1984

Rating:
Summary: One of the best book adaptations ever
Review: "Nineteen Eighty-Four" (the actual on-screen title) is a rare example of a film adaptation of a book that faithfully transfers the visions and theme of the book's author, right down to even filming on the dates that the author specified (April-June 1984). George Orwell's frightening, hellish novel of a future where freedom has vanished, even from the minds of human beings, has been turned into an equally frightening film version. Its tale of a government that seeks to utterly crush the human spirit through propaganda, language, and fear, turning human beings into programmed machines, has never been more frightening than today. It is a book and movie for all times, as long as governments lie, tyrannies exist, and people surrender their freedoms in the name of fears, both real and imagined.

The casting couldn't be more perfect. John Hurt, looking worn and stretched past his years, is the ideal actor to play "little rebel" Winston Smith, who dares to think against the mysterious Big Brother and to fall in love. In his last film role, Richard Burton is like a glaring Greek Statue, stern and unflappable and scary. It's an unnerving and great performance. As for Suzanna Hamilton, Winston's love Julia, I was shocked when I first saw the movie: she matched exactly the image of Julia I had in my head when I read the book.

Director Michael Radford (who also directed "Il Postino") imagines the world of George Orwell exactly as the author would have if he had directed the film: as a wrecked vision of late-40s Britain if it had lost World War II. The set design is stunning, combing some high technology (video screens and computers) with rusty mid-forties technology (pneumatic tubes, rotary phones). Everywhere is decay and deprivation. Nothing really works, everything is bland and ugly in that awful, gray-stone block style that dominated Soviet and Chinese government architecture of the 1940s and 1950s. No doubt about it, the director understood where Orwell was coming from, and the models he was using.

Just like the book, "Nineteen Eighty-Four" is a film that will utterly devastate you, get under your skin, and change the way you look at the world. It is a masterpiece.

(A note on the disc: Although they receive credit, the music by the Eurythmics has been completely removed, as per the wishes of the director. Since this is a no-frills DVD without much in the way of extras, there is no alternate music track to let people hear the original theatrical soundtrack. However, the film is much much better without the Eurythmics; they don't fit the style and feel of the film or the wonderful original music. Also, the washed-out photographic style of the original released has been changed to a more natural look; but this has been true of every version since the theatrical release. None of this should prevent you from getting hold of this wonderful movie.)

Rating:
Summary: Get Your Boot Off Of My Face!
Review: Attention: For those who did not read George Orwell's classic dystopian novel "1984" in high school, college, or through personal initiative, please take the time to do so before diving into the soul shattering experience of the film version of this book, aptly titled "1984." I imagine that many viewers could experience lapses of extreme boredom if they do not have a sufficient understanding of newspeak, thoughtcrime, and the political dynamics of Oceania/Eastasia/Eurasia before experiencing this soul shattering film. You might even want to read a few items about communism and fascism before watching the movie. In any event, the book and film are chilling in their presentation of a world in the grip of pure totalitarianism.

Originally released in 1984, "1984" tells the story of Winston Smith. Smith lives and works in what used to be the city of London, before an atomic war swept away the world as we know it and ushered in the dark gloom of Big Brother. Smith spends his days working away in a booth at the Ministry of Information, constantly updating and rewriting the party organs in order to make history fit with present realities. In the course of a day's work, Winston routinely changes rationing promises, removes people labeled as "non-persons" from articles, and burns records. During his off hours, he sits in his ratty apartment under the constant surveillance of the state, which keeps an eye on him through a giant monitor in his living room and with hovering helicopters outside his window. Occasionally, Winston gets to attend giant party rallies where he and other members of INGSOC watch televised propaganda tapes about the endless war with Eastasia (or is it Eurasia?). Each day is bleak, filled with consumer shortages, the endless nattering of propaganda in the background ("War is Peace, Ignorance is Strength, Freedom is Slavery"), and dreams about his life as a child or a place in the countryside.

