The timeline of the 2006 film V for Vendetta is explicitly set in a dystopian United Kingdom beginning in 1997 and culminating in November 5th, 2020, although the historical divergences from our reality begin much earlier. This fictional near-future depicts a totalitarian state ruled by the Norsefire Party, exploring themes of oppression, revolution, and individual freedom.
A Deeper Dive into the Narrative Arc
Understanding the sequence of events in V for Vendetta requires careful consideration of the film’s interwoven narratives: the pre-Norsefire period, the Party’s ascent to power, and the unfolding events of V’s rebellion in 2020. Each layer contributes significantly to the overall impact of the story.
The Seeds of Dystopia (Prior to 1997)
While the film explicitly dates the events of 2020, the seeds of the dystopian society are sown long before. Key events, alluded to through flashbacks and exposition, are vital for understanding the film’s context:
- The Saint Mary’s Virus: A genetically engineered virus, seemingly released deliberately, causes widespread panic and death. This event is heavily implied to be orchestrated by the Norsefire Party to create a crisis they can then solve, seizing power in the process.
- The Norsefire Party’s Rise: Riding on a wave of fear and nationalistic fervor, the Norsefire Party, led by Adam Sutler, promises security and order. They systematically eliminate dissidents, minorities, and anyone deemed “undesirable,” consolidating their control through propaganda and surveillance.
- Larkhill Detention Center: This facility, run by Dr. Delia Surridge and overseen by Peter Creedy, conducts horrific experiments on unwilling subjects, including V. These experiments are crucial to V’s origin and the development of his unique abilities.
1997: The Genesis of V
This year marks a turning point.
- The Larkhill Incident: Following a series of brutal experiments, V, prisoner number five, is the only surviving subject to exhibit extraordinary abilities. He orchestrates an escape, destroying Larkhill and setting the stage for his future acts of rebellion. Dr. Surridge, deeply disturbed by the atrocities committed at Larkhill, keeps a journal documenting her experiences, which V later uses.
2020: The November Uprising
The film’s primary narrative unfolds in 2020.
- November 4th: Evey Hammond is rescued from the Fingermen by V after breaking curfew. V introduces himself and invites her to witness his destruction of the Old Bailey, an act of symbolic defiance against the totalitarian regime.
- November 5th: V blows up the Old Bailey, fulfilling his promise. He then hijacks the television broadcast to deliver his message of freedom and encourage the people to join him in a revolution on November 5th of the following year.
- The Subsequent Year (until Nov 5th, 2021): V continues his campaign of dismantling the Norsefire Party, systematically targeting its key figures while simultaneously educating Evey about the importance of freedom and self-reliance. Evey undergoes a harrowing experience, imprisoned and tortured, which ultimately empowers her and solidifies her commitment to V’s cause. V eliminates key figures of the regime, including Prothero, Bishop Lilliman, and eventually, Adam Sutler and Peter Creedy.
- November 5th, 2021: The culmination of V’s plan. The citizens, inspired by V’s actions and message, march on Parliament wearing Guy Fawkes masks. With the death of Sutler and Creedy, the government is effectively paralyzed. Evey, now empowered by V’s teachings, detonates the train loaded with explosives, destroying Parliament and symbolizing the overthrow of the totalitarian regime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the timeline of V for Vendetta, addressed with detailed answers:
FAQ 1: Why is 1997 significant in the timeline?
Answer: 1997 is pivotal because it marks the Larkhill incident, V’s escape, and the beginning of his personal vendetta against the Norsefire Party. This event is the catalyst for all the events that unfold in 2020 and beyond, setting the stage for the revolution. It also highlights the depths of the Party’s depravity and their willingness to commit atrocities in the name of power.
FAQ 2: What role does the Saint Mary’s Virus play in the timeline?
Answer: The Saint Mary’s Virus is the foundation of the Norsefire Party’s rise to power. By creating a crisis (or exacerbating an existing one) and then presenting themselves as the solution, they manipulate the population into accepting increasingly restrictive measures, ultimately leading to a totalitarian regime. It represents the manipulative power of fear in politics.
FAQ 3: How much time passes between V’s escape from Larkhill and the events of 2020?
Answer: There is a period of approximately 23 years between V’s escape from Larkhill in 1997 and the main events of the film in 2020. This time allows V to meticulously plan his campaign of revenge and gather the resources necessary to challenge the Norsefire Party.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of November 5th in the film’s timeline?
Answer: November 5th is a crucial date due to its historical connection to Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot. V uses this date to symbolize his own rebellion against tyranny, drawing parallels between his actions and Fawkes’ attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. The destruction of the Old Bailey on this date is a symbolic act of defiance.
FAQ 5: How does the film’s 2020 timeline compare to our real-world 2020?
Answer: The film presents a divergent timeline, meaning it departs from our own historical reality. The rise of the Norsefire Party and the events leading to their control never happened in our world. The film uses the near-future setting of 2020 to create a chilling and relatable dystopia, highlighting the potential dangers of unchecked power and societal apathy.
FAQ 6: What happens after November 5th, 2021, the day Parliament is destroyed?
Answer: The film does not explicitly depict what happens after the destruction of Parliament. However, it is implied that the Norsefire Party’s power structure collapses, and the people of London are left to rebuild their society. The ending suggests a period of uncertainty and potential chaos, but also a hopeful opportunity for a more just and free society to emerge.
FAQ 7: How accurate is the film’s depiction of government surveillance and propaganda?
Answer: The film’s depiction of government surveillance and propaganda is heavily exaggerated for dramatic effect, but it draws inspiration from real-world instances of authoritarian regimes using these tactics to control their populations. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government power and the importance of critical thinking.
FAQ 8: Who is Adam Sutler, and what is his role in the timeline?
Answer: Adam Sutler is the leader of the Norsefire Party and the supreme ruler of the dystopian United Kingdom. He is the architect of the totalitarian regime, responsible for the oppressive policies and the suppression of dissent. He represents the embodiment of tyranny and is V’s ultimate target.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of Evey Hammond’s role in the timeline?
Answer: Evey Hammond represents the potential for individual transformation and resistance against oppression. Initially a timid and vulnerable young woman, she evolves into a strong and independent individual through her experiences with V. She ultimately becomes the person who triggers the destruction of Parliament, solidifying her role in the revolution. She becomes a symbol of the power of the individual.
FAQ 10: How does the film use flashbacks to inform the timeline?
Answer: Flashbacks are used to provide context and backstory, revealing crucial events such as the experiments at Larkhill and the origins of the Norsefire Party’s power. These flashbacks help viewers understand V’s motivations and the historical factors that led to the dystopian society.
FAQ 11: What is the underlying message about freedom within the film’s timeline?
Answer: The film’s timeline underscores the cyclical nature of oppression and resistance. It argues that freedom is not simply granted, but must be actively fought for and defended. The timeline suggests that even in the darkest of times, hope and resistance can emerge, inspiring others to challenge tyranny.
FAQ 12: Is there any official sequel to V for Vendetta that expands the timeline?
Answer: As of the current date, there is no official sequel to the V for Vendetta film or graphic novel that significantly expands the established timeline. While derivative works and reinterpretations may exist, they are not considered canon within the original creators’ vision. The film’s ending is intentionally ambiguous, allowing viewers to contemplate the potential future of the society V helped liberate.