V for Vendetta Inquiry Flashcards
RESEARCH QUESTION:
How might the portrayal of authoritarianism and resistance in ‘V for Vendetta’ reflect real-world historical and contemporary political contexts?
What film did you choose to create your visual representation for, and why?
V for Vendetta
Watched it in law class last year and thought it accurately represented themes of authoritarianism & resistance
Features an authoritarian group called Norsefire that has taken over and inspires the main character V to resist
I also thought it was relevant to our society today…
There is an outbreak of what is called “the Saint Mary’s Virus,” kills 80 thousand people in the UK
This is what allows the Norsefire regime to seize control of the country
Parallels to COVID-19
A heinous people killing of a young girl is the final catalyst for the citizens of London to put on Guy Fawkes masks and dawn the parliament
George Floyd & the Black Lives Matter Movement parallel
2 Examples of real-world contexts reflected
What topic did you choose to research and how does it connect to the themes of your film?
I chose to research authoritarianism & resistance
This symbol in the middle represents the film V for Vendetta
This is the Anti-Authoritarianism symbol, and this is the Guy Fawkes Mask used in the film to symbolize resistance
The rest of the symbols are examples of fascist and authoritarian movements in historical and political contexts
Authoritarianism and Resistance connect to the themes of my film because…
Authoritarianism:
V for Vendetta is set in a dystopian future where Britain is under the control of a totalitarian regime. The Norsefire party, led by Chancellor Adam Sutler, rules with an iron fist, suppressing freedoms, censoring the media, and using fear to maintain control. This portrayal of an authoritarian government serves as a central theme of the movie.
The film explores the mechanisms of authoritarian control, including propaganda, surveillance, and the use of force to silence dissent. It provides a stark depiction of how such regimes operate and the impact they have on individual freedoms and society as a whole.
Resistance:
The protagonist, V, embodies resistance against this oppressive regime. His actions, from blowing up government buildings to spreading messages of rebellion, symbolize the fight against tyranny and the quest for freedom.
Evey Hammond’s transformation throughout the movie also highlights the theme of resistance. Initially fearful and compliant, she evolves into a courageous individual who joins V in his fight against authoritarianism.
The film delves into the necessity of resistance in the face of oppression, questioning the moral and ethical implications of using violence to achieve freedom while under the threat of violence from an oppressive regime.
How does your visual representation connect to the social issues presented in the film?
The biggest social issue that we see in the film is authoritarianism and the violent effects it has on society, including suppressing freedoms, censoring the media, and using fear to maintain control - with the police even killing an innocent girl.
My visual representation connects with this social issue of authoritarianism because it includes 2 symbols of resistance against authoritarianism (the anti-authoritarianism symbol & the Guy Fawkes mask which is used in the film)
But it also provides 5 examples of authoritarian movements in history…
- The British Union of Fascists - Led by Oswald Mosely and supported by Nazi Germany they promoted extensive Anti-semitism, authoritarianism, and anti-communism, using propaganda to deliver these messages. They even caused the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, where a planned BUF march through a largely Jewish area of London was met with massive opposition and resulted in significant street fighting. They were disbanded after Germany’s loss in WW2 due to their anti-Semitic beliefs.
- The National Front - After WW2, in 1967, the British Union of Fascists rebranded to become the National Front. They were a far-right political party in the UK known for extreme nationalist and racist views. They opposed immigration and multiculturalism, promoting white supremacy and often inciting racial violence. They also held violent marches and rallies, leading to frequent clashes with anti-racist groups. However, they never achieved significant political power (despite support from local elections in the 1970s) because of substantial opposition from anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian organizations such as the Worker’s Liberty organization.
- The UK Independence Party (UKIP) - Founded in 1993, UKIP gained prominence in the 2010s by advocating for stricter immigration controls. According to a study by Roland Kappe from University College London, support for UKIP is strongly influenced by authoritarian values. The study highlights how these values contribute to negative attitudes toward minorities. This provides a psychological framework to understand the motivations behind authoritarian regimes, paralleling the societal conditions depicted in V for Vendetta.
- The USSR - Under the rule of the Communist Party, the Soviet Union became a totalitarian state in 1922, especially under leaders like Joseph Stalin. The regime used widespread surveillance, censorship, propaganda, and brutal repression to maintain control. Political purges forced labour camps, and mass executions were tools used to eliminate dissent and consolidate power. The regime caused the deaths of millions through the famine and labour camps, illustrating the extreme consequences of authoritarianism.
