Portland test screening indicates altered ending???

[S.D. Plissken]

More "good" news on the upcoming Watchmen film direct from Watchmencomicmovie.com.

http://www.watchmencomicmovie.com/101708-watchmen-movie-portland-screening.php

Tales From the Portland Screening

A test screening of the Watchmen movie was held in Oregon last night, and WatchmenComicMovie.com was there — sort of

Yesterday, at 7 PM, Warner Bros. tested Zack Snyder’s Watchmen at the Regal Lloyd Center 10 Theater in Portland, Oregon. As luck would have it, one of this site’s moderators (let’s call him Curiosity) lived close by so we sent him in last night to see if he could get in.

I got to the theater an hour early and I didn't even need to cross the parking lot to know that something was wrong. The line was doubled up on itself and everyone in line had a little yellow slip that was quite obviously a pass of some kind. I asked around and found out that the passes had been handed out a week ago.
​

But hope was not lost. He knew that the fans who come to this site for information wouldn't appreciate it if he threw up his hands and went home, so we had already come up with a plan in case he wasn't able to get a seat. No, that plan didn’t involve C4, knockout spray or an elite team of ninjas.
We figured that if we couldn’t get in, we could at least get to the folks who were going to see the movie and let them know we would be interested in hearing what they thought. Now, we know these folks would have had to sign an NDA, but we figured that a minimal “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” wouldn’t rustle any WB legal feathers.

…I spent the bus trip writing the [WatchmenComicMovie.com] URL and the “hurm” e-mail address on index cards… people were taking them… so I kept writing up more. I thought it was kind of strange that people should take such blatant advertising willingly, but then it occurred to me: So many strangers are handing all these people so many forms and cards that I was clearly the only person in attendance who knew exactly which end was up… Sure enough, as the line wound down, more people finally started asking what the cards were for. Later still, people started declining them. This was when I knew that post-screening questioning probably wouldn't work.
​

It was at that point Curiosity figured he’d kill some time before the screening let out by grabbing dinner and then seeing a showing of Religilious at the same theater which would end right before the Watchmen screening ended. At 9:45 PM, exactly 2 hours and 45 minutes after the Watchmen movie screened, Curiosity headed to the theater where Watchmen was letting out — which also confirms the film’s current running time.

The door to the theater was guarded at all times by some of the biggest, most pissed-off looking guys I've ever seen in my life… Precisely on schedule, some guy came out of the theater. I offered him a card and he tried to ask what it was about. In our brief exchange, he confirmed that the movie just screened was, indeed, Watchmen.
Not thirty seconds later, one of the guards came over, grilled me quietly and kicked me out of the theater. He got one of my cards, so he knows the site I'm from.
Anyway, my past exchange with the moviegoer told me that I wouldn't get much. They weren't going to spill any beans when the guards were still in earshot and the ink on their NDAs had barely dried. Besides that, I had already been kicked out of the theater, so it was only a matter of time before they chased me off the premises altogether.
​

So, there you have it. We tried our best to get you some early audience opinions, but, at the theater, there was too much pressure on attendees to spill any beans. I’d like to personally thank Curiosity for all of the effort.
Now, if you were one of the lucky few who was in that theater and want to send this site your opinion, please feel free to do so. We’re not asking for spoilers or for you to break your NDA, but it would be great to hear anything you’re willing to share. Of course, you will be kept anonymous.
At this time, there have been rumors floating around some random forums stating that the ending has changed quite a bit from the one in the original comic series, and that has some fans, myself included, a little worried. Hopefully some credible source might come forward soon to help dispel or confirm those rumors. All I can say is, if we hear anything, we’ll let you know.

In addition to this article, several postings at IMDB (I know, I know, just give it a minute) come from attendees and confirm an altered ending that appears in both the Hayter and Tse scripts.

According to reports of the test screenings last night the ending has been changed:

SPOILERS HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Spoiler

No Squid. Apparently it now has Ozy building a machine that mimics the powers of Dr. Manhattan. He destroys many cities (which confirms Matthew Goode's comments on killing more people than in the original comic) and frames Dr. Manhattan. Dr. Manhattan realising this is for the best leaves Earth but not before killing Rorschach which Dan does witness. Though I would have preferred the Squid this ending sounds pretty good. The destruction of multiple cities shows that Manhattan is a worldwide threat.

