efn|name=Credited}}<!--Do not change without consensus. See [[Talk:The Matrix (franchise)#Request for Comment – Crediting The Wachowskis]]. --> It is based on the 1988–89 [[Vertigo Comics|DC Vertigo Comics]] limited series [[V for Vendetta|of the same title]] by [[Alan Moore]], [[David Lloyd (comics)|David Lloyd]], and [[Tony Weare]]. The film, set in a future where a [[fascist]] [[totalitarian]] regime has subjugated the UK, centres on [[V (character)|V]] (portrayed by [[Hugo Weaving]]), an [[Anarchism|anarchist]] and masked freedom fighter who attempts to ignite a revolution through elaborate terrorist acts, and on [[Evey Hammond]] (portrayed by [[Natalie Portman]]), a young woman caught up in V's mission. [[Stephen Rea]] portrays a detective leading a desperate quest to stop V.

Produced by [[Silver Pictures]], [[Virtual Studios]] and [[The Wachowskis#Film production and comic book publishing|Anarchos Productions, Inc.]], ''V for Vendetta'' was originally scheduled for release by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] on 4 November 2005 (a day before the 400th [[Guy Fawkes Night]]), but was delayed; it instead opened in the United States on 17 March 2006, to mostly positive reviews from critics and became a box office success, grossing $134 million against a production budget between $50–54 million. Alan Moore, dissatisfied with the film adaptations of his other works, [[From Hell (film)|''From Hell'']] (2001) and [[The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (film)|''The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'']] (2003), declined to watch the film and asked to not be credited or paid royalties.

Some political groups have seen ''V for Vendetta'' as an allegory of oppression by government; anarchists have used it to promote their beliefs. The film is credited for popularizing the use of the [[Guy Fawkes mask]] by [[anti-establishment]] political groups and activities; David Lloyd stated: "The Guy Fawkes mask has now become a common brand and a convenient placard to use in protest against tyranny—and I'm happy with people using it, it seems quite unique, an icon of [[popular culture]] being used this way."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15359735|title=V for Vendetta masks: Who's behind them?|last=Waites|first=Rosie|date=20 October 2011|work=BBC News|access-date=20 October 2011|archive-date=14 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514122204/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15359735|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==
<!-- Do not specify the year the film is set in; see discussion at Talk page. -->
In the near future, Britain is ruled by the [[Ultranationalism|ultranationalist]] [[Norsefire]] political party, a fascist and totalitarian regime led by High Chancellor Adam Sutler, which controls the populace through propaganda and imprisons or executes those deemed undesirable, including immigrants, [[homosexuals]], and people of alternative religions.

[[Evey Hammond]] is the daughter of parents who became activists after her brother perished in the St. Mary's school terrorist attack fourteen years earlier; they were detained and later died in prison when she was 12 years old. One evening, a [[Guy Fawkes mask]]ed vigilante, "[[V (character)|V]]", rescues her from assault by the British secret police, known as The Fingermen, and brings her to witness his destruction of the [[Old Bailey]] via bombs. The following morning, on 5 November, V hijacks the state-run television network BTN to address the nation, claiming credit for the attack and encouraging the populace to resist Norsefire by joining him outside the [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]] on [[Guy Fawkes Night]] in one year's time. Evey is knocked unconscious while aiding V's escape, and he takes her with him to avoid her arrest and likely execution.

V kills Norsefire chief propagandist Lewis Prothero, coroner Dr. Delia Surridge, and, with Evey's assistance, Anthony Lilliman, the [[Bishop of London]], [[pedophile]] and corrupt priest from Larkhill, whom V gets to by using Evey. Evey flees after betraying V, hoping to be forgiven by Norsefire. Assigned to capture V, Chief Inspector Eric Finch uses Surridge's journal and information from former covert operative William Rookwood (V in disguise), discovering that, two decades earlier, Surridge led biological weapons research and human experimentation at the Larkhill Detention Facility on behalf of then-Undersecretary of Defense Adam Sutler, creating the "St Mary's Virus". Although dozens of political prisoners died during experimentation, an amnesiac in cell "V" developed mutated immunities and disfigurements as well as physical enhancements and eventually destroyed Larkhill during his escape. Peter Creedy, head of the secret police, faked a terrorist attack by releasing the virus at targets including St. Mary's and used the resulting public fear to embed Norsefire in power. Simultaneously, the company manufacturing the cure enriched leading party members such as Prothero and Lilliman.

Evey takes shelter with her former boss, talkshow host Gordon Dietrich, who shows her his collection of illegal materials such as subversive paintings, an antique [[Quran]], and homoerotic photographs. Emboldened by Evey and V, he satirizes Sutler on his show, leading to his and Evey's arrest and his eventual execution. She takes solace in a note hidden in her cell written by Valerie Page, a woman imprisoned in the cell next to V's, detailing her hopes despite her impending death. Tortured and facing her own execution, Evey refuses to submit to her captors and is released, finding herself in V's lair. V had intercepted Evey before Creedy's men and subjected her to false imprisonment (and [[gaslighting]]) so she could learn to live without fear. Although initially angry at V, Evey realizes that he has been avenging Valerie and the other Larkhill victims and promises to return to see him before 5 November. To kill the otherwise unreachable High Chancellor, V convinces Creedy to betray Sutler and replace him in exchange for V's surrender.

As 5 November approaches, V has hundreds of thousands of Guy Fawkes masks distributed across the nation, leading to a rise in masked, anonymous chaos and eventually riots after the secret police kill a young masked girl. V shares a dance with Evey before leading her to the shuttered London underground he restored over the previous decade. Not intending to survive the night, V bequeaths the decision to start the explosive-filled train to Evey. Although she pleads that he abandon his crusade and leave with her, he refuses. Creedy meets V and executes Sutler before demanding V unmask. Despite being shot and heavily injured, V kills Creedy and his men, stating that the idea he represents is more important than his identity. V returns to Evey, dying in her arms after admitting he loves her, and Finch finds her placing V's body aboard the train but, having become disillusioned with Norsefire, allows her to start it after she affirms that the people need hope. With Sutler and Creedy dead, the military forces in London stand down as countless citizens dressed as V descend on Parliament and witness its destruction. Finch asks for V's true identity, to which Evey replies, "He was all of us."