- Nazi Germany - Led by Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945, Nazi Germany was one of the most notorious authoritarian regimes in history. The Nazis employed propaganda, censorship, and state-controlled terror to enforce their ideology. They implemented policies of racial purity, leading to the Holocaust, where six million Jews and millions of other minorities, political dissidents, and disabled individuals were systematically murdered. The regime’s aggressive expansionism sparked World War II, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life.
What have you learned about film and how it represents or reflects society?
I think this connects back to our horror movie unit - but I have learned that film is really used to reflect the fears of our society.
With Get Out we saw the fears of racism reflected in film and with Parasite we saw the fears of income inequality expressed.
So V for Vendetta is really about the fear of authoritarianism and these groups that suppress the opinions of our society.
One of the things V for Vendetta did was popularize the Guy Fawkes mask, Anonymous, a decentralized international activist and hacktivist collective, adopted the Guy Fawkes mask as a symbol of resistance against corruption, censorship, and government overreach.
The mask, now a global icon for protest and civil disobedience, signifies a shared identity among those who oppose authoritarian regimes and fight for freedom of speech and information.
In studying V for Vendetta I have also learned how symbols are reflected within films to display powerful messages like this one opposing authoritarianism.
What is the main theme or message of your visual representation in relation to the film and your research?
The main theme or message of my visual representation in relation to V for Vendetta and my research is really Resistance Against Authoritarianism.
We see this in my visual representation through 5 examples of historically authoritarian movements but we really see it in these two symbols here…
- Anti-Authoritarianism Symbol - These 3 Downward Left Arrows Inside a Circle are associated with anti-fascist anarchists with the arrows representing unity, activity, and discipline. It was originally designed to cover over swastikas. So historically it has always represented resistance against authoritarian regimes, the first one being Nazi Germany. This parallels the film’s resistance against the Authoritarian regime Norsefire.
- Guy Fawkes Mask - The Guy Fawkes mask is used in the film, as the protagonist V uses the mask to conceal his identity while fighting against the oppressive government. The mask represents rebellion, anonymity, and the power of the individual against tyranny. It originates from Guy Fawkes, a British soldier, who was a prominent participant in the Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to blow up the Palace at Westminster during the state opening of Parliament in 1605. Fawkes sought revenge for the increasing oppression of Roman Catholics in England and planted barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the palace. However, he was arrested before the plot could be carried out, and how was subsequently tortured, revealed his accomplices, and was executed in January 1606. Nevertheless, the mask remained an iconic symbol against authoritarianism and has been used by groups like Anonymous.
Can you explain the significance of the symbols or elements you included?
Yes, I can, there are 7 symbols that either reflect resistance, connect directly to the film, or are examples of authoritarianism…
I researched - how might the portrayal of authoritarianism and resistance in ‘V for Vendetta reflect real-world historical and contemporary political contexts.
- Anti-Authoritarianism Symbol - These 3 Downward Left Arrows Inside a Circle are associated with anti-fascist anarchists with the arrows representing unity, activity, and discipline. It was originally designed to cover over swastikas. So historically it has always represented resistance against authoritarian regimes, the first one being Nazi Germany. This parallels the film’s resistance against the Authoritarian regime Norsefire and provides a real-life symbol of resistance.
- Guy Fawkes Mask - The Guy Fawkes mask is used in the film, as the protagonist V uses the mask to conceal his identity while fighting against the oppressive government. The mask represents rebellion, anonymity, and the power of the individual against tyranny. It originates from Guy Fawkes, a British soldier, who was a prominent participant in the Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to blow up the Palace at Westminster during the state opening of Parliament in 1605. Fawkes sought revenge for the increasing oppression of Roman Catholics in England and planted barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the palace. However, he was arrested before the plot could be carried out, and was subsequently tortured, revealed his accomplices, and was executed in January 1606. Nevertheless, the mask remained an iconic symbol against authoritarianism and has been used by groups like Anonymous to symbolize resistance in real life and in history.
- The British Union of Fascists - Led by Oswald Mosely and supported by Nazi Germany they promoted extensive Anti-semitism, authoritarianism, and anti-communism, using propaganda to deliver these messages. They even caused the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, where a planned BUF march through a largely Jewish area of London was met with massive opposition and resulted in significant street fighting. They were disbanded after Germany’s loss in WW2 due to their anti-Semitic beliefs but remain an example of authoritarianism in history.
