Sunday, March 15, 2009

Just Watched The Watchmen

...Or at least half of a low quality TS scan of the movie. Damn, that book has some fabulous dialogue, and if you haven't read it, I suggest you go out and do so. Now. Don't dilly dally reading this dammit, get your ass to a Landmark or Oxford or whatever...


The man with all the best lines is of course, Rorschach.

This bit is an interview with his therapist where he explainswhat gave him such a ruthless attitude.

Stood in firelight, sweltering. Bloodstain on chest like map of violent new continent. Felt cleansed. Felt dark planet turn under my feet and knew what cats know that makes them scream like babies in night. Looked at sky through smoke heavy with human fat and God was not there. The cold, suffocating dark goes on forever and we are alone. Live our lives, lacking anything better to do. Devise reason later. Born from oblivion; bear children, hell-bound as ourselves, go into oblivion. There is nothing else. Existence is random. Has no pattern save what we imagine after staring at it for too long. No meaning save what we choose to impose. This rudderless world is not shaped by vague metaphysical forces. It is not God who kills the children. Not fate that butchers them or destiny that feeds them to the dogs. It’s us. Only us. Streets stank of fire. The void breathed hard on my heart, turning its illusions to ice, shattering them. Was reborn then, free to scrawl own design on this morally blank world. Was Rorschach. Does that answer your questions, Doctor?

And this little excerpt from his journal-

Heard a joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says "Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up." Man bursts into tears. Says "But, doctor...I am Pagliacci." Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

o.O

I think after reading that... I have to finish the novel.

Arr0w said...

You actually stopped reading halfway through? WHAT!???

Read it with The Annotated Watchmen, open in the background. That'll help you truly appreciate it.

Trillian said...

The Rorschach quote - a classic.

How anyone could stop before finishing all twelve suites is beyond me.

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