Needless to say people, along with other 'alterations' and the exciting inclusion of an MCR cover. We are looking at quite an interesting "interpretation" of the groundbreaking Alan Moore/Dave Gibbon graphic novel. Count me dissapointed.

 

[Hurm...]

Wow, the ending. Sounds alright. I don't believe IMDB though. I'll wait for someone or some other boards that are more trustworthy.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Not sure about the new ending, prefer the old one, would have to see the whole movie to fully judge of course.

 

[The Riddler]

rorschach's journal must be the final scene or the film's ending isn't quite as perfect.

 

[CaptainGenerica]

Well... that sounds okay...

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

rorschach's journal must be the final scene or the film's ending isn't quite as perfect.

It always cracked me up that Manhatten killing Rorschach was pointless since his journal is going to be published anyway. That needs to be the last scene.

 

[Solidus]

That really does not sound like that disappointing of an ending. It actually makes it a little more interesting in some aspects. But the results are the same, mankind will maybe temporary unite with such devastation

But it coming from IMDB I don't listen to that. If it was any other site, I may listen. But IMDB, is nothing more then troll ville. Where most rumors start from.

 

[S.D. Plissken]

That really does not sound like that disappointing of an ending. It actually makes it a little more interesting in some aspects. But the results are the same, mankind will maybe temporary unite with such devastation

But it coming from IMDB I don't listen to that. If it was any other site, I may listen. But IMDB, is nothing more then troll ville. Where most rumors start from.

Yes--I normally agree. IMDB is a ****hole and mostly unreliable. But in this case, we have 3 different sources fitting together.

1) The reports of an ending change from this screening--information that did NOT come from IMDB, they came from Watchmencomicmovie.com and there is also a story on this at CHUD. Even famous *****ebag Kevin Smith (who has seen the film) verified that there were 2 minor changes in the film and one MAJOR change--more than likely he is referring to the ending of the film.

2) The SCRIPT. David Hayter basically wrote the film that we will see. Although his draft won't be used in it's entirety, the main body of the script is Hayters. This draft was then altered by Alex Tse and Zach Snyder (The final result is a ****pile). In both the Hayter script and the Tse script, the ending is as the IMDB spoiler describes. Remember, this isn't just one post on IMDB, there are several posters there confirming the same story. There are discussions on this on other boards as well. You can trust the validity--it IS real.

 

[Solidus]

Yes--I normally agree. IMDB is a ****hole and mostly unreliable. But in this case, we have 3 different sources fitting together.

1) The reports of an ending change from this screening--information that did NOT come from IMDB, they came from Watchmencomicmovie.com and there is also a story on this at CHUD. Even famous *****ebag Kevin Smith (who has seen the film) verified that there were 2 minor changes in the film and one MAJOR change--more than likely he is referring to the ending of the film.

2) The SCRIPT. David Hayter basically wrote the film that we will see. Although his draft won't be used in it's entirety, the main body of the script is Hayters. This draft was then altered by Alex Tse and Zach Snyder (The final result is a ****pile). In both the Hayter script and the Tse script, the ending is as the IMDB spoiler describes. Remember, this isn't just one post on IMDB, there are several posters there confirming the same story. There are discussions on this on other boards as well. You can trust the validity--it IS real.

Oh well. Kevin Smith still says it is an amazing movie. So I am fine with some alterations as long as the core/feeling of the ending is some what the same in a general sense. Just altered how he did it.

 

[the_tortel]

however attached I am to the old ending(hold on to your pitchforks and torches..), I actually like that snyder and CO. changed it up, to be a bit of a surprise, and separate from, yet based on the original novel

Spoiler

I will miss that freaky looking squid....

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

After some thought that ending actually doesnt sound that bad, it at least has the same principle and outcome than in the book, that mankind will (temporarily, if Manhatten is to be believed and when Rorschachs journal is published) unite against a common enemy.