- The National Front - After WW2, in 1967, the British Union of Fascists rebranded to become the National Front. They were a far-right political party in the UK known for extreme nationalist and racist views. They opposed immigration and multiculturalism, promoting white supremacy and often inciting racial violence. They also held violent marches and rallies, leading to frequent clashes with anti-racist groups. However, they never achieved significant political power (despite support from local elections in the 1970s) because of substantial opposition from anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian organizations such as the Worker’s Liberty organization. This demonstrates historical authoritarianism but also resistance with the opposition from anti-authoritarian groups.
- V for Vendetta Symbol - V’s name is derived from the Roman numeral for five, representing the room number where he stayed when he was imprisoned in a resettlement camp and subjected to medical experiments. The character adopts the V because it represents the reason for his vendetta against the government that subjugated him. The symbol itself is simple: a circle with two diagonal slashes through it, forming the letter “V.” The significance of the “V” is very clear: it represents an act of vandalism against the signs and buildings that Norsefire deems important, and thus an affront to the authority of Norsefire itself - because of how it is spraypainted on public property. The drips here may symbolize the spray paint but also blood, telling Norsefire that they have blood on their hands. Also, we see V here, wearing the Guy Fawkes mask and hat, a testament to the historical figure I already mentioned.
- The UK Independence Party (UKIP) - Founded in 1993, UKIP gained prominence in the 2010s by advocating for stricter immigration controls. According to a study by Roland Kappe from University College London, support for UKIP is strongly influenced by authoritarian values. The study highlights how these values contribute to negative attitudes toward minorities. This provides a psychological framework to understand the motivations behind authoritarian regimes, paralleling the societal conditions depicted in V for Vendetta.
- The USSR - Under the rule of the Communist Party, the Soviet Union became a totalitarian state in 1922, especially under leaders like Joseph Stalin. The regime used widespread surveillance, censorship, propaganda, and brutal repression to maintain control. Political purges forced labour camps, and mass executions were tools used to eliminate dissent and consolidate power. The regime caused the deaths of millions through the famine and labour camps, illustrating the extreme consequences of authoritarianism and acting as a prime example of authoritarianism in history.
- Nazi Germany - Led by Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945, Nazi Germany was one of the most notorious authoritarian regimes in history. The Nazis employed propaganda, censorship, and state-controlled terror to enforce their ideology. They implemented policies of racial purity, leading to the Holocaust, where six million Jews and millions of other minorities, political dissidents, and disabled individuals were systematically murdered. The regime’s aggressive expansionism sparked World War II, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life. This was a very prominent example of authoritarianism in a historical context.
How does the film you chose, research and visual representation resonate with you personally?
The themes of V for Vendetta resonate deeply with me due to my family’s history. My grandparents lived in Greece during the Greek military junta’s rule from 1967 to 1974. This authoritarian regime severely oppressed the population through censorship and political persecution. The fear and lack of freedom they experienced motivated them to immigrate to Canada for a better life.
V for Vendetta vividly portrays the struggle against an oppressive regime, echoing my grandparents’ experiences. The Guy Fawkes mask, a symbol of resistance, reminds me of their courage. My visual representation, featuring symbols like the Anti-Authoritarianism symbol and historical examples of authoritarian movements, connects these personal stories to broader societal issues.
In essence, V for Vendetta, my research, and my visual representation highlight the dangers of authoritarianism and celebrate the enduring human spirit of resistance—a spirit that motivated my grandparents and continues to inspire me today.
Does your visual representation challenge or reinforce stereotypes or norms?
I think it challenges norms with the anti-authoritarian symbol and the Guy Fawkes mask…
- Anti-Authoritarianism Symbol - These 3 Downward Left Arrows Inside a Circle are associated with anti-fascist anarchists with the arrows representing unity, activity, and discipline. It was originally designed to cover over swastikas. So historically it has always represented resistance against authoritarian regimes, the first one being Nazi Germany. This parallels the film’s resistance against the Authoritarian regime Norsefire and provides a real-life symbol of resistance.
- Guy Fawkes Mask - The Guy Fawkes mask is used in the film, as the protagonist V uses the mask to conceal his identity while fighting against the oppressive government. The mask represents rebellion, anonymity, and the power of the individual against tyranny. It originates from Guy Fawkes, a British soldier, who was a prominent participant in the Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to blow up the Palace at Westminster during the state opening of Parliament in 1605. Fawkes sought revenge for the increasing oppression of Roman Catholics in England and planted barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the palace. However, he was arrested before the plot could be carried out, and was subsequently tortured, revealed his accomplices, and was executed in January 1606. Nevertheless, the mask remained an iconic symbol against authoritarianism and has been used by groups like Anonymous to symbolize resistance in real life and in history.