Unfortunately for Winston, he just cannot make himself accept the prevailing view, namely that one need only give oneself up to the party and never question anything INGSOC pronounces as truth. His job reconstructing history makes him acutely aware that the party lies incessantly, and in Winston's world losing faith in the party means losing one's life after visiting Room 101 in the Ministry of Love. To make matters worse, Winston catches the eye of the lovely Julia and quickly becomes embroiled in seditious activities that Big Brother more than frowns upon. After Winston falls in with a high party official named O'Brien, the downward spiral begins in earnest, leading to an interrogation that is definitely an upsetting viewing experience.

This film is by necessity an intensely character driven vehicle. Thankfully, director Michael Radford obtained the services of John Hurt and Richard Burton to play Winston and O'Brien. Hurt shines as the tortured Winston, looking as though he's on death's door while he trudges through another bland day in Oceania. Burton is properly menacing as the enigmatic O'Brien, playing his role of party thug with equal parts compassion (oddly enough) and threat. I know less about Suzanna Hamilton, the actress who plays Julia, although she does an admirable job working between two great film stars. Incidentally, this was Burton's last film role.

I loved the atmosphere of this film. Radford creates a dank, dingy London I wouldn't even think about strolling through without a full body protection suit. The ubiquitous audio and visual propaganda is a nice touch as well, creating a sense of total immersion in Winston's world. As Winston slogs through the bombed out backdrop of London on his way to work, the viewer becomes aware of the party's total grip on the people through the canard of total war. The omnipresent image of Big Brother should certainly bring a smirk to anyone familiar with Russian history, since the guy looks a lot like Lenin.

I noticed that the Eurythmics soundtrack, while advertised on the case and in the credits, is missing from the film. This did not bother me much since I first saw the film years ago and do not remember much about the soundtrack other than the excellent score by Dominic Muldowney... I feel sorry for those who looked forward to having that part of the soundtrack included in their purchase. Despite this omission, the film is very much worth the money.

Great imagery, great acting, and a great message about the evils of 20th century fascism and communism make "1984" a must have for any film lover. I'll watch John Hurt in nearly anything, but he really turns in a powerful performance here. Pick up this movie and watch for the warning signs!

Rating:
Summary: Nearly as good as might be expected
Review: I have only seen the VHS version, and am looking forward to seeing the DVD in light of the reviews here. Having seen the film over a dozen times, I feel safe sharing a few observations.

1. As others have pointed out: If you've never read Orwell's 1984, READ IT FIRST. If you don't enjoy - if "enjoy" is the right word - or understand the book (your loss), the movie likely will do little except baffle and annoy you.

2. If you have read the book and "enjoyed" it, see the film. Be warned: the script is not word-for-word Orwell. That'd be impossible short of a Masterpiece Theater-type miniseries (not a bad idea).

As it is, crucial and not-so-crucial elements of the novel have been compressed, altered, combined or deleted. The worst example of this probably is the novel's portrayal of Winston's entrapment by O'Brian. This potentially powerful, emotionally charged scene (which includes Julia) is inexcusably shortened and muted in the film, involving only Hurt and Burton. The movie suffers, and that's why I give it a 4 out of 5.

And it is true that the affair between Winston and Julia - while very physical - is not entirely warm, as one reviewer laments. Yet what should we expect from people born into this universe? These are world-weary individuals living with the constant dread of sure detection and destruction; they agree it must happen sooner or later. And it does. So the melancholy, futile mood of their relationship (especially on Winston's part) is reasonable and entirely appropriate, given the reality the characters inhabit. All along they're expecting to happen that which we can only hope, for their sakes, doesn't have to be. So for me, the performances work.

Despite drawbacks, the basic story IS there and would be valuable in a classroom setting to supplement (not replace!) the book.

3. Even those who read the book and hate the film must admit the cinematography captures the bleak, hopeless mood of the novel as well as any filmed version of a book ever has. No one who really "gets" the book will deny that, and it's worth seeing for that reason alone. I personally can't recall another movie that so consistently mirrors the look and feel of its source novel.

