The movie V for Vendetta was adapted from the graphic novel series written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. The movie adaptation was written by the Warchowski brothers, who were also responsible for The Matrix trilogy.

Andy and Larry Warchowski reworked and closed several loops in the plot, that the graphic novel left as loose ends and extra coincidences. I think the movie has a much tighter storyline, and is more satisfying than the novel. Alan Moore doesn't agree though, and requested that his name be removed from the credits of the movie.

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When you complete the first draft of your story, look at it again as a piece to be adapted into a movie. Do you have unnecessary characters? What plot strands could be removed without affecting the story? Which elements can be linked to each other in order to provide a twist or satisfying wrap up? Don't forget to leave some loose ends for a bit of realism - which loops are too neat and need to be undone?

If your characters were to be played by actors, would their words and body language reveal enough about them? Or have you relied extensively on narration to explain their behaviour and purpose?

By taking these elements into account yourself, you stand a much greater chance of producing a story that could one day be turned into a movie.

Returning decisive actions to the main protagonists

The novel splits some key plot points up between more minor characters. For example, in the book it is a minor character who assassinates the Chancellor at the end. In a longer series, there is enough time for readers to get to know a minor character who will play a major role, but in a two hour movie, or even a stand-alone novel, it is more satisfying that V is the one who ends the reign of the Chancellor as he started out to do.

Linking characters and plot points

In the book, Gordon Dietrich is a petty criminal Evey meets and begins a relationship with. His death has little meaning other than to facilitate Evey's capture.

In the movie, the Warchowski brothers linked Gordon to Evey early on - he is her superior at the TV station where she works. She was on her way to see him when she first met V, and it is Gordon she goes to when she escapes from V.

They also link Gordon to V, hinting that they had known each other very personally by the identical way they make breakfast and treat Evey, and by their hidden collections of censored and banned items.

The Gordon/V innuendo parallels the story of Valerie and Ruth and explains V's vendetta on behalf of Valerie.

The movie also links V and Evey by presenting them as two halves of a whole - Evey is the yin to V's yang. The movie reveals this element by having Evey mirror V's pose when he rises as a monster from the fire, except that Evey is drenched in rain.
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Lens content copyright © Elsa Neal, 2006-2008. All rights reserved.
V for Vendetta movie promotional images copyright © Silver Pictures, distributed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
V for Vendetta graphic novel cover art by David Lloyd, published by Quality Comics (UK), Vertigo/DC Comics (USA)