Zack Snyder’s Watchmen: The Film That Changed His View of DC Fans

Among the various superhero films helmed by Zack Snyder, his 2009 adaptation of Watchmen stands out as a defining moment in his career. Reflecting on the process, Snyder once remarked that his deep affection for the original graphic novel was instrumental in shaping the film. This connection, he explained, also offered him a window into the fervour of comic book enthusiasts, particularly those loyal to DC.

Watchmen is like the music you feel is written just for you. ”That’s my song, no one else gets that but me.” That’s why the fan base is so rabid, because they feel personal about it. The difference between Watchmen and a normal comic book is this: With Batman’s Gotham City, you are transported to another world where that superhero makes sense; Watchmen comes at it in a different way, it almost superimposes its heroes on your world, which then changes how you view your world through its prism.

That sense of ownership and emotional investment is hardly unique to comics; it’s a thread running through novels, games, television, and film. Snyder, a self-confessed fan, found himself uniquely positioned to interpret the material, resulting in a version of Watchmen that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Making Watchmen: A Director’s Personal Mission

Although Snyder’s take on Watchmen is often cited as a high point in the superhero genre, the project had a rather turbulent journey before landing in his hands. He was the last in a line of directors to tackle the adaptation, stepping in after Terry Gilliam’s departure. This change prompted Snyder to rework the script, steering the film in a direction that reflected his own vision.

Unsurprisingly, this shift sparked debate among purists of the original story and those who had hoped to see Gilliam’s interpretation. Addressing the controversy, Snyder once clarified his motivations:

Yeah, the fans would have stormed the castle on that one. So, honestly, I made “Watchmen” for myself. It’s probably my favorite movie that I’ve made. And I love the graphic novel and I really love everything about the movie. I love the style. I just love the movie and it was a labor of love. And I made it because I knew that the studio would have made the movie anyway and they would have made it crazy. So, finally I made it to save it from the Terry Gilliams of this world.

While a vocal minority still grumble about liberties taken with the adaptation, most viewers and long-time fans have come to appreciate the film’s distinctive qualities.

Why Watchmen Endures

What sets Watchmen apart, and perhaps explains its lasting appeal, is its refusal to simply celebrate its costumed protagonists. Instead, the film takes a scalpel to the superhero mythos, exposing the flaws and contradictions beneath the surface. Where other stories might present vigilantes as a force for good, Snyder’s adaptation leans into the darker consequences of their actions, painting a far more ambiguous picture.

Characters in Watchmen don’t evolve into shining beacons of hope; if anything, they spiral further into obsession and instability. This approach creates a tension between action and ideology that’s rarely explored in mainstream cinema. The film’s visual style—gritty, moody, unmistakably Snyder—only heightens this effect, making for a viewing experience that’s as unsettling as it is memorable.

Layered throughout are themes of morality, society, and the human condition, all woven into a narrative that refuses to offer easy answers. It’s this complexity, coupled with a distinctive aesthetic, that has helped Watchmen remain relevant well over a decade after its release.

Watchmen at a Glance

For those curious about the details: Watchmen was directed by Zack Snyder and features performances from Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, and Matthew Goode. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 64% from critics and 71% from audiences, and it took in $185 million at the box office. It’s currently available to stream on HBO Max in the US.

What’s your take—has the film lost any of its edge over the years?