the heart of V
alerie power!
well, i fucked up. i posted a speech and said that it was the center of the film. kinda silly, because if one had to pick the heart of the film, it’s basically a few sentences said not by V, but by valerie. here, to attempt to amend my overcompensating error (was trying to point out that V’s ridiculous alliterative “speech-of-Vs” is getting inordinate attention from supposed fans of the film) is my transcription of the deadly punch from this monumental film, derived from a monumental comic book. major SPOILERS follow:
Interrogator #1: Do you know why you’re here, Evey Hammond?Evey: [gasping] N- No, please.
Interrogator #1: You’ve been formally charged with three counts of murder, the bombing of government property, conspiracy to commit terrorism, treason, and sedition — the penalty for which is death by firing squad. You have one chance, and only one chance, to save your life. You must tell us the identity, or whereabouts, of code name V. If your information leads to his capture, you will be released from this facility immediately. Do you understand what I’m telling you? You can return to your life, Miss Hammond. All you have to do is cooperate.
[pause]
Process her.
[Amid continual abuse and torture in prison, Evey finds a note in the wall of her cell. As she reads, we hear the voice of its author.]Valerie VO: I know there’s no way I can convince you this is not one of their tricks, but I don’t care. I am me.
My name is Valerie. I don’t think I’ll live much longer, and I wanted to tell someone about my life. This is the only autobiography that I will ever write, and God — I’m writing it on toilet paper.
I was born in Nottingham in 1985. I don’t remember much of those early years, but I do remember the rain. My grandmother owned a farm in Tottle Brook, and she used to tell me that God was in the rain.
I passed my eleven plus, and went to girls’ grammar. It was at school that I met my first girlfriend. Her name was Sarah. It was her wrists; they were beautiful. I thought we would love each other forever. I remember our teacher telling us that it was an adolescent phase that people outgrew. Sarah did. I didn’t.
In two thousand and two, I fell in love with a girl named Christina. That year I came out to my parents. I couldn’t have done it without Chris holding my hand. My father wouldn’t look at me; he told me to go and never come back. My mother said nothing. But I had only told them the truth. Was that so selfish? Our integrity sells for so little, but it is all we really have. It is the very last inch of us, but within that inch we are free.
Interrogator #2: It ends whenever you want it to. Just tell us where he is.
Evey: I don’t know.
Valerie: I’d always known what I wanted to do with my life, and in two thousand fifteen I starred in my first film, The Salt Flats. It was the most important role of my life — not because of my career, but because that was how I met Ruth. The first time we kissed, I knew I never wanted to kiss any other lips but hers again.
We moved to a small flat in London together. She grew scarlet carsons for me in our window box, and our place always smelled of roses. Those were the best years of my life. But America’s war grew worse and worse, and eventually came to London. After that there were no roses anymore. Not for anyone.
Interrogator #2: You won’t last much longer; you’re gonna die here. Why protect someone who doesn’t give a shit about you?
Valerie: I remember how the meaning of words began to change — how unfamiliar words like collateral and rendition became frightening, while things like Norsefire and the Articles of Allegiance became powerful. I remember how different became dangerous. I still don’t understand it — why they hate us so much.
They took Ruth while she was out buying food. I’ve never cried so hard in my life. Wasn’t long ’till they came for me.
It seems strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses, and apologized to no one. I shall die here; every inch of me shall perish — every inch but one. An inch. It is small and it is fragile, and it is the only thing in the world worth having. We must never lose it or give it away. We must never let them take it from us.
I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and that things get better. But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you.
Valerie
Interrogator #1: I’m instructed to inform you that you have been convicted by special tribunal, and that unless you are ready to offer your cooperation, you are to be executed. Do you understand what I’m telling you?
Evey: Yes.
Interrogator #1: Are you ready to cooperate?
Evey: No.
Interrogator #1: Very well. Escort Miss Hammond back to her cell. Arrange a detail of six men and take her out behind the chemical shed and shoot her.
[interval]
Interrogator #2: It’s time.
Evey: I’m ready.
Interrogator #2: Look, all they want is one little piece of information. Just give them something — anything.
Evey: Thank you, but I’d rather die behind the chemical sheds.
Interrogator #2: Then you have no fear anymore. You’re completely free.
July 31st, 2006 at 18:36
i love this film. very powerful letters that valerie writes.
November 1st, 2010 at 09:54
[...] speaking of integrity. [...]