McTeigue Says Film Not Anti-Bush/Blair, But 'Cautionary Tale'

In today's ultra-tense political landscape, there's no question that the thought-provoking action-thriller "V For Vendetta" is going to press a blazing red-hot button: especially with conservatives, who, without seeing the movie, may get the feeling that a great big V is being painted on their foreheads.

But director James McTeigue asks that people not to go into the film with such pre-conceived notions. With an open mind, he hopes that moviegoers will come to realize that "V For Vendetta" is not an anti-British or anti-American film, but an anti-fascist and anti-corrupt government film.

"V" is a story, effectively that could be set in any country. He said that the film isn't about pitting liberals versus conservatives, but restoring power back to the people.

"A lot of the questions I get are geared at this being Bush's America or Blair's Britain -- and I don't agree with that," McTeigue told me in an @ The Movies interview Thursday. "I think it's an allegorical tale, a cautionary tale. It's about what happens when governments go left unchecked and hopefully, about people trying to have a voice in the government again and trying to regain control."

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/entertainment/8080609/detail.html

That much appears certain.

I do agree that it is a criticism of authoritarianism in general and of the use of fear as a means towards an end. The best propagandists can make people so afraid that they'd vote for Hitler because he would bring them security.

they have to take a stand defending fascism.

Could Robin Hood be made today? He was a terrorist who organized a revolt against the government; the government was illegitimate and was lining its own pockets at the expense of the people; the church wholly supported the oppressive regime, with the exception of a few maveriks like Friar Tuck; the artistic community, in Alan-a-Dale, supported the rebellion.

I would love to see Hannity denouncing Errol Flynn as a tool of the terrorists.

This admin believes in and practices fascism.

The fact that we live in a dystopia is what should be bothering people.

... as an allegory for Bush/Blair! The storyline makes it clear that the events take place many decades in the future. If they think it's supposed to be parallel, they should explain what the similarities are!