 

[CrimsonMist]

Hmm. Not sure how i feel about this. On one hand, i feel this changed ending both contradicts Moore's ending, and yet somehow extends Moore's take on heroes in his Miracleman run. In his Miracleman run, Miracleman decides to take over the world, putting it under a totalitarian rule. He and other heroes face ineffective protests by christian and muslim fundamentalists, but for the most part, this "utopia" is basically benevolent and considered an "age of miracles". But as it progresses, Miracleman comes to believe that this is ultimately harmful to mankind.

So as i see it, Viedt using Manhattan's powers to result in world peace is similar. Using Manhattan's powers, exclaiming that "Manhattan is watching the world", he puts the world under a totalitarian rule, albeit a benevolent one, as the world is at peace. But what Viedt fails to realize, as he's not a "god", is that is will ultimately be harmful to everyone, thus "nothing ever ends".

But i have to say, if i didn't read Miracleman, i'd be completely oblivious to this idea. And if i was completely oblivious to this idea, i'd hate this change very much.

I like the squid ending, because it's unexplainable. No one can blame anyone for this attack. The thing is, Viedt would have to launch another attack. Otherwise, people would forget about it, and revert back to their old ways, hence "nothing ever ends". If Viedt is killed, the plan will fail. Without another attack, people will forget and revert back to the way things were. If he lives, the plan may work. Of course, if he lives, he has to be willing to launch another attack. If not, he's screwed.

Now, if they use the "Manhattan powers" ending, Viedt still has something to worry about. The people will be looking out for Manhatten, something they know exist. For this to work, Viedt would have to launch another attack. If Viedt is killed, people will revert back to how things were before the attack, because another will never happen: Similar to the squid. BUT the important factor here though is the fact that now there is a tangible blame, which i think contradicts Moore's ending. People can blame Dr. Manhattan for these attacks, and things MAY get out of hand, and another attack would only add fuel to the fire. Then again, thinking about it, it keeps in line with "nothing ever ends".

So maybe this ending is actually genius? Of course, it all comes down to whether Viedt is killed or not AND if he's believes he's suceeded in the saving the world forever. The ambiguity of "nothing ever ends" is the fact that you DON'T KNOW if Viedt would ever consider launching another attack. I'd say it seems less likely with the squid, and more likely with the "Manhattan powers". But to maintain his sucess would he resort to attacking every so often? Who knows?

I know this seems abit unorganized, but any thoughts about this?

 

[the_tortel]

After some thought that ending actually doesnt sound that bad, it at least has the same principle and outcome than in the book, that mankind will (temporarily, if Manhatten is to be believed and when Rorschachs journal is published) unite against a common enemy.

that's a great way to look at it, I hope some of the more distressed fans can see it your way as well

 

[RustyCage]

@ CrimsonMist:

Honestly man, I would almost go for that. That's a clever thought.

However, I still fail to see Veidt controlling or ordering around Manhattan in any form. He's not interested in Veidt's ideas outside of nodding or shaking his head (or stepping in to try and stop a slaughter once Laurie pushes him, but we saw how that went) and seems to just want to get away from him and the rest of mankind. Stop worrying about their ceaseless, petty squabbles and find peace for himself someplace else since it's impossible there. It wouldn't make sense to me for his character to participate in such an operation.

Edit - Well, he -did- kill Rorschach... hmm... But look how the the small talk between him and Veidt went after that.

 

[matrix_ghost]

I really don't know how i feel about the squid not being in it.
Wasn't the whole point of the squid attack to unite the entire world against a unknown force that's just too powerful for earth's people to deal with ?
The fact that Manhatten basically takes over the role of the squid he's falsely framed for causing cancer to people like Janey Slater etc.
It's been a long while since i read the Hayter script but

1 How can the world unite against a unknown alien force when the whole world believes that Dr Manhatten killed millions ? How can you have unity when everyone in the world will basically blame the US for unleashing such a powerful force. That's the whole point of the squid. It's something that nobody in the world knows about. The fact that they fear the unknown is what unites everyone. No fingers are pointed at people. They know that something from space killied so many and that they should unite against such a threat. I honestly can't see the world being united when everyone believes that Dr Manhatten killed everyone.

