The League…

In 2003, a film was released titled The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I was hooked from the trailer and my then boyfriend, now husband, and I went to see the film. My sister was there as well, gushing over Stuart Townsend as Dorian Grey. We’re both infatuated with Sean Conery, and at the time, Peta Wilson was on the USA networks La Femme Nakita. We were acquainted with much of the remaining cast, but those three were the initial draw.

The film pays an homage to the classic horror figures and bad guys from the late 19th, early 20th centuries. The persona of these actors gave life to characters, that for me, have stood the test of time on their own merit. I love the irony of a female being among the unique individuals selected for a quest that only super-human creatures could attack. Wilamina Murray, a.k.a Mina Harker, as she was wed to Jonathan Harker prior to being sired by Dracula, is the sole female in the main cast. All members had unique skills, powers, and qualities. Mina, well, she became a Vampire. Dracula ultimately claimed her and she then dedicated her life to science, crafting formulas to make her in effect a “day walker”. I love how she is able to stay in control, never “vamping out”. Her supernatural experience made her into an even stronger woman and a formidable foe.

The male portion of the cast comprises of Alan Quartermaine, a brave hunter/hero who was given the gift of immortality, by another means. He becomes the mentor to a young Tom Sawyer. Tom, in turn, gives Alan the respect that a man of his stature deserves. Naturally, we have Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. Conflict much? Then, there is the invisible man. Turned out that his loyalty to The League was as crystal clear as he was. Dorian Grey? Well, he’s “complicated”. It’s rare that a one word line could have so much depth. Captain Nemo certainly walked a different path, several in fact. He had a jaded past, but used his abundant resources to allow the team to catch and bring the illusive Moriarity to justice. 

This film is like a full course meal, followed by a mouth-watering dessert for me. It’s clever, thrilling, and so entertaining!