It is a lot easier to simply follow the authoritarian regime and kind of stay quiet than it is to begin a revolutionary movement like V did in the film so it definitely challenges the norms of that kind of strictly ruled society.
Are there any underlying or hidden messages in your creative piece representation that connect your research to the film?
While there are the glaring obvious symbols of resistance and authoritarianism that I display the underlying/hidden message comes into play with the background colours I thoughtfully selected..
The Black and Red colours are meant to represent the fear and violence that authoritarian governments use to establish and maintain their power. This is exactly what the Norsefire regime does within V for Vendetta, with the police even murdering a young girl in order to create mass fear.
The Blue colour is meant to represent the freedom and resistance that anti-authoritarian groups mean to evoke. We see this with V’s uprising against the Norsefire regime, gathering individuals to also wear the Guy fawkes mask and watch him blow up the British parliament to evoke feelings of freedom and resistance in British society.
What did you learn about the film’s social issues through your research and creating this visual representation?
The biggest social issue that we see in the film is authoritarianism and the violent effects it has on society. I learned about various social issues including suppressing freedoms, censoring the media, and using fear to maintain control - with the police even killing an innocent girl.
My visual representation and research connect with this social issue of authoritarianism because it includes 2 symbols of resistance against authoritarianism (the anti-authoritarianism symbol & the Guy Fawkes mask which is used in the film).
But it also provides 5 examples of authoritarian movements in history which I researched…
- The British Union of Fascists - Led by Oswald Mosely and supported by Nazi Germany they promoted extensive Anti-semitism, authoritarianism, and anti-communism, using propaganda to deliver these messages. They even caused the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, where a planned BUF march through a largely Jewish area of London was met with massive opposition and resulted in significant street fighting. They were disbanded after Germany’s loss in WW2 due to their anti-Semitic beliefs.
- The National Front - After WW2, in 1967, the British Union of Fascists rebranded to become the National Front. They were a far-right political party in the UK known for extreme nationalist and racist views. They opposed immigration and multiculturalism, promoting white supremacy and often inciting racial violence. They also held violent marches and rallies, leading to frequent clashes with anti-racist groups. However, they never achieved significant political power (despite support from local elections in the 1970s) because of substantial opposition from anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian organizations such as the Worker’s Liberty organization.
- The UK Independence Party (UKIP) - Founded in 1993, UKIP gained prominence in the 2010s by advocating for stricter immigration controls. According to a study by Roland Kappe from University College London, support for UKIP is strongly influenced by authoritarian values. The study highlights how these values contribute to negative attitudes toward minorities. This provides a psychological framework to understand the motivations behind authoritarian regimes, paralleling the societal conditions depicted in V for Vendetta.
- The USSR - Under the rule of the Communist Party, the Soviet Union became a totalitarian state in 1922, especially under leaders like Joseph Stalin. The regime used widespread surveillance, censorship, propaganda, and brutal repression to maintain control. Political purges forced labour camps, and mass executions were tools used to eliminate dissent and consolidate power. The regime caused the deaths of millions through the famine and labour camps, illustrating the extreme consequences of authoritarianism.
- Nazi Germany - Led by Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945, Nazi Germany was one of the most notorious authoritarian regimes in history. The Nazis employed propaganda, censorship, and state-controlled terror to enforce their ideology. They implemented policies of racial purity, leading to the Holocaust, where six million Jews and millions of other minorities, political dissidents, and disabled individuals were systematically murdered. The regime’s aggressive expansionism sparked World War II, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life.
What emotions do you hope your visual representation will evoke in viewers, what would you like them to learn?
I hope my visual representation will kind of evoke feelings of fear in viewers - not in any violent way - but to almost serve as a warning.
In the same way, the horror movies we studied and the irony movies we looked at serve as ways to scare but educate society I wish the same for my visual.
In Get Out, we feared racism but it taught us to be aware of it so that we avoid the extreme situation depicted in the film and the same thing can be said about income inequality in Parasite.
In Jojo Rabbit, we were not exactly scared of Hitler but we saw the ridiculousness of what happened in history in order to know that we should avoid it.
Thus, I hope similar things for V for Vendetta and for my visual. It is meant to scare the audience into having the courage to oppose authoritarianism. I hope you learn about the historical accounts of authoritarianism that I mentioned but also note that they all came to an end with the power of resistance.
Like V in the movie states, people should not be scared of their governments, they should be scared of them. I want you to remember that as Alexander Hamilton said “the great beast” in our society is the people, we have the strength - the government is scared of us, and if the time ever comes you are meant to use that strength as a united front in the face of situations like authoritarianism.