2 Which also brings me to the point of Rorschach's death.
I always have had mixed feelings whenever i read the part when he's blown to bits.
One one hand i can understand why he never agrees with the whole thing. To him at least peace can never be justified by the death of millions of people. And it's exact thhat same thing that everyone else believes in. Whether or not that was the only way to achieve peace is something that we the reader don't know since all we're getting is the stuff that Moore writes. Meaning that the story at least lets us believe that killing so many people was the only way to achieve world peace. Dr Manhatten knows this and proceeds to kill Rorschach since Rorshach could potentially screw up everything. It's here that the discussion rises whether all the superheroes ( Dan , LAuri , Ozy and Manhatten) really are murderers for allowing this. Or not ?
But in my opinion i feel that Dr Manhatten , as well as the others really are murderers if Snyder continues with the "no squid" ending. The world will forever live in fear for Dr Manhatten . Maybe that's why Dan screams so loud in the trailer. Jis scene is slighty changed so that we the audience should see that Dan doesn't approve of Jon killing Rorschach.

 

[RustyCage]

@matrix_ghost:

The point of Rorschach's death.. that's part of what hurts so bad about the possibility of the movie not ending with the kid finding Rorschach's journal. It's like he died and nothing came of his efforts.. the only thing that made me smile or feel satisfied when I finally closed the novel for the first time.

I really came to love Rorschach as a character and feel sorry for him, and to see him slaughtered for refusing to agree with such a naive and unforgivably destructive idea... slaughtered, instantly, by someone who apparently didn't even care about the situation outside of brief influence, it really shook me. I liked Jon until that point, but then he became unraveled as a character for me, I no longer understood him. And honestly, I've come to believe that he didn't understand himself either... Anyway, after that happened, the journal arriving into the kid's hands.. it really revived something in me that the book had shattered, and that moment became probably my favorite thing -about- the book. C'mon Zack... don't leave me shattered like that.. don't do that to us fans..

 

[Hurm...]

http://watchmencomicmovie.com/101808-watchmen-movie-zack-snyder.php

But lately many die-hard Watchmen fans are getting concerned that Snyder may have messed up the one aspect of the film adaptation that they hoped he would keep intact — the ending. What happened? Just a few days ago, news leaked of a test screening in Portland of the Watchmen movie. Unconfirmed reports by alleged audience members from that screening are saying that even though the same characters live and die at the end of the film, the violent climax has been completely revised.

Snyder, however, maintains that, all changes aside, the “meat” of the end of his Watchmen movie remains faithful to the graphic novel.

The ending does not puss out, I will assure you of that… Basically, the moral checkmate that's [at] the end of the graphic novel -- to me that's the point of the graphic novel. The question about whether or not it was the right thing to do -- and the way all the characters have to react to that -- is really beautifully constructed, so that the question it poses is really the crux of what the graphic novel is, I think. And that's the movie.

 

[CrimsonMist]

@ CrimsonMist:

Honestly man, I would almost go for that. That's a clever thought.

However, I still fail to see Veidt controlling or ordering around Manhattan in any form. He's not interested in Veidt's ideas outside of nodding or shaking his head (or stepping in to try and stop a slaughter once Laurie pushes him, but we saw how that went) and seems to just want to get away from him and the rest of mankind. Stop worrying about their ceaseless, petty squabbles and find peace for himself someplace else since it's impossible there. It wouldn't make sense to me for his character to participate in such an operation.

Edit - Well, he -did- kill Rorschach... hmm... But look how the the small talk between him and Veidt went after that.

You bring up an interesting point. Manhattan kills Rorschach, but tells Viedt that nothing ever ends. But remember, Manhattan explains to everyone that EXPOSING Viedt would doom earth to a WORSE destruction. See, i think Manhattan wanted man to naturally regress back to their old ways, rather than interrupting a natural process. The cycle of man fighting one another repeats it self, and Viedt would have to live with what he did.

I don't think Manhattan would be in with Viedt. Viedt realized that he could use Manhattan's power to save the world, and Manhattan realized that doing anything about it would jeopardize the world's safety, which is why he killed Rorschach. It's also why he would leave to go to Mars.

