Due to the complexity of the source material, multiple versions of the film exist:
By refusing to compromise, Rorschach forces Dr. Manhattan to kill him. He would rather die than live in a peaceful lie. The film leaves it ambiguous whether this is bravery or stupidity. That ambiguity is the thesis of Watchmen . Are you willing to sacrifice peace for truth? Or is peace worth the lie? watchmen 2009
The film features an ensemble cast with no single protagonist, though Rorschach often serves as the narrative anchor. Due to the complexity of the source material,
Wilson is the audience surrogate. He’s the nostalgic, impotent (literally, the scene in the Owlship is infamous) everyman who just wants to feel useful again. watchmen 2009