==Cast==
{{multiple image
| total_width       = 500
| direction         = horizontal
| align             = right
| footer            = (Left to right) [[Natalie Portman]] (pictured in 2015), [[Hugo Weaving]] (2018), and [[Stephen Rea]] (circa 2010)
| image1            = Natalie Portman Cannes 2015 4.jpg
| alt1              = A photograph of Natalie Portman
| image2            = MJK 08925 Hugo Weaving (Berlinale 2018) bw43.jpg
| alt2              = A photograph of Hugo Weaving
| image3            = Stephen Rea.jpg
| alt3              = A photograph of Stephen Rea
}}
<!--- Cast and order per tombstone closing credits, roles per closing credits scroll --->
* [[Hugo Weaving]] as [[V (character)|V]], a masked, charismatic and skilled anarchist terrorist who had been the unwilling subject of experimentation by [[Norsefire]]. [[James Purefoy]] originally portrayed the character, but left six weeks into filming. He remained uncredited, with Weaving replacing him on set and redubbing Purefoy's scenes.<ref name="purefoy">{{cite web |date=24 February 2006 |title=James Purefoy Quit 'V for Vendetta' Because He Hated Wearing the Mask. |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/02/24/james_purefoy_quit_v_for_vendetta_becaus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606173245/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/02/24/james_purefoy_quit_v_for_vendetta_becaus |archive-date=6 June 2011 |access-date=7 April 2006 |work=starpulse.com}}</ref>
* [[Natalie Portman]] as [[Evey Hammond]], an employee of the state-run British Television Network who is rescued by V from a gang of London's [[secret police]] and subsequently becomes involved in his life.
* [[Stephen Rea]] as [[Chief inspector|Chief Inspector]] Eric Finch of [[New Scotland Yard]] and Minister of Investigations (the "Nose"), the lead investigator in the V investigation, who uncovers an unspeakable government crime. When asked whether the politics attracted him to the film, Rea replied "Well, I don't think it would be very interesting if it was just comic book stuff. The politics of it are what gives it its dimension and momentum, and of course I was interested in the politics. Why wouldn't I be?"<ref name="Stephen Rea">{{Cite news|work=eventguide |last=Byrne |first=Paul |title=The Rea Thing |url=http://www.eventguide.ie/articles.elive?session_id=114423590894&sku=060313201506 |publisher=InterArt Media |access-date=13 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227101134/http://www.eventguide.ie/articles.elive?session_id=114423590894&sku=060313201506 |archive-date=27 December 2008}}</ref>
* [[Stephen Fry]] as Gordon Deitrich, a closeted gay [[talk show]] host. When asked in an interview what he liked about the role, Fry replied "Being beaten up! I hadn't been beaten up in a movie before and I was very excited by the idea of being clubbed to death."<ref name="filmfocus">{{Cite news|last=Utichi |first=Joe |url=http://www.filmfocus.co.uk/lookat.asp?FilmbaseID=20636&FeatureID=78 |title=Exclusive Interview with Stephen Fry&nbsp;— V for Vendetta |publisher=Filmfocus |date=20 March 2006 |access-date=4 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222040/http://www.filmfocus.co.uk/lookat.asp?FilmbaseID=20636&FeatureID=78 |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref>
* [[John Hurt]] as Adam Sutler, the former [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Member of Parliament]] and [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Under-Secretary for Defence]]. High Chancellor Sutler is the founder of Norsefire and is Britain's authoritarian elected leader. Hurt also portrays two "Fake Sutler" actors lampooning him in an episode of Gordon Deitrich's talk show.<ref name="v for vendetta interviews">{{cite web | publisher=Warner Bros. | title=V for Vendetta Press Footage | url=http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/video_press.html | access-date=30 April 2006 | archive-date=18 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718002338/http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/video_press.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Logos">{{Cite news |work=logosjournal.com |last=Jacobsen |first=Kurt |url=http://www.logosjournal.com/issue_5.3/jacobsen.htm |title=V for Vendetta&nbsp;– Graphic Enough? |publisher=Logos Journal |access-date=13 January 2007 |archive-date=16 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216210209/http://www.logosjournal.com/issue_5.3/jacobsen.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Tim Pigott-Smith]] as Peter Creedy, Norsefire's Party leader and the head of Britain's secret police (the "Finger").<ref name="official production" />
* [[Rupert Graves]] as Dominic Stone, Chief Inspector Finch's sergeant.
* [[Roger Allam]] as Lewis Prothero, the "Voice of London", a propagandist for Norsefire, and formerly the commander of Larkhill Detention Centre.
* [[Ben Miles]] as Roger Dascombe, the head of the government's propaganda division (the "Mouth") and chief executive of the British Television Network.
* [[Sinéad Cusack]] as Dr. Delia Surridge, the former head physician at the Larkhill Detention Centre, now a [[coroner]].
* [[Natasha Wightman]] as Valerie Page, a [[lesbian]] imprisoned for her sexuality.
**[[Imogen Poots]] as Young Valerie Page
* [[John Standing]] as Anthony Lilliman, a corrupt bishop at [[Westminster Abbey]] and the former priest at Larkhill Detention Centre.
* [[Eddie Marsan]] as Brian Etheridge, the head of the government's audio surveillance division (the "Ear").
* [[Clive Ashborn]] as [[Guy Fawkes]], the historical figure involved in the failed [[Gunpowder Plot]] of 1605.
* [[Guy Henry (actor)|Guy Henry]] as Conrad Heyer, the head of the government's visual surveillance division (the "Eye").

==Themes and interpretations==
''V for Vendetta'' sets the [[Gunpowder Plot]] as V's historical inspiration, contributing to his choice of timing, language, and appearance.<ref name="official production" /> For example, the names [[Ambrose Rookwood|Rookwood]], [[Thomas Percy (plotter)|Percy]] and [[Robert Keyes|Keyes]] are used in the film, which are also the names of three of the Gunpowder conspirators. The film creates parallels to [[Alexandre Dumas, père|Alexandre Dumas]]'s ''[[The Count of Monte Cristo]]'', by drawing direct comparisons between V and [[Edmond Dantès]]. (In both stories, the hero escapes an unjust and traumatic imprisonment and spends decades preparing to take vengeance on his oppressors under a new [[persona]].)<ref name="Chum">{{cite web|last=Andersen |first=Neil |url=http://www.chumlimited.com/mediaed/guidepage_scanning.asp?studyID=162|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207170901/http://www.chumlimited.com/mediaed/guidepage_scanning.asp?studyID=162|archive-date=7 December 2006|title=V for Vendetta |work=CHUM.mediaeducation.com |access-date=20 January 2007}}</ref><ref name="ReviewJournal">{{Cite news|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-02-Sun-2006/opinion/6487876.html|title=VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: I wanted to like 'V for Vendetta'|last=Suprynowicz|first=Vin|date=2 April 2006|access-date=20 January 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009142843/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-02-Sun-2006/opinion/6487876.html|archive-date=9 October 2012|publisher=BoxOfficeCritic.com}}</ref><ref name="BoxOfficeCritic">{{Cite news|last= Peterman |first= Eileen |url= http://www.boxofficecritic.com/reviewsdetail.asp?id=99&pageno=1 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060826044301/http://www.boxofficecritic.com/reviewsdetail.asp?id=99&pageno=1 |archive-date= 26 August 2006|title= V for Vendetta (R) |publisher=BoxOfficeCritic.com |date=9 April 2006 |access-date=20 January 2007}}</ref> The film is also explicit in portraying V as the embodiment of an idea rather than an individual through V's dialogue and by depicting him without a past, identity or face. According to the official website, "V's use of the Guy Fawkes mask and persona functions as both practical and symbolic elements of the story. He wears the mask to hide his physical scars, and in obscuring his identity&nbsp;– he becomes the idea itself."<ref name="official production" />

As noted by several critics and commentators, the film's story and style mirror elements from [[Gaston Leroux]]'s ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (novel)|The Phantom of the Opera]]''.<ref name="Ebert">{{Cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/v-for-vendetta-2006 |title='Dystopia' with a capital V |work=rogerebert.com |access-date=17 June 2021 |date=16 March 2006 |archive-date=3 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503014441/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/v-for-vendetta-2006 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="sfgate">{{Cite news | last=Stein | first=Ruthe | title=In 'Vendetta,' disastrous U.S. and British policymaking gives rise to terrorism – what a shocker | url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/16/DDGG9HO5VT1.DTL&type=movies | date=16 March 2006 | access-date=4 January 2006 | work=The San Francisco Chronicle | archive-date=16 December 2012 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216113620/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/16/DDGG9HO5VT1.DTL&type=movies | url-status=dead }}</ref> V and the Phantom both wear masks to hide their disfigurements, control others through the leverage of their imaginations, have tragic pasts, and are motivated by revenge. V and Evey's relationship also parallels many of the romantic elements of ''The Phantom of the Opera'', where the masked Phantom takes [[Christine Daaé]] to his subterranean lair to re-educate her.<ref name="Ebert" /><ref name="sfgate" /><ref name="Rolllingstones">{{cite web|last=Travers |first=Peter | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/7222868/review/9440903/v_for_vendetta| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724202516/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/7222868/review/9440903/v_for_vendetta| archive-date=24 July 2008|title=V for Vendetta| work=rollingstones.com|url-status=dead | access-date=3 January 2007}}</ref>

As a film about the struggle between freedom and the state, ''V for Vendetta'' takes imagery from many classic totalitarian icons both real and fictional, including the [[Third Reich]] and [[George Orwell]]'s ''[[Nineteen Eighty-Four]]''.<ref name="official production" /><ref name="v for vendetta interviews" /> For example, Adam Sutler<ref name="v for vendetta interviews" /> primarily appears on large video screens and on portraits in people's homes, both common features among modern totalitarian regimes and reminiscent of the image of [[Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|Big Brother]]. There is also the state's use of [[mass surveillance]], such as [[closed-circuit television]], on its citizens – reminiscent of the comprehensive mass surveillance systems currently deployed in many nations, such as China or the United Kingdom. The name Adam Sutler is intentionally similar to [[Adolf Hitler]]. Both are given to hysterical speech;  Sutler is also a [[Racial purity|racial purist]], although [[Jews]] have been replaced by [[South Asians|Asian]]s and [[Muslims]] as the focus of Norsefire ethnoreligious propaganda and persecution. Valerie was sent to a detention facility for her [[lesbianism]] and then had medical experiments performed on her,<ref name="afterellen" /> reminiscent of the [[persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany]] and [[the Holocaust]].<ref name="sfgate" />

{{quote box|width=30%|We felt the novel was very prescient to how the political climate is at the moment. It really showed what can happen when society is ruled by government, rather than the government being run as a voice of the people. I don't think it's such a big leap to say that things like that can happen when leaders stop listening to the people.|source=—James McTeigue, director<ref name="official production" />}}
The filmmakers added topical references relevant to a 2006 audience. According to the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', "With a wealth of new, real life parallels to draw from in the areas of government surveillance, torture, [[fear mongering]] and [[media manipulation]], not to mention [[corporate crime|corporate corruption]] and religious hypocrisy, you can't really blame the filmmakers for having a field day referencing current events." There are also references to an [[Global spread of H5N1|avian flu]] pandemic,<ref name="LaTimes">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/cl-et-vendetta17mar17,1,1139774.story|title=V for Vendetta|last=Chocano|first=Carina|date=17 March 2006|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=17 March 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112130758/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/cl-et-vendetta17mar17,1,1139774.story|archive-date=12 November 2013}}</ref> as well as pervasive use of [[Biometrics|biometric identification]] and [[ECHELON|signal intelligence gathering]] and analysis by the regime.

Film critics, political commentators and other members of the media have also noted the film's numerous references to events surrounding the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|George W. Bush administration]] in the United States. These include the hoods and sacks worn by the prisoners in Larkhill that have been seen as a reference to the [[Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse]].<ref name="The Age">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/03/16/1142098594274.html |title=Gunpowder, treason and plot |work=The Age |location=Melbourne |publisher=Fairfax Digital |access-date=19 March 2006 |date=19 March 2006 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227044853/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/03/16/1142098594274.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The New Yorker">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/03/20/blowup-5|title=BLOWUP: V for Vendetta|author=David Denby|date=12 March 2006|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|publisher=Conde Nast|access-date=13 March 2006|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713203031/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/03/20/blowup-5|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Homeland Security Advisory System]] and [[Extraordinary rendition by the United States|rendition]] are also referenced.<ref name="Christianity Today">{{Cite news | url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2006/vforvendetta.html | title=V for Vendetta | author=Breimeier, Russ | work=Christianitytoday.com | date=16 March 2006 | access-date=29 April 2006 | archive-date=2 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502145735/http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/marchweb-only/vforvendetta.html | url-status=live }}</ref> One of the forbidden items in Gordon's secret basement is a protest poster with a mixed US–UK flag with a [[swastika]] and the title "Coalition of the Willing, To Power" which combines the "[[Multinational force in Iraq|Coalition of the Willing]]" with [[Friedrich Nietzsche|Friedrich Nietzsche's]] concept of [[will to power]].<ref name="From Script to Film">{{Cite book|last= Lamm |first= Spencer |title= V for Vendetta: from Script to Film |publisher= Universe |date=August 2006|isbn= 0-7893-1520-3 |page=241 }}</ref>

Despite the America-specific references, the filmmakers have always referred to the film as adding dialogue to a set of issues much broader than the US administration.<ref name="v for vendetta interviews" /> When James McTeigue was asked whether or not BTN was based on [[Fox News|Fox News Channel]], McTeigue replied, "Yes. But not just Fox. Everyone is complicit in this kind of stuff. It could just as well been the Britain's [[Sky News]] Channel, also a part of [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corp]]."<ref name="v for vendetta interviews" />

==Production==
===Development===
The film was made by many of the same filmmakers involved in [[The Matrix series|''The Matrix'' series]]. In 1988, producer Joel Silver acquired the rights to two of [[Alan Moore]]'s works: ''[[V for Vendetta]]'' and ''[[Watchmen]]''.<ref name="vendettasite">{{cite web| title=V for Vendetta news | publisher=[[Warner Brothers]] | work=vforvendetta.com | url=http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/index2.html | access-date=31 March 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315172448/http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/index2.html | archive-date=15 March 2006}}</ref> After the release and relative success of [[Road House (1989 film)|''Road House'']], writer [[Hilary Henkin]] was brought on to flesh out the project with an initial draft – one that bears little, if any, relation to the finished product, with the inclusion of overtly satirical and surrealistic elements not present in the graphic novel, as well as the removal of much of the novel's ambiguity, especially in regard to V's identity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shadowgalaxy.net/Vendetta/Henkin.html|title=V for Vendetta: the Henkin Script|website=Shadow galaxy|access-date=22 February 2010|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419100640/http://www.shadowgalaxy.net/Vendetta/Henkin.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wachowskis were fans of ''V for Vendetta'' and in the mid-1990s, before working on ''[[The Matrix]]'', wrote a draft screenplay that closely followed the graphic novel. During the post-production of the second and third ''The Matrix'' films, they revisited the screenplay and offered the director's role to [[James McTeigue]]. All three were intrigued by the original story's themes and found them to be relevant to the contemporary political landscape. Upon revisiting the screenplay, the Wachowskis set about making revisions to condense and modernise the story, while at the same time attempting to preserve its integrity and themes. James McTeigue cites the film ''[[The Battle of Algiers (film)|The Battle of Algiers]]'' as his principal influence in preparing to film ''V for Vendetta''.<ref name="official production">{{cite web| title=Production Notes for V for Vendetta | work=official webpage | publisher=vforvendetta.com | url=http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/prod_notes_ch_02.html | access-date=14 April 2006| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315180047/http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/prod_notes_ch_02.html| archive-date=15 March 2006}}</ref>

