'Watchmen' Must be Hurting as Screenwriter Begs You to Go See It… Again
David Hayter is calling 'true comic book fans' out
Hardcore Nerdity has posted an open letter from Watchmen co-screenwriter David Hayter asking for fanboys and fangirls, those he calls "true believers" who are dedicated for life to "go see [Watchmen] again next weekend." The gist of the letter can be found in this paragraph:
You have to understand, everyone is watching to see how the film will do in its second week. If you care about movies that have a brain, or balls, (and this film's got both, literally), or true adaptations — And if you're thinking of seeing it again anyway, please go back this weekend, Friday or Saturday night. Demonstrate the power of the fans, because it'll help let the people who pay for these movies know what we'd like to see. Because if it drops off the radar after the first weekend, they will never allow a film like this to be made again.
While I can respect the passion Hayter, and the rabid comic fanbase, has for films such as Watchmen I can't look at this as a good sign for the film.
Of course, I was looking forward to Watchmen, but I am obviously not the core group Hayter is targeting with his letter so I guess I can feel free of responsibility. He says he is addressing "true comic book fans," the people complaining "not enough movies take the source material seriously." "Too many movies puss out," or "They change great stories, just to be commercial." To that Hayter says, "Well, I f***ing dare you to say any one of those things about this movie."
So what do you say true comic book fans? You up for logging off the message board and plunking down another $10-12 to give the film a second, third or perhaps fourth run through?
I'll tell you what I am going to do after watching the animated Tales of the Black Freighter on Blu-ray a couple of times. I am going to wait for the definitive director's cut that splices Tales of the Black Freighter into the story and adds additional footage not shown in the theaters. My primary problem with Watchmen was it lost the layering that made the graphic novel mildly interesting to me, but I hold out hope Zack Snyder's dedication to the source material will render itself completely with the extended version. That, of course, only takes care of the story aspect. I still have the awful soundtrack and terrible and unnecessary sex scene to contend with, but those things can no longer be helped.
It's funny, I keep thinking of Kingdom of Heaven when it comes to this film. I gave the theatrical release of Kingdom a "C" when I reviewed it (I gave Watchmen a "C-"), but have since fallen in love with Ridley Scott's director's cut, which adds so much more to the story including a whole new character. Could Watchmen do the same? Honestly, I don't really think so, but I hold out hope with a little bit of optimism.
You can read the complete open letter here.
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This does seem a bit desperate and it's 'nice' of him telling us what we the public should like. He's allready putting the blame on the fans just in case the movie fails.
"Demonstrate the power of the fans, because it’ll help let the people who pay for these movies know what we’d like to see."
Yes mr. Hayter, but if it fails than it will show YOU this is NOT what the fans want to see and you and you're colleagues screwed up.
You can claim this is a great movie but we'll make up our own minds.
What you need to do is await the results and accept them, good or bad. Then you'll know what the fans want.
Well I am not one of those fans, but I gotta say I wont mind going to see the movie again. But I cant spare the money in these times. So I politely decline and wait for the extended blu ray reviews to see if I'll buy the movie or not.
Wow, this site really has it in for the watchmen. First its the "Watchmen only did 55.7 million" when it actually did over 80 mil. Now its "Watchmen must be hurting". How about, the guy knows that what they did with the movie is astonishing and out right amazing. How about everyone should go see the movie because as far as details, story, production value, acting, and yes i separate this, Rorschach, the movie is a titan when compared to what we've been fed. This by far has more production value than Iron Man or the Dark knight and believe me when i say I LOVE THOSE MOVIES! He's not telling you what you should do, He's explaining why you should care for those of you too stupid to get it. We may think that these hollywood types dont have alot on the line, but when it comes down to it, Zach Snyder fought for every ounce of money he could get to give this to the fans, and put his own title on the line because if this BOMBS, The guy you're making fun of will be right. THe big wigs who DO make all the money, wont let quality films like this be made. Get off your high horses and at least wait two weeks for a backlash to start. Or dont, and just be a fucking idiot like Alan Moore, a man who wont even go see what was done because it could never be greater than what he did, but still talk shit about it with no validity in his words at all. The ending in the movie is better than in the book, in my opinion. But its not about which is better. Its about what both mediums have to offer. This movie has Too much to offer, and im sure it will be fine money wise, but never appreciated.
I thought hollywood learned with Snakes on a Plane that; if you cater to the hardcore nerds out there, your movie will flop at the box office because that core group would rather download it for free of the net, as opposed to go pay money for it. I'm waiting to rent the movie. I've got blue ray at home. Why spend more money at the movies to watch a movie in an inferior quality, when I can watch it in the comfort of my own home?
stop whining you little tit
The movie was ok. It wasn't great, but it also is not the bomb that some people are claiming it to be. I saw the film with a couple of friends who were uninitiated with the graphic novel, and it comes as no surprise to me that they didn't like it. Based on their feedback afterwards, I came to the conclusion that they came in expecting something akin to Batman Begins, Spiderman, and IronMan, wherein: Tragedy befalls Hero + Hero questions his existence/purpose + Hero undergoes training + Evil villain introduced + Hero and Villain battle + Hero wins + Hero finds his calling + End Credits (along with sequel set up).
Thank god I live in Oxford, Mississippi – population: 10,000. They just opened up a DLP theater, with 11 screens + matinee tickets are only $5.00
I was a fan of the book, however not a rabid one. I loved the movie. It wasn't a masterpiece, but it was one of the most fascinating cinematic experiences I've ever had. I gave it a solid 3 1/2 stars out of 4 and I've been back to the theater, and yes, I will be back in about two weeks for a third viewing (after I've had a chance to watch "Black Freighter & Under the Hood").
@Brad: strangely enough, I actually enjoyed the theatrical version of Kingdom of Heaven. While it is not without its flaws (the romance just doesn't feel right), I thought it was an amazing visual experience + I was really hooked on the clash of values between the Western Crusaders & their Muslim counterparts (especially considering the situation since 9/11).
Brad to Quake: Have you seen the director's cut? If you liked the theatrical I bet you will really like the director's cut, it is much better.
I'm seeing it second weekend. I also saw it on Monday night (and opening night).
I've already seen it four times and I think I will be seeing it again (plus getting the DVDs). Wlell done Zac, David and the rest.
This headline's too harsh. Perhaps another blog site will post a story called "Rope of Silicon must be Hurting as Brad Brevit sticks the knife into Watchmen"