4. The soundtrack: I admit it's all I've known, but I enjoy the original. Yes, it gets in the way here and there. But think about it - the synthesizer-based music is so subtly mechanized (even the vocals) that it actually fits. Everything about the 1984 universe is false, doomed or both. And everything is soaked in hopelessness. So I agree with other reviewers that the Eurythmics' music makes for a dreamlike, surreal vibe that on the surface does not seem to fit at all...but does.

Incidentally...I've often wondered what the film would be like with no music at all, save the Party's broadcasted anthems, marches and whatnot. Think about it!

Also...the way the plaintive "Julia" plays over the final blackout of the end credits (vhs) is nothing less haunting. Some of you know what I mean. If not, listen to the lyrics - they mesh perfectly with the final winter scene of the book (how I wish they'd shot the final conversation between Julia and Winston outside in the cold, gray wind where it should be, instead of inside the cafe...imagine THAT scene!). Still, that song - more than anything else in the film - is what's stuck with me ever since I first saw this movie. Knowing it's gone from the DVD gives me the hunch that I'll end up voting for the VHS.

Still, I look forward to seeing the disc...who knows, I may prefer it. They told me I'd hate the so-called "director's cut" of Blade Runner, which removed Decker's running commentary and that tacked-on, sunny epilogue. But they were wrong!

So if you've not seen 1984...read and familiarize yourself with the book, THEN see the movie. If you can't get into the book, the film probably will waste your time. If you can see both the DVD and the original VHS, do so - it should make for an interesting comparison.

And if you end up depressed after seeing the film, it will have done its job. It's 1984 more and more all the time, you know.

Rating:
Summary: Profound Accomplishment!
Review: 1984 has always been one of my favorite books, and this is one of the most successful book adaptations I have ever seen. I also want to say that I don't miss the Eurythmics contributions to the score at all. This comes from a fan of the group and a proud owner of their original soundtrack recording. My recommendation: buy this DVD and the Eurythmics soundtrack and enjoy them seperately. The new score is a better fit, although I would have gladly paid a little more money to have both versions of the film. As far as special features are concerned, forget it -- this is a bare-bones release. Normally, I might dock a star for that, but I'm so grateful to be able to watch this wonderful movie on DVD, I just don't care.

Rating:
Summary: Michael Radford's Film Is DoublePlusGood
Review: Almost everyone is familiar with George Orwell's novel NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR--either you read it of your own volition, or you had to read it in a high-school or college literature class--so it would be redundant to recount the basic plot here. Two major theatrical versions of the novel have been proffered to the English-speaking public: Michael Anderson's 1984, released in 1956, and Michael Radford's NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR, released (appropriately) in 1984. Anderson's 1950s edition is rather dull and lacks the severity of the novel, but Radford's more recent film is about as close as one could possibly get to directly translating Orwell's literary vision to the silver screen.

The novel is meant as a warning about how the human spirit, and therefore humanity's future, degrades and deteriorates under strict, ruthless totalitarianism. Orwell's description of life under a strong-fisted dictatorship is bleak, drab, and colorless, and the novel's protagonist, Winston Smith, and his fellow citizens are described as being barely more than animate skeletons. Radford creates the visual equivalent by peopling his NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR with reflections of the victims of Nazi concentration camps, and the quality of life in his Oceania is hardly much better. Even the architecture is severe and cold, the clothes that people wear are rag-like and virtually colorless, and the homes and offices of even government employees like Smith look old and unhealtfully dirty.

John Hurt is perfectly cast as Winston Smith. Not only does he look thin and gaunt, but his superb acting skills allow him to portray Orwell's antihero with an inner despair that the audience can actually feel through his face and physical bearing. Suzanna Hamilton is also a good choice for Smith's love (or lust?) interest, Julia. She is attractive enough to make it believable that Hurt's Smith would desire her, yet she is also able to bring to life Orwell's vision of Julia as a hedonistic anti-establishment rebel. Best of all, though, is the casting of Richard Burton as O'Brien, the Ingsoc Inner Party official who ultimately betrays Smith. Burton maintains a stoic air throughout the film, remaining calm and mild even as his character tortures Smith, and his O'Brien, as in Orwell's novel, is eerily unsettling.