I'd really like someone to just spoil the ending in explicit detail. I want to know how it plays out. The "Manhattan powers" ending will have the same effect as the book, but i think its a bit more obvious that this won't end well(but maybe i'm just thinking too hard). And that's only because Manhattan is going to get the blame, God or not.

but just reading the ending, though briefly, i think Viedt, upon realizing his plan worked, actually lost his mind. The shock that he pulled this off shattered his mind, and he becomes so self-absorbed with the idea that nothing can go wrong now. So when Manhattan says that nothing ever ends, it reflects the Black Freighter story. Veidt now realizes the doubt, the potential error of his ways, and like the sailer says "The knowledge of my damnation paced me, gloating, celebrating its awful victory." and "Gradually, i understood what innocent intent had brought me to, and understanding, waded out beyond my depth" and "The world i'd tried to save was lost beyond recall." Now, if THIS is in the movie, i'd have more reason to believe that Viedt would kill himself shortly after the events, and the world would naturally regress back to the way it was before the attacks, repeating history once more.

 

[Killing Joke926]

Hmm. Not sure how i feel about this. On one hand, i feel this changed ending both contradicts Moore's ending, and yet somehow extends Moore's take on heroes in his Miracleman run. In his Miracleman run, Miracleman decides to take over the world, putting it under a totalitarian rule. He and other heroes face ineffective protests by christian and muslim fundamentalists, but for the most part, this "utopia" is basically benevolent and considered an "age of miracles". But as it progresses, Miracleman comes to believe that this is ultimately harmful to mankind.

So as i see it, Viedt using Manhattan's powers to result in world peace is similar. Using Manhattan's powers, exclaiming that "Manhattan is watching the world", he puts the world under a totalitarian rule, albeit a benevolent one, as the world is at peace. But what Viedt fails to realize, as he's not a "god", is that is will ultimately be harmful to everyone, thus "nothing ever ends".

But i have to say, if i didn't read Miracleman, i'd be completely oblivious to this idea. And if i was completely oblivious to this idea, i'd hate this change very much.

I like the squid ending, because it's unexplainable. No one can blame anyone for this attack. The thing is, Viedt would have to launch another attack. Otherwise, people would forget about it, and revert back to their old ways, hence "nothing ever ends". If Viedt is killed, the plan will fail. Without another attack, people will forget and revert back to the way things were. If he lives, the plan may work. Of course, if he lives, he has to be willing to launch another attack. If not, he's screwed.

Now, if they use the "Manhattan powers" ending, Viedt still has something to worry about. The people will be looking out for Manhatten, something they know exist. For this to work, Viedt would have to launch another attack. If Viedt is killed, people will revert back to how things were before the attack, because another will never happen: Similar to the squid. BUT the important factor here though is the fact that now there is a tangible blame, which i think contradicts Moore's ending. People can blame Dr. Manhattan for these attacks, and things MAY get out of hand, and another attack would only add fuel to the fire. Then again, thinking about it, it keeps in line with "nothing ever ends".

So maybe this ending is actually genius? Of course, it all comes down to whether Viedt is killed or not AND if he's believes he's suceeded in the saving the world forever. The ambiguity of "nothing ever ends" is the fact that you DON'T KNOW if Viedt would ever consider launching another attack. I'd say it seems less likely with the squid, and more likely with the "Manhattan powers". But to maintain his sucess would he resort to attacking every so often? Who knows?

I know this seems abit unorganized, but any thoughts about this?

