Loading ...Jackie Earle Haley probably has the single most difficult role in WATCHMEN. Rorschach is the most beloved and revered character from the graphic novel, and even the slightest misstep in his performance will bring scorn from the fan base.
That being said, I think Haley is unquestionably the right choice.
For starters, his acting history is perfectly in line with what the WATCHMEN project is all about. If anything, WATCHMEN is about spanning the divide between popular culture and high art. It’s about taking something as lowbrow as superheroes and turning it into a dramatic masterpiece. As an actor, Haley knows the border between art and the popular very well. An examination of his imdb profile reveals that he’s appeared in Oscar bait like Little Children and All the King’s Men, as well as making time to star in such films as Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence and an episode of MacGyver. Haley brings the perfect blend of classical acting skill and an appreciation for pop culture. Put ‘em together and you’ve got WATCHMEN.
Secondly, in wig and makeup, Haley looks an awful lot like Rorschach sans-mask. The bored, judgmental eyes, the wacky red hair, and the vague feeling that this guy wants to murder you - all picture perfect.
Finally, Rorschach is an undeniably crazy but nonetheless sympathetic character, and Haley plays sympathetic-crazy really, really well. If you need proof, go watch Little Children. His portrayal of a child molester who tries to do the right thing is amazingly close to the repulsive attraction of Rorschach. You don’t like this guy, you don’t agree with his actions, but you can’t stop yourself from sympathizing with his all-too-human motivations.
All in all, I don’t think they could have picked a better man to play Rorschach. Now we’ll just have to wait and see how he handles that mask… and how good he is at breaking fingers.
