It’s hard to believe that Zack Snyder’s Watchmen hit theaters a decade ago. Yet, when you reflect on the evolution of superhero films since its release, the gap feels substantial. Marvel’s cinematic universe has dominated the box office, while Snyder went on to direct several films within DC’s expanding universe. Now, HBO’s new Watchmen series, helmed by Damon Lindelof, further underscores the lasting cultural significance of the source material.
The film adaptation of Watchmen continues to inspire passionate debates, with its fans ardently defending it while others criticize its approach. Snyder’s choices, particularly regarding the ending, have been the subject of much scrutiny. However, after ten years, the bold decision to alter Alan Moore’s iconic conclusion stands out as one of the film’s most creative strengths.
Zack Snyder’s Watchmen Ending Explained
For those unfamiliar with the comic, the original ending is a spectacle of bizarre science fiction. The plot centers around Ozymandias, aka Adrian Veidt, who orchestrates a tragic event in New York City to unite the world in a false peace. His plan involves the deaths of millions, leading to a temporary resolution of the Cold War and averting nuclear Armageddon. However, to further cement global unity, Veidt unleashes a massive squid-like creature on the city. The appearance of this otherworldly entity forces humanity to join forces, averting global destruction.
In the film, Snyder chooses a more streamlined yet still impactful ending. Instead of creating a giant squid monster, Veidt utilizes a more recognizable threat: Doctor Manhattan. The film’s adaptation takes some creative liberties, simplifying the monster plot but retaining the essence of the source material.
Adapting Watchmen: A Shift in Approach
In the movie, Veidt’s scheme remains fundamentally the same. He sets off a series of explosions in major cities, using the energy signature of Doctor Manhattan to frame him for the destruction. This event causes global outrage, and humanity unites in opposition to the presumed threat of Manhattan. Meanwhile, Rorschach and Night Owl, two key members of the Watchmen, uncover Veidt’s plot and attempt to stop him.
After the explosions occur, Rorschach and Night Owl travel to Veidt’s fortress in Antarctica, where they confront him. Veidt, now confident that his plan has worked, reveals that the fuse is already lit. By the time Rorschach and Night Owl arrive, it’s too late to undo the damage. The audience is left to contemplate the morality of their actions, especially as Rorschach struggles with the consequences of their silence.
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A Simpler, Yet Powerful Conclusion
Snyder’s choice to remove the squid and replace it with Doctor Manhattan not only streamlined the narrative but also amplified the emotional weight of the story. As the plot unfolds, Sally Jupiter and Doctor Manhattan return to Earth, only to find New York City in ruins. Upon realizing that Veidt’s plan has succeeded, Manhattan transports them to Antarctica, where Veidt’s confession leads to the revelation of peace.
The world is saved, yet the truth about the destruction would tear apart the fragile peace that Veidt’s actions have created. Manhattan, understanding the implications, chooses to leave Earth behind, retreating to another galaxy. The Watchmen return to their lives, but Rorschach, ever committed to revealing the truth, cannot accept the lie. His refusal to compromise leads to a tragic end, as he forces Manhattan to kill him in order to prevent the truth from being exposed. The film concludes with Rorschach’s journal, a dangerous threat to the peace that was forged at such a high cost.
The Significance of Rorschach’s Journal
The inclusion of Rorschach’s journal serves as a crucial narrative device, reinforcing the story’s central conflict. While the world has united in the face of catastrophe, Rorschach’s commitment to truth threatens to unravel the fragile peace. The journal’s existence serves as a ticking time bomb, foreshadowing the eventual collapse of the illusion. Although Snyder’s film deviates from the comic’s more convoluted ending, this change still preserves the essence of Moore’s vision.
Critics of the film argue that Doctor Manhattan’s involvement, rather than a cosmic squid, undermines the grandiose scale of the original story. However, this shift in focus allows for a more emotionally resonant ending, one that highlights the tragic elements of betrayal, loss, and the complex nature of heroism. Veidt’s betrayal of his former teammates, particularly framing Manhattan, adds a personal dimension to the narrative that the squid monster simply couldn’t convey.
Why Snyder’s Ending Works for the Film
Snyder’s decision to adapt Watchmen with the cinematic limitations of a film running close to three hours was a strategic one. The director’s cut, which many consider superior, stretches past the three-hour mark, offering a deeper exploration of the material. However, even with such an extensive runtime, the film never loses sight of its core message. By focusing on Doctor Manhattan’s already-established status as a world-altering force, Snyder was able to streamline the plot without sacrificing emotional depth.
The thematic richness of the ending resonates deeply with the film’s exploration of power, responsibility, and morality. At its heart, Watchmen is about flawed heroes trying to navigate a world that is equally broken. The film’s conclusion, where Veidt’s actions create a fragile peace, leaves us questioning the true cost of salvation. The tragic irony of the situation is amplified by the characters’ personal struggles, particularly Rorschach’s unwillingness to compromise.
The Enduring Legacy of Watchmen‘s Adaptation
Ten years later, Snyder’s Watchmen remains a fascinating and ambitious adaptation of a challenging comic. The ending, in particular, stands out as one of the film’s boldest and most effective creative choices. While some purists may argue that the removal of the giant squid detracts from the source material’s complexity, others see it as a necessary adjustment that makes the story more accessible to a wider audience.
Snyder’s Watchmen may not be perfect, but it remains one of the most thoughtful and daring superhero films of its time. In altering the ending, Snyder not only simplified the narrative but added a layer of personal betrayal that would have been difficult to achieve with the comic’s original conclusion. Ultimately, the changes made to the ending of Watchmen preserve the spirit of the original material while also ensuring the story’s lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
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