I think you're one of the only guys here who's being logical about this and salute your ideas; I find them to be very accurate and somewhat true to the essence of the novel. I think one of the main reasons why he changed the ending is that they could cut down the screen time or even exclude the characters Max Shea and Hira Manish from the film; and if they completely wipe those characters from the story line, then in reality there really isn't much taken out if it's done right. Now I'm kinda bummed that they're not going with the Squid (we all love that vagina looking monster that blew NY to Kingdom Come), but if they keep the same principle of his teleportation and using an appearant clone essense or powers of Doc Manhattan and still have it contained in a combustable explosion, then it's still technically true to the comic; all they really did was just gave another substitute for the squid to cut out some screentime and make the flowidity of story more clearer for just the regular audience (they don't understand our pain). That and if they did take this sort of approach, like a few have said, a big thinking outcome would be that Manhattan would almost appear to be the real villian when he says "Nothing Ever Ends" and just leaves the fate of the world in Viedt's hands; and with Viedt using his powers to destroy half the world to save it, in reality it not only stays true and doesn't rub the comic in the wrong way, but just this use of it would feed the whole concept of irony between Viedt and Manhattan even more. LOL In that sense Manhattan's alot like BatMan with Ra's Al Ghul saying "I'm not gonna kill ya (because he took his powers and seems he wants to frame Manhattan if things do indeed go wrong), but I'm not going to save you. (like I stated earlier Viedt started it and he's not gonna help him out with this boo-boo which was Manhattan was aware of the entire time and which gives him the upper hand)" So that's something to consider as well; overall, being the big fan I am, I'm a little dissapointed that they didn't take the squid approach, but if it's done in the way I hopefully anticipate I'll be just as satisified and may even say I admire this approach more than the comic book ending itself. Just gotta dig a little deeper gang to get the real route of it all and then compare.

 

[S.D. Plissken]

I think one of the main reasons why he changed the ending is that they could cut down the screen time or even exclude the characters Max Shea and Hira Manish from the film; and if they completely wipe those characters from the story line, then in reality there really isn't much taken out if it's done right.

I guess Tales From the Black Frieghter is pretty ****ing pointless then, eh?

I mean, one of the biggest recurring themes of the GN is how interconnected many of these characters lives are. Max Shea wrote the book that comments on the overall story. Why leave him out? If Max is cut out, TFBF becomes this dangling thing in the story without a purpose.

The GN shows us that as a society, our lives are interconnected, and when you plead that case via the little characters at ground zero (the bernies, the cops, malcom and his wife, joey and her girlfriend, the black watch vendor) a devestating alien attack goes from sounding utterly ******ed and riddiculous to being very poignant and emotionally powerful. It's also cool in the book because we see the final moments played out from 5 different perspectives. Sooooo I guess it must be important eh?

One of my favorite moments in the book is when Bernie clutches Bernard to his chest as the destruction hits. It's the last thing he ever does. This moment isn't in the script and that sucks--flat out. The bodies for sure won't be in the film:

Spoiler

Everyone is burned up or their shadows are burned into the walls. No blood, no guts.

I think that considerably lessens the impact of the devestation, and internationalizing the incident, along with making it so bloodless, really speaks to how bad they may have ****ed the story up.

Centering it around a group of people we see throughout the book adds to the tragedy.

 

[TylerHaslett]

No squid equals ****in stupid. The Watchmen comic is what it is. Changing that from what it is, even to a whole different medium as film, is uncalled for. The only reason change might/or will come, is to think higher than the source material. That's not needed. The comic version, put into film, will have just as great as an impact as a fabricated "make better sense for lazy america" version.

If it doesnt end with the tub of **** reaching for Rorshachs journel, then I will do nothing other than post negatively on the internet hahahah. But, I'm hoping the novels ending stays, becasuse so many people know it as that. Spoilers dont exist in this. Example: we all know santa isnt real, yet millions are led to believe anyways out of the pleasure of fantasy. Same with film.

 

[Armored Avenger]

I am really unhappy with this change, but I will not judge the film until I see it. Everything that has been shown so far looks and sounds amazing, so hopefully the movie will still be great. At least Veidt still lives and Rorschach is still killed by Manhattan. But the the film MUST end with the journal. It has to.

 

[BurningBallroom]

No love for the tentacles? I'm unhappy.

 

[echostation]

they all burn up? no dead bodies piled up on the streets... yes thank you zack snyder for pulling the impact of this masterpiece graphic novel... who the **** told you to go on and change the ending... ARGH

 

[The Denialist]

Maybe I'm just in denial, but I am not going to put too much merit into the IMDB reports. Frankly, I think there's a good chance that it's a load of BS and we're allowing ourselves to be trolled. I really hope this is the case, but we'll never know for sure until March 3rd, 2009.