Moore explicitly disassociated himself from the film due to his lack of involvement in its writing or directing, as well as due to a continuing series of disputes over film adaptations of his work.<ref name="IGN">{{Cite news|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/18/v-for-vendetta-comic-vs-film|title=V for Vendetta: Comic vs. Film|last=Goldstein|first=Hilary|date=17 March 2006|access-date=13 January 2007|publisher=[[IGN]]|archive-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016000332/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/18/v-for-vendetta-comic-vs-film|url-status=live}}</ref> He ended cooperation with his publisher, [[DC Comics]], after its corporate parent, [[Warner Bros.]], failed to retract statements about Moore's supposed endorsement of the film. Moore said that the script contained plot holes<ref name="comicbookresource">{{Cite news|last=Johnston |first=Rich |url=https://www.cbr.com/291190-2/ |title=Moore Slams V For Vendetta Movie, Pulls LoEG From DC Comics |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=23 May 2005 |access-date=3 January 2006}}</ref> and that it ran contrary to the theme of his original work, which was to place two political extremes (fascism and [[anarchism]]) against one another. He argues his work had been recast as a story about "current [[neoconservatism|American neoconservatism]] vs. current [[Liberalism in the United States|American liberalism]]".<ref name="mooreinterview">{{Cite news|last=MacDonald |first=Heidi |url=http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/2006/03/a_for_alan_pt_1_the_alan_moore.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305213808/http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/2006/03/a_for_alan_pt_1_the_alan_moore.html |archive-date=5 March 2007 |title=A FOR ALAN, Pt. 1: The Alan Moore interview |publisher=GIANT Magazine |date=15 March 2006 |access-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> Per his wishes, Moore's name does not appear in the film's closing credits. Co-creator and illustrator [[David Lloyd (comics)|David Lloyd]] supports the film adaptation, commenting that the script is very good but that Moore would only ever be truly happy with a complete book-to-screen adaptation.<ref name="vendettasite" /> In 2021, Lloyd revealed that Moore had wanted to make ''V for Vendetta'' into a movie around the time the comic book was originally being conceived.<ref>{{cite web |last1=HeroJournalism |title=Artist David Lloyd on V for Vendetta, the Movie & Disagreeing with Alan Moore |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh1O2f8LX_8  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Vh1O2f8LX_8 |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |date=27 May 2021 |access-date=3 July 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Casting===
[[James Purefoy]] was originally cast as V, but dropped out after six weeks into filming. Although at the time it was reported this was because of difficulties wearing the mask for the entire film,<ref name="purefoy"/> he later stated that it was really due to creative differences on how V should be portrayed.<ref name="purefoy2">{{cite web |last1=Pevens |first1=Lane |title=The Truth About James Purefoy's Decision To Quit 'V For Vendetta' |date=5 December 2020 |url=https://www.thethings.com/why-james-purefoy-quit-v-for-vendetta/ |access-date=7 June 2021 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725001752/https://www.thethings.com/why-james-purefoy-quit-v-for-vendetta/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was replaced by [[Hugo Weaving]], who had previously worked with Joel Silver and the Wachowskis<!--Please see talk page before altering this to Lana. The credits listed here must match the credits in the film.--> on [[The Matrix (franchise)|''The Matrix'' series]].

Director James McTeigue first met [[Natalie Portman]] during the filming of ''[[Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones]]'', on which he worked as assistant director. In preparation for the role, Portman worked with dialect coach Barbara Berkery to speak in an English accent, studied films such as ''[[The Weather Underground (film)|The Weather Underground]]'', and read the autobiography of [[Menachem Begin]].<ref name="official production" /> She received top billing for the film. Her role in the film has parallels to her role in ''[[Léon: The Professional]]''.<ref name="IGN" /> According to Portman: "the relationship between V and Evey has a complication [like] the relationship in that film. There's moments when it's father/daughter. There's moments when it's like lovers, it has moments when it's mentor/student. And many times [those are] all at once."<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://movies.about.com/od/vforvendetta/a/vendetta072505_2.htm|title=Natalie Portman and Joel Silver Talk About "V for Vendetta"|author=Murray, Rebecca|publisher=About.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405182234/http://movies.about.com/od/vforvendetta/a/vendetta072505_2.htm|archive-date=5 April 2015|access-date=4 January 2007}}</ref>

===Filming===
''V for Vendetta'' was filmed in [[London]], England, and in [[Potsdam]], Germany, at [[Babelsberg Studios]]. Much of the film was shot on [[sound stage]]s and indoor sets, with location work done in [[Berlin]] for three scenes: the Norsefire rally flashback, Larkhill, and Bishop Lilliman's bedroom. The scenes that took place in the abandoned [[London Underground]] were filmed at the disused [[Aldwych tube station]]. Filming began in early March 2004 and lasted through early June 2004.<ref name="vendettasite" /> ''V for Vendetta'' is the final film shot by [[cinematographer]] [[Adrian Biddle]], who died of a heart attack on 7 December 2005, 9 months after the movie's world debut.<ref>Guard, Howard
[https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/jan/19/guardianobituaries.film Adrian Biddle obituary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041532/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/jan/19/guardianobituaries.film |date=28 February 2018 }}, www.guardian.co.uk, 18 January 2006. Retrieved 10 June 2012</ref>

To film the final scene at [[Westminster]], the area from [[Trafalgar Square]] and [[Whitehall]] up to Parliament and [[Clock Tower, Palace of Westminster|Big Ben]] had to be closed for three nights from midnight until 5&nbsp;am. This was the first time the security-sensitive area (home to [[10 Downing Street]] and the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]) had ever been closed to accommodate filming.<ref name="About the Production" /> Then-Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]]'s son, Euan, worked on the film's production and is said (according to an interview with Stephen Fry) to have helped the filmmakers obtain the unparalleled filming access. This drew criticism of Blair from [[Member of Parliament|MP]] [[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]] due to the film's content. However, the filmmakers denied Euan Blair's involvement in the deal,<ref name="tony blair's son">{{Cite news | work=[[The Guardian]] | title=How E got the V in Vendetta | url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2006/mar/23/news | date=23 March 2006 | access-date=13 May 2006 | location=London | archive-date=5 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120808/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2006/mar/23/news | url-status=live }}</ref> stating that access was acquired through nine months of negotiations with 14 different government departments and agencies.<ref name="About the Production" />

===Post-production===
The film was designed to have a [[Retrofuturism|retrofuturistic]] look, with heavy use of grey tones to give a dreary, stagnant feel to totalitarian London. The largest set created for the film was the Shadow Gallery, which was made to feel like a cross between a crypt and an [[undercroft]].<ref name="Unmasked">{{cite video | people=Warner Bros |year=2006 | title=V for Vendetta Unmasked | medium=TV-Special | location=United States|publisher=Warner Bros.}}</ref>

One of the major challenges in the film was how to bring V to life from under an expressionless mask. Thus, considerable effort was made to bring together lighting, acting, and Weaving's voice to create the proper mood for the situation. Since the mask muffled Weaving's voice, his entire dialogue was re-recorded in post-production.<ref name="About the Production">{{cite web| work=Official website | title=V for Vendetta&nbsp;— About the production | url=http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/prod_notes_ch_03.html | access-date=4 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315180056/https://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/prod_notes_ch_03.html |archive-date=2006-03-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Music and soundtrack===
{{main|V for Vendetta: Music from the Motion Picture|l1=''V for Vendetta: Music from the Motion Picture''}}
The ''V for Vendetta'' [[film soundtrack|soundtrack]] was released by [[Astralwerks|Astralwerks Records]] on 21 March 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7042674|title=Detailed V For Vendetta Soundtrack Music Information|work=[[CD Universe]]|publisher=Muze Inc|access-date=15 January 2011|archive-date=1 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501174623/http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7042674|url-status=live}}</ref> The original scores from the film's composer, [[Dario Marianelli]], make up most of the tracks on the album.<ref name="tillnes2006">{{cite web|last=Tillnes |first=John |title=Soundtrack Review: V for Vendetta by Dario Marianelli (2006) |url=http://soundtrackgeek.com/2008/03/09/soundtrack-review-v-for-vendetta-by-dario-marianelli-2006/ |work=Soundtrack Geek |publisher=Soundtrackgeek.com |access-date=13 January 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201043653/http://soundtrackgeek.com/2008/03/09/soundtrack-review-v-for-vendetta-by-dario-marianelli-2006/ |archive-date=1 December 2010}}</ref> The soundtrack also features three vocals played during the film: "[[Cry Me a River (1953 song)|Cry Me a River]]" by [[Julie London]], a cover of [[The Velvet Underground]] song "I Found a Reason" by [[Cat Power]] and "Bird Gerhl" by [[Antony and the Johnsons]].<ref name="tillnes2006"/> As mentioned in the film, these songs are samples of the 872 [[Blacklisted#Political context|blacklisted]] tracks on V's [[Wurlitzer|Wurlitzer jukebox]] that V "reclaimed" from the Ministry of Objectionable Materials. The climax of [[Tchaikovsky]]'s ''[[1812 Overture]]'' appears at the end of the track "Knives and Bullets (and Cannons too)". The Overture's ''[[Finale (music)|finale]]'' is played at key parts at the beginning and end of the film.

Three songs were played during the ending credits which were not included on the ''V for Vendetta'' soundtrack.<ref name="tillnes2006"/> The first was "[[Street Fighting Man]]" by the [[Rolling Stones]]. The second was a special version of [[Ethan Stoller]]'s "BKAB". In keeping with revolutionary tone of the film, excerpts from "On Black Power" (also in "A Declaration of Independence") by [[Black nationalism|black nationalist]] leader [[Malcolm X]], and from "Address to the Women of America" by feminist writer [[Gloria Steinem]] were added to the song. Gloria Steinem can be heard saying: "This is no simple reform ... It really is a revolution. Sex and race, because they are easy and visible differences, have been the primary ways of organising human beings into superior and inferior groups and into the cheap labour on which this system still depends." The final song was "[[Let It Come Down (Spiritualized album)|Out of Sight]]" by [[Spiritualized]].

Also in the film were segments from two of [[Antonio Carlos Jobim]]'s classic [[bossa nova]] songs, "[[The Girl from Ipanema|The Girl From Ipanema]]" and "[[Corcovado (song)|Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars]]". These songs were played during the "breakfast scenes" with V and Deitrich and were one of the ways used to tie the two characters together. [[Symphony No. 5 (Beethoven)|Beethoven's ''Symphony No.5'']] also plays an important role in the film, with the first four notes of the first movement signifying the letter "V" in [[Morse code]].<ref name="graphic novel">{{Cite book|last= Moore |first= Alan |author2=David Lloyd  |title= V for Vendetta |quote=Inspector Finch recognises the background noise as Beethoven's Fifth, and states: "It's Morse code for the letter "V"" |publisher= Vertigo |date=November 2005|isbn= 1-4012-0792-8 |title-link= V for Vendetta }}</ref><ref name="BBC News">{{Cite news | publisher=BBC News | title=Newswatch 1940s | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/newswatch/history/noflash/html/1940s.stm | access-date=21 November 2006 | archive-date=28 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728200526/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/newswatch/history/noflash/html/1940s.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Gordon Deitrich's [[Benny Hill]]-styled comedy sketch of Chancellor Sutler includes the "[[Yakety Sax]]" theme. Inspector Finch's alarm clock begins the morning of 4 November with the song "Long Black Train" by [[Richard Hawley]], which contains the [[foreshadowing]] lyrics "Ride the long black train ... take me home black train."

==Differences between the film and the graphic novel==
The film's story was adapted from Alan Moore and [[David Lloyd (comics)|David Lloyd's]] graphic novel ''V for Vendetta''; this was originally published between 1982 and 1985 in the British comic anthology ''[[Warrior (comics)|Warrior]]'', and then reprinted and completed by DC. Moore's comics were later compiled into a graphic novel and published again in the United States under DC's [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo]] imprint and in the United Kingdom under [[Titan Books]].<ref>{{Cite news | last = Itzcoff | first = Dave | title = The Vendetta Behind 'V for Vendetta | newspaper = [[The New York Times]] | date = 12 March 2006 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/movies/the-vendetta-behind-v-for-vendetta.html | access-date = 16 November 2021 | archive-date = 19 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170419010342/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/movies/the-vendetta-behind-v-for-vendetta.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

There are several fundamental differences between the film and the original source material. Alan Moore's original story was created as a response to British Thatcherism in the early 1980s and was set as a conflict between a fascist state and anarchism, while the film's story was changed by the Wachowskis to fit a modern [[United States|US]] political context. Alan Moore, however, charged that, in doing so, the story turned into an American-centric conflict between [[liberalism (US)|liberalism]] and [[neoconservatism]], and abandoned the original anarchist–fascist themes. Moore states that "[t]here wasn't a mention of anarchy as far as I could see. The fascism had been completely defanged. I mean, I think that any references to [[Racial policy of Nazi Germany|racial purity]] had been excised, whereas actually, fascists are quite big on racial purity." Furthermore, in the original story, Moore attempted to maintain moral ambiguity, and not to portray the fascists as caricatures, but as realistic, rounded characters. The time limitations of a film meant that the story had to omit or streamline some of the characters, details, and plotlines from the original story.<ref name="official production" />

Many of the characters from the graphic novel underwent significant changes for the film. V is characterised in the film as a romantic freedom fighter who shows concern over the loss of innocent life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mutantreviewers.com/rvarticle.html |title=V for Vendetta the Page Vs. The Screen |access-date=26 June 2010 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318221050/http://www.mutantreviewers.com/rvarticle.html |archive-date=18 March 2012 }}</ref> However, in the graphic novel, he is portrayed as ruthless, willing to kill anyone who gets in his way. Evey Hammond's transformation as V's [[Mentorship|protégée]] is also much more drastic in the novel than in the film. Gordon, a very minor character in both versions, is also drastically changed. In the novel, Gordon is a small-time criminal who takes Evey into his home after V abandons her on the street. The two share a brief romance before Gordon is killed by a Scottish gang. In the film, however, Gordon is a well-mannered colleague of Evey's, and is later revealed to be gay. He is arrested by Fingermen for broadcasting a political parody on his TV program, and is later executed when a [[Quran]] is found in his possession.<ref name="IGN" />

==Release==
[[File:V for Vendetta film.jpg|thumb|''V for Vendetta'' playing at [[Odeon Luxe Leicester Square|Odeon Leicester Square]], London, March 2006]]
The film adopts extensive imagery from the 1605 [[Gunpowder Plot]], in which a group of Catholic conspirators plotted to destroy the Houses of Parliament in order to spark a revolution in Great Britain.<ref name="vendettasite" /> The film was originally scheduled for release on the weekend of 5 November 2005, the Plot's 400th anniversary, with the tag line "Remember, remember the 5th of November", taken from a traditional British rhyme memorialising the event. However, the marketing angle lost much of its value when the release date was pushed back to 17 March 2006. Many have speculated that the delay was caused by the London tube bombing on the [[7 July 2005 London bombings|7 July]] and the failed [[21 July 2005 London bombings|21 July bombing]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Edelman|first=Scott|title=C is for controversy|url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/column/sfw12459.html/|work=scifi.com|publisher=SCI FI|access-date=1 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101022910/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/column/sfw12459.html/ |archive-date=1 January 2008}}</ref> The filmmakers have denied this, saying that the delays were due to the need for more time to finish the visual effects production.<ref name="Postponed">{{Cite news | work=San Francisco Chronicle | title=Natalie Portman's 'V for Vendetta' Postponed | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?entry_id=452 | access-date=25 April 2006 | first=Karen | last=Reardanz | date=23 August 2005 | archive-date=25 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125142257/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?entry_id=452 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''V for Vendetta'' had its first major premiere on 11 December 2005, at [[Butt-Numb-A-Thon]], followed by a premiere on 13 February 2006 at the [[Berlin Film Festival]].<ref name=numb>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiewire.com/2005/12/b-for-butt-numb-a-thon-223212/|title= B for Butt-Numb-A-Thon|publisher= [[IndieWire]]|author= Matt Dentler|date= 11 December 2005|access-date= 27 November 2016|archive-date= 11 December 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201211045438/https://www.indiewire.com/2005/12/b-for-butt-numb-a-thon-223212/|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="v for vendetta interviews" /> It opened for general release on 17 March 2006 in 3,365 cinemas in the United States, the United Kingdom and six other countries.<ref name="boxofficemojo">{{cite web | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | title=V for Vendetta (2006) | url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=vforvendetta.htm | access-date=2 October 2005 | archive-date=3 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503161244/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=vforvendetta.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Marketing===
====Promotion====
The cast and filmmakers attended several press conferences that allowed them to address issues surrounding the film, including its authenticity, Alan Moore's reaction to it and its intended political message. The film was intended to be a departure from some of Moore's original themes. In the words of Hugo Weaving: "Alan Moore was writing about something which happened some time ago. It was a response to living in [[Thatcherite]] Britain ... This is a response to the world in which we live today. So I think that the film and the graphic novel are two separate entities." Regarding the film's controversial political content, the filmmakers have said that the film is intended more to raise questions and add to a dialogue already present in society, rather than provide answers or tell viewers what to think.<ref name="v for vendetta interviews" />

====Books====
The original graphic novel by Moore and Lloyd was re-released as a hardback collection in October 2005 to tie into the film's original release date of 5 November 2005.<ref>{{ASIN|1401207928|title=V for Vendetta [Hardcover]}} {{ISBN|978-1-4012-0792-2}}</ref> The film renewed interest in Alan Moore's original story, and sales of the original graphic novel rose dramatically in the United States.<ref name="Televisionpoint">{{cite web|url=http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2006/newsfullstory.php?id=1143785410|title=V for Vendetta graphic novel is a US Bestseller|date=31 March 2006|work=televisionpoint.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119122204/http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2006/newsfullstory.php?id=1143785410|archive-date=19 November 2006|access-date=2 April 2006}}</ref>

A novelisation of the film, written by [[Steve Moore (comics)|Steve Moore]] (no relation to Alan Moore) and based on the Wachowskis' script, was published by [[Pocket Star]] on 31 January 2006.<ref>{{ASIN|1416516999|title=V for Vendetta: a Novelization}} {{ISBN|978-1416516996}}</ref> Spencer Lamm, who has worked with the Wachowskis, created a "[[Making-of|behind-the-scenes]]" book. Titled ''V for Vendetta: From Script to Film'', it was published by Universe on 22 August 2006.<ref>{{ASIN|0789315203|title=V for Vendetta: From Script to Film [Hardcover]}} {{ISBN|978-0-7893-1520-5}}</ref>

===Home media===
''V for Vendetta'' was released on DVD in the US on 1 August 2006,<ref>{{cite web|title=V for Vendetta (2006)|url=https://rottentomatoes.com/m/v_for_vendetta/|work=rottentomatoes.com|publisher=Flixster, Inc|access-date=3 July 2010|archive-date=25 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725002002/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/v_for_vendetta/|url-status=live}}</ref> in three formats: a single-disc widescreen version, a single-disc fullscreen version, and a two-disc [[Widescreen|wide-screen]] special edition.<ref name="DVD">{{cite web|title=V for Vendetta (Widescreen Edition)|url=http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/dvd.html/ref=pd_cp_d_0|publisher=warnerbros.com Inc|access-date=17 January 2011|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725001830/https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/v-vendetta|url-status=live}}</ref> The single disc versions contain a short (15:56) behind-the-scenes [[featurette]] titled "Freedom! Forever!<ref name="Widescreen">{{ASIN|B000FS9FCG|title=V for Vendetta (Widescreen Edition) (2006)}}</ref> Making V for Vendetta" and the film's [[theatrical trailer]], whereas the two-disc special edition contains three additional documentaries, and several extra features for collectors. On the second disc of the special edition, a short [[Easter egg (media)|Easter egg]] clip of Natalie Portman on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' can be viewed by selecting the picture of wings on the second page of the menu.

Its [[Blu-ray]] edition was a top seller in the United States in late May 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Top Blu-ray Titles |work=Video Business |volume=28 |issue=22 |page=36 |date=2008-06-02 |language=English |issn=0279-571X |id={{Gale|A179621338}} }}</ref> It was released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray in October 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fallon |first1=Sean |title=V for Vendetta Hits 4K Blu-ray With an Exclusive Gift Set and SteelBook |work=[[ComicBook.com]] |date=2020-09-11 |url=https://comicbook.com/gear/news/v-for-vendetta-4k-blu-ray-exclusive-gift-set-amazon/ |language=en |access-date=2021-10-25 }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
By December 2006, ''V for Vendetta'' had grossed $134,686,457, of which $70,511,035 was from the United States. The film led the U.S. box office on its opening day, taking in an estimated $8,742,504, and remained the number one film for the remainder of the weekend, taking in an estimated $25,642,340. Its closest rival, ''[[Failure to Launch]]'', took in $15,604,892.<ref name="boxofficemojo" /> The film debuted at number one in the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan. ''V for Vendetta'' also opened in 56 [[IMAX]] cinemas in North America, grossing $1.36 million during the opening three days.<ref name="imax">{{cite web|url=http://www.awn.com/news/visual-effects/v-vendetta-posts-strong-imax-opening|title=V for Vendetta Posts Strong IMAX Opening|last=Desowitz|first=Bill|date=21 March 2006|work=vfxworld.com|access-date=22 March 2006|archive-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016185309/http://www.awn.com/news/visual-effects/v-vendetta-posts-strong-imax-opening|url-status=live}}</ref>

DVD sales were successful, selling 1,412,865 DVD units in the first week of release which translated to $27,683,818 in revenue. By the end of 2006, 3,086,073 DVD units had been sold, bringing in slightly more than its production cost with $58,342,597.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2006/VFVND-DVD.php |title=V for Vendetta – DVD Sales |work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=15 January 2011 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725002852/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/V-for-Vendetta#tab=video-sales |url-status=live }}</ref> As of September 2018, the film has grossed over {{US$|62 million|long=no}} from [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] sales in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=V for Vendetta (2006) – Video Sales |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/V-for-Vendetta#tab=video-sales |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=7 September 2018 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725002848/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/V-for-Vendetta#tab=video-sales |url-status=live }}</ref>

The film was also successful in terms of merchandise sales, with hundreds of thousands of [[Guy Fawkes mask]]s from the film having been sold every year since the film's release, as of 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title=Story and Symbol: V for Vendetta and OWS |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/how-fantasy-becomes-reality/201111/story-and-symbol-v-vendetta-and-ows |work=[[Psychology Today]] |date=4 November 2011 |access-date=8 September 2018 |archive-date=22 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822064306/https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/how-fantasy-becomes-reality/201111/story-and-symbol-v-vendetta-and-ows |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Time Warner]] owns the rights to the image and is paid a fee with the sale of each official mask.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/08/29/how-time-warner-profits-from-the-anonymous-hackers/|title=How Time Warner Profits from the 'Anonymous' Hackers|last=Carbone|first=Nick|date=29 August 2011|work=[[Time Magazine]]|access-date=30 August 2011|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224201558/http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/08/29/how-time-warner-profits-from-the-anonymous-hackers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nickbilton">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/technology/masked-anonymous-protesters-aid-time-warners-profits.html|title=Masked Protesters Aid Time Warner's Bottom Line|last=Bilton|first=Nick|date=28 August 2011|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=20 July 2012|archive-date=7 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507000148/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/technology/masked-anonymous-protesters-aid-time-warners-profits.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Critical response===
On [[review aggregator]] [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds a 73% approval rating based on 258 reviews, with an average rating of 6.80/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Visually stunning and thought-provoking, ''V For Vendetta''{{'s}} political pronouncements may rile some, but its story and impressive set pieces will nevertheless entertain."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/v_for_vendetta|title=V for Vendetta (2006)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830153643/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/v_for_vendetta|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100 based on 39 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/v-for-vendetta|title=V for Vendetta (2006)|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=1 June 2019|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713113126/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/v-for-vendetta|url-status=live}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title='SpongeBob' Counts $55.4M Treasure; 'Jupiter' Down, 'Son' Up In Monday B.O. Actuals |url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/spongebob-squarepants-box-office-jupiter-ascending-seventh-son-1201366190/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=3 May 2022 |date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503171633/https://deadline.com/2015/02/spongebob-squarepants-box-office-jupiter-ascending-seventh-son-1201366190/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper|Ebert and Roeper]] gave the film a "two thumbs up" rating. [[Roger Ebert]] stated that ''V for Vendetta'' "almost always has something going on that is actually interesting, inviting us to decode the character and plot and apply the message where we will".<ref name="Ebert" /> [[Margaret Pomeranz]] and [[David Stratton]] from [[At the Movies (Australian TV series)|''At the Movies'']] stated that despite the problem of never seeing Weaving's face, there was good acting and an interesting plot, adding that the film is also disturbing, with scenes reminiscent of Nazi Germany.<ref name="at the movies">{{cite web | work=atthemovies.com | title=V for Vendetta | url=http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1601485.htm | access-date=23 April 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418203437/http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1601485.htm | archive-date=18 April 2010 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Jonathan Ross (television presenter)|Jonathan Ross]] from the BBC blasted the film, calling it a "woeful, depressing failure" and stating that the "cast of notable and familiar talents such as John Hurt and Stephen Rea stand little chance amid the wreckage of the Wachowski siblings' dismal script and its particularly poor dialogue."<ref name="jonathan">{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/03/14/film_2006_v_2006_article.shtml |title=Jonathan on ... V for Vendetta |publisher=BBC News |access-date=23 April 2006 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725004246/https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/03/14/film_2006_v_2006_article.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Sean Burns of ''[[Philadelphia Weekly]]'' gave the film a 'D', criticising the film's treatment of its political message as being "fairly dim, adolescent stuff,"<ref name = "seanburns"/> as well as expressing dislike for the "barely decorated sets with television-standard overlit shadow-free cinematography by the late Adrian Biddle. The film is a visual insult."<ref name = "seanburns"/> On Alan Moore removing his name from the project, Burns says "it's not hard to see why,"<ref name = "seanburns"/> as well as criticising Portman's performance: "Portman still seems to believe that standing around with your mouth hanging open constitutes a performance."<ref name="seanburns">{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/screen/capsules-38412904.html|title=V for Vendetta|last=Burns|first=Sean|date=15 March 2006|work=Philadelphia Weekly|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130526030745/http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/screen/capsules-38412904.html|archive-date=26 May 2013|access-date=28 July 2007}}</ref>

Harry Guerin from the Irish TV network [[RTÉ]] states the film "works as a political thriller, adventure and social commentary and it deserves to be seen by audiences who would otherwise avoid any/all of the three". He added that the film will become "a cult favourite whose reputation will only be enhanced with age."<ref name="rte">{{cite news |last=Guerin |first=Harry |url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2006/0315/vforvendetta.html |title=V for Vendetta |work=rte.ie |access-date=23 April 2006 |date=15 March 2006 |archive-date=20 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620090200/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2006/0315/vforvendetta.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Andy Jacobs for the BBC gave the film two stars out of five, remarking that it is "a bit of a mess ... it rarely thrills or engages as a story."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/03/08/v_for_vendetta_2006_review.shtml|title=BBC Films: V For Vendetta|last=Jacobs|first=Andy|date=17 March 2006|access-date=15 January 2011|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

''V'' was included on ''Fandomania''{{'s}} list of ''The 100 Greatest Fictional Characters''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fandomania.com/100-greatest-fictional-characters-100-96/ |title=The 100 Greatest Fictional Characters |publisher=Fandomania.com |access-date=22 May 2010 |date=21 September 2009 |archive-date=13 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813093837/http://fandomania.com/100-greatest-fictional-characters-100-96/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine named the film the 418th greatest movie of all time in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/500-greatest-movies/|title=Empire's the 500 Greatest Movies of All Time|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|access-date=20 February 2013|archive-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822120854/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/500-greatest-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Accolades===
{{Main|List of accolades received by V for Vendetta (film)}}
''V for Vendetta'' received a few awards, although at the 2007 [[Saturn Awards]] Natalie Portman won the [[Saturn Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/awards/superman-tops-saturns-1117964717/|title='Superman' tops Saturns|author=David S. Cohen|date=10 May 2007|work=Variety|access-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812025406/http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117964717.html?nav=news&categoryid=1983&cs=1|archive-date=12 August 2011}}</ref> The film was nominated for the [[Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434409/awards |title=''V for Vendetta'': Award Wins and Nominations |publisher=[[IMDb]] |year=2006 |access-date=22 May 2010 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725004356/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434409/awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Political response===
''V for Vendetta'' deals with issues of [[totalitarianism]], [[homosexuality]], [[Islamophobia]] and [[terrorism]]. Its controversial story line and themes have been the target of both criticism and praise from [[sociopolitical]] groups.

On 17 April 2006, the New York Metro Alliance of Anarchists organised a protest against [[DC Comics]] and [[Time Warner]], accusing it of watering down the story's original message in favour of violence and special effects.<ref name="Columbia">{{Cite news|last= Launder |first= William |url= http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2006-05-02/launder-anarchistfight |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080313183358/http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2006-05-02/launder-anarchistfight |archive-date=13 March 2008 |title= "V" stands for very bad anarchist movie|publisher=Columbia News Service |date=2 May 2006 |access-date=5 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last= Inducer |first= Smile |url= http://nymaa.org/node/243 |title= V for Vendetta? A for Anarchy! | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314222138/http://nymaa.org/node/243|archive-date=14 March 2007|publisher=NYMAA |date=28 September 2006 |access-date=5 January 2007}}</ref> [[David Graeber]], an anarchist scholar and former professor at [[Yale University]], was not upset by the film. "I thought the message of anarchy got out in spite of Hollywood." However, Graeber went on to state: "Anarchy is about creating communities and democratic decision making. That's what is absent from Hollywood's interpretation."<ref name="Columbia"/>

Film critic [[Richard Roeper]] dismissed Christian criticism of the film on the television show ''Ebert and Roeper'', saying that V's "terrorist" label is applied in the film "by someone who's essentially Hitler, a dictator."<ref name="ROTTEN &">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=303317|title=Rotten Tomatoes: Ebert & Roeper: "V for Vendetta" Dark, Thoughtful, And That's Good|date=13 March 2006|website=Rotten Tomatoes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622110459/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=303317|archive-date=22 June 2008|access-date=13 May 2007}}</ref>

[[LGBT]] commentators have praised the film for its positive depiction of gay people. [[Sarah Warn]] of ''[[AfterEllen]]'' called the film "one of the most pro-gay ever". Warn went on to praise the central role of the character Valerie "not just because it is beautifully acted and well written, but because it is so utterly unexpected [in a Hollywood film]."<ref name="afterellen">{{cite web|last1=Warn |first1=Sarah |website=[[AfterEllen]] |title=V for Vendetta: A Brave, Bold Film for Gays and Lesbians |url=http://www.afterellen.com/Movies/2006/3/vendetta.html |date=20 March 2006 |access-date=6 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821205452/http://www.afterellen.com/movies/2006/3/vendetta.html |archive-date=21 August 2010}}</ref>

[[David Walsh (film critic)|David Walsh]] of the [[World Socialist Web Site]] criticised V's actions as "antidemocratic," calling the film an example of "the bankruptcy of [[Propaganda of the deed|anarcho-terrorist]] ideology;" Walsh writes that because the people have not played any part in the revolution, they will be unable to produce a "new, liberated society."<ref name="socialist criticism">{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=David |url=http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/vend-m27.shtml |title=Confused, not thought through: V for Vendetta |publisher=World Socialist Website |date=27 March 2006 |access-date=4 January 2007 |archive-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520075756/http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2006/03/vend-m27.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The film was broadcast on China's national TV station, [[China Central Television]] (CCTV) on 16 December 2012 completely uncensored,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patranobis |first=Sutirtho |url=https://news.yahoo.com/china-shocked-v-vendetta-aired-national-tv-183000484.html |title=China shocked after 'v for vendetta' aired on national tv |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=16 December 2012 |access-date=16 December 2012 |archive-date=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112043111/http://news.yahoo.com/china-shocked-v-vendetta-aired-national-tv-183000484.html |url-status=live }}</ref> surprising many viewers. While many believed that the government had banned the film, the [[State Administration of Radio, Film and Television]] stated that it was not aware of a ban; CCTV makes its own decisions on whether to censor foreign films. Liu Shanying, a political scientist at the [[Chinese Academy of Social Sciences]] who used to work for CCTV, speculated that the showing indicated that [[Censorship in China|Chinese film censorship]] is getting loosened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/20/v-for-vendetta-china-tv_n_2335144.html|title='V For Vendetta' Airs In China, Stunning TV Viewers|last=Watt|first=Louise|date=20 December 2012|work=[[Huffington Post]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212514/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/20/v-for-vendetta-china-tv_n_2335144.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|access-date=20 December 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of fictional prime ministers of the United Kingdom]]
* [[List of films featuring surveillance]]
* [[List of films that depict class struggle]]
* [[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]]
* ''[[Mr. Robot]]''
* [[Propaganda of the deed]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite web|last1=Amazon |first1=Nancy |title=v for vendetta |url=https://www.kissingfingertips.com/home/2017/3/21/v-for-vendetta |website=Kissing Fingertips |date=21 March 2017}}
* {{cite web|last1=Asher-Perrin |first1=Emmet |title=Apologize to No One — V for Vendetta is More Important Today Than it Ever Was |url=https://www.tor.com/2016/06/14/apologize-to-no-one-v-for-vendetta-is-more-important-today-than-it-ever-was/ |website=[[Tor.com]] |date=14 June 2016}}
* {{cite web |last1=Clough |first1=Rob |title=The Untold Truth of V for Vendetta |url=https://www.looper.com/633531/the-untold-truth-of-v-for-vendetta/ |website=[[Looper (website)|Looper]] |date=14 October 2021}}
* {{cite web|last1=Crow |first1=David |title=The Creeping Reality of V for Vendetta |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/books/v-for-vendetta-future/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=5 November 2019}}
* {{cite web|last1=Patel |first1=Varun |title=V for Vendetta Ending, Explained |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/v-for-vendetta-ending-explained/ |website=The Cinemaholic |date=30 May 2020}}
* {{cite web|last1=Riedel |first1=Samantha |title=How V for Vendetta Predicted America's Descent Into Fascism |url=https://www.them.us/story/v-for-vendetta-fascism-america |website=[[Them (website)|Them]] |date=9 November 2018}}
* {{cite web|last1=Rudoy |first1=Matthew |title=V For Vendetta: 10 Most Memorable Quotes |url=https://www.cbr.com/v-for-vendetta-best-quotes/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=4 July 2020}}
* {{cite web|last1=Barry |first1=Barry |title=V For Vendetta: Movie vs Graphic Novel |url=https://www.thisisbarry.com/film/v-for-vendetta-2006-movie-vs-graphic-novel-explained/ |website=This Is Barry  |date=20 June 2020}}
* {{cite magazine|last1=Wickman |first1=Forrest |title=Is the Guy Fawkes Mask a Metaphor for the Closet? |url=https://slate.com/culture/2011/12/the-guy-fawkes-mask-in-v-for-vendetta-a-metaphor-for-the-closet.html |magazine=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |date=9 December 2011}}
* {{cite book|editor1-last=Billias |editor1-first=Nancy  |title=Promoting and Producing Evil |date=2011 |chapter=Sympathy for the Devil: The Hero is a Terrorist in V for Vendetta (Margarita Carretero-González) |pages=199–210 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers#Rodopi|Rodopi]] |doi=10.1163/9789042029408_012 |url=https://doi.org/10.1163/9789042029408_012 |isbn=978-9042029392 }}
* {{cite book|editor1-last=Evans |editor1-first=Jonathan C. |editor2-last=Giddens |editor2-first=Thomas |title=Cultural Excavation and Formal Expression in the Graphic Novel |date=2013 |chapter=V for Valerie: Lesbianism in V for Vendetta (Derek Frasure) |pages=161–172 |publisher=Inter-Disciplinary Press |doi=10.1163/9781848881990_017 |url=https://doi.org/10.1163/9781848881990_017 |isbn=978-1848881990 }}
* {{Cite book|editor-last1=Foy |editor-first1=Joseph J. |title=Homer Simpson Goes to Washington: American Politics through Popular Culture |year=2008 |chapter=R for Revolution: Hobbes and Locke on Social Contracts and Scarlet Carsons (Dean A. Kowalski) |pages=19–40 |publisher=[[University Press of Kentucky]] |isbn=978-0813125121}}
* {{Cite book|editor1-last=Lamm |editor1-first=Spencer |title=V for Vendetta: from Script to Film |date=2006 |publisher=[[Universe Publishing]] |url=https://archive.org/details/vforvendettafrom0000wach |url-access=registration |isbn=978-0789315205}}

==External links==
<!-- These links should be about the film. Please do not add links concerning the graphic novel here. -->
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://www.warnerbros.com/v-vendetta ''V for Vendetta'' – Official website] at Warner Bros.
* {{IMDb title|0434409|V for Vendetta}}
* {{AllMovie title|319427|V for Vendetta}}
* {{TCMDb title|624668|V for Vendetta}}
* {{AFI film|64094|V for Vendetta}}
* {{mojo title|vforvendetta|V for Vendetta}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|v_for_vendetta|V for Vendetta}}
* {{Metacritic film|title=V for Vendetta}}
* {{imsdb|id=V-for-Vendetta.html|title=V for Vendetta}}
{{V for Vendetta}}
{{DC Comics films}}
{{James McTeigue}}
{{The Wachowskis}}
{{Portal bar|2000s|Film|London|Speculative fiction}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:V for Vendetta|Film]]
[[Category:2005 films]]
[[Category:2005 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2005 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2000s political thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s superhero films]]
[[Category:American LGBTQ-related films]]
[[Category:American science fiction action films]]
[[Category:Anarchist fiction]]
[[Category:British LGBTQ-related films]]
[[Category:British nonlinear narrative films]]
[[Category:German nonlinear narrative films]]
[[Category:English-language German films]]
[[Category:Fiction about government]]
[[Category:Lesbian-related films]]
[[Category:Live-action films based on comics]]
[[Category:Films about anti-fascism]]
[[Category:Films about fascism]]
[[Category:Films about totalitarianism]]
[[Category:Films about freedom of expression]]
[[Category:Films set in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 2020s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 2030s]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Films shot in Berlin]]
[[Category:Films shot in London]]
[[Category:Films based on Vertigo Comics titles]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Alan Moore]]
[[Category:Films directed by James McTeigue]]
[[Category:Films critical of religion]]
[[Category:Films produced by Grant Hill (producer)]]
[[Category:Films produced by Joel Silver]]
[[Category:Films produced by The Wachowskis]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by The Wachowskis]]
[[Category:Films scored by Dario Marianelli]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Metropolitan Police officers]]
[[Category:Films shot at Pinewood Studios]]
[[Category:IMAX films]]
[[Category:Silver Pictures films]]
[[Category:Babelsberg Studio films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:2000s British films]]
[[Category:2000s German films]]
[[Category:Catholic Church in popular culture]]
[[Category:British dystopian films]]
[[Category:Dystopian films]]
[[Category:2005 LGBTQ-related films]]
[[Category:English-language action thriller films]]
[[Category:Saturn Award–winning films]]