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"People should not be afraid of their government; governments should be afraid of their people." If that axiom rings true to you, then you are likely to enjoy the controversial film "V for Vendetta."

A lot of the criticism of "V for Vendetta" came from the camp of "status quo" reviewers who were annoyed that it was a message film. It's true that the script could be tightened and it occasionally doesn't fully balance its graphic novel origins with its contemporary political overtones.

But "V" can be forgiven that because it is one of the few contemporary films to concentrate on the power of the state to use fear to turn a nation -- in this case Britain -- into individuals without rights or diseenting thoughts. As in "1984" and the Bushevik game plan, fear is used as an excuse to consolidate complete powers in the hands of self-appointed "experts" at estabilishing security, even if such security is a mirage.

In fact, as in the United States now, the despotic powers can only continue to rule by relying on a continued state of perceived and actual instability. Because only in the face of external and internal threats can the suspension of liberties and freedom be justified.

Fear is the cudgel by which tyranny rules and suppresses dissent in "V for Vendetta." Its parallels to the Bush Administration appear both intentional and sobering. Because fear drives people into the hands of demagoguic leadership, in this case one that manufactured the fear crisis in the first place.

"I want them to know that they need us," screams the High Chancellor, the ultimate dictator in "V for Vendetta." Bush, also, can only rule if he is perceived as "needed" to fight off the ever morphing "enemy" to the "homeland."

These have been the tools by which dictators have consolidated power since the beginning of time. We thought the emergence of democracy would place checks and balances on such demagoguery, but the Bush administration, since it took office, has sought a one-party reign that steamrolls the Constitution and balance of powers.

Terrorism is the bogeyman that they use to achieve their goal of absolute authoritarian rule.

"V for Vendetta" is a fascinating political allegory that is also a mystery story. It has a "Phantom of the Opera" style avenger and Natalie Portman as a reluctant heroine.

Be forewarned that it is violent at times, but its political resonance couldn't be any more intriguing and timely.


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