The DVD from MGM offers an anamorphic widescreen digital transfer from a quality print, but it is short on extras (theatrical trailer only). However, this is such an outstanding film version of a literary great that the lack of extras should not deter film buffs or Orwell fans from adding the DVD to their collections.

Rating:
Summary: "Big Brother" is watching you everywhere!
Review: "1984" (Nineteen Eighty-Four) was a book, now infamous, published in 1949. Some people thought it was about Russia, but it is actually a work of fiction of what George Orwell thought the future could become, not specificly the year 1984, but any year afterwards.
What really sends shivers through your spine, just like 2001: A SPACE ODESSEY was a "prediction" that many technical devices and space technology and use of computers portrayed in the film have come true. "1984" also has some "predictions" that have materalized before our eyes. Giant-monster screens, high-definition television, plasma tv sets for the wall. Even the phrase "Big Brother is watching!" is commonly used.
Winston Smith's (John Hurt) daily routine is getting up by an alarm, exercise, go to work, listen to "Big Brother", go home and more "Big Brother". Inside your home, you must be in sight of the big screen. Big Brother's face is constantly there, but no one as ever met him or seen him anywhere. You must listen to what Big Brother is saying at all times even when you are outside his voice is heard. If you are not in sight of your screen, you will be told to get back in sight. There are no drama or comedy programs. Just real life. You can exercise live and you can see an arrest made live. No music programs. At work, Winston has a little t.v. on his desk because Big Brother must be seen and heard. Winston's job is to re-write and proofread past and present history. Articles are condensed in one sentence if possible. "Doublespeak" is used. Words and other information is altered. Even two words can be condensed. When Winston is finished, the original, historical and valuable piece of information is destroyed forever. Similar to LOGAN'S RUN, everyone must gather into a giant room, there is a big screen of Big Brother there. People usually scream at the screen with "his face". Others are quite serious and quiet. You must live by Big Brother's orders or else. Winston wants to get out. To see if an outside exists. He has once heard of a land without Big Brother.
Richard Burton plays "O'Brien". This was Burton's last film role and he died during production, ironically in 1984. Bob Flag is the face of "Big Brother". After viewing this film, you might realize how close we might be to Orwell's story. Was it Russia, Germany, or is it the Middle East? This book was published in 1949.
As long as there is a President of the United States, a Queen or King of England, and His Holiness the Pope, this "1984" story will never fully happen.
I highly recommend any edition of the book, "1984" by George Orwell for excellent reading.
A film version of "1984" was also made by the British in 1956.

Rating:
Summary: so stupid
Review: I read the book right before I watched the movie and I mean RIGHT BEFORE. I finished reading the book and then put the movie on like a half hour later. There are a number of really, really disgusting parts in this movie. The dialogue is really hackneyed. The book is good. This movie is just about a travesty.

Rating:
Summary: No soundtrack alternative?
Review: One of my favorite movies, and one of John Hurt's best performances (which is saying a lot, considering his general exellence). But the surreal electronica of the Eurythmics soundtrack has been totally removed, and replaced with dour, droning orchestral strings. This really sinks it for me, I'm afraid. After waiting so long to have this film on DVD, too . . . *sigh* . . . they should have offered the Eurythmics as alternative audio. It isn't as if the disc is packed so full of special features that they couldn't stick on another audio file. I know the whole story of director Radford's unhappiness with the Eurythmics soundtrack that was apparently forced on him way back when, but even the DVD release of Ridely Scott's Legend had both the Tangerine Dream and Jerry Goldsmith versions.

This is a lot like the recent Gumby DVD release by Rhino, which used some horrid 80's Casio-keyboard soundtracks instead of the original audio. So I'm afraid you'll find this DVD a total disappointment, if you remember the original music with any fondness. That great quirky feel which that music added is now replaced with a boring requiem of droning, droning, droning orchestra. A shame, really.

Rating:
Summary: "Big Brother" is watching you everywhere!
Review: "1984" (Nineteen Eighty-Four) was a book, now infamous, published in 1949. Some people thought it was about Russia, but it is actