V for Vendetta: Comparing the end scenes

Scene from V for Vendetta	issues of adaptation	ideology	genre	social history	semiotics
Ending of the film (2005)	The scene feels more pro-democracy and pro-America largely due to being written and produced by Americans post-9/11. In the end the viewer gets a distinct sense of “ Murica! Freedom! Yeah! Beat the bad guys!" It feels like a patriotic reminder that we're a nation "by the people and for the people" and puts an emphasis on individual rights to stand up against oppression.	The people (all dressed as V) march unarmed in solidarity and protest as the house of parliament blows up. This seems to be more of a call to reform rather than  a decision to demolish the oppressive government through the violent action of the people. It is likely that the filmmakers were afraid to show V without public support in a post 9/11 film because he would have likely been seen as a terrorist. To show him with public support, even when fighting the government, makes him a hero and avoids comparison to those who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks.	In modern dystopian fiction the morally right hero usually becomes the symbol (like in the hunger games and divergent) and leads a revolution. The film’s ending is more like that of modern dystopian fiction in it’s hopeful “we shall overcome together” message, in which V is a figurehead, and a martyr for the revolution.	This is reminiscent of a peaceful demonstration, one that one might see in a democratically run country. The “Yay freedom!” vibe also stems from the post 9/11 patriotism and nationalism boom. This ending is optimistic and seems to sing the praises of activists, peacefully standing up to a police state reminiscent of the civil rights movement. It is clear that the protestors are on the side of good and that they have won without violence or even saying a word.	The mass of people looks like a peaceful protest. This is pretty obviously a good thing with swelling music and troops dropping their weapons in refusal to kill their fellow citizens. There is a clear sense of good prevailing over evil in a non-violent way. It is worth noting that after the film the Guy Fawkes mask (which V wears, and later the average citizens wear) is adopted by protestors in the occupy wall street protests and the hacktivist group Anonymous.
Ending of the comic (1988)	The scene in the comic is more a parable about chaotic and free anarchy vs. stable and oppressive fascism. In the comic the victory is bittersweet and ambiguous as we are left to wonder if things will repeat themselves or if people can be trusted to self-rule responsibly.	A choice is presented by Evey (who is now dressed as V). The people are given a choice between “lives of our own or a return to chains”. This is a choice between chaotic but free anarchy and safe but crushing fascism. The choice is more difficult to make, but the people choose the former, charging forth in violent revolution and being shot at by military police.	In older dystopian novels, (like Orwell’s 1984 or Huxley’s Brave New World) the hero is killed, commits suicide is tortured or some combination of the 3 and the future is either uncertain or unaffected. The comic’s ending is more classically dystopian in which the outcome is either ambiguous or negative. Evey becomes V and therefore represents the side of anarchy after his death, but it is uncertain whether this change is good. The only thing that is certain is that there will be a change.	This is reminiscent of bloody revolutions like the Bolshevik revolution, French revolution, or the American revolution. This is hopeful, bloody, and desperate but the outcome is uncertain. Do they fail? Do the succeed? Do they turn to democracy/ fascism/communism/or some other form of government? We don't know.	The people charge forth in chaotic and violent revolution, throwing what look to  be either bricks or Molotov cocktails at armed and ready military police, who fire into the crowd. This could be seen as good (people gaining freedom) or as bad (people causing chaos or police killing rioters). It isn’t exactly clear since both ideologies are shown to have bad elements. Is anarchy better than totalitarianism? It is up to the crowd (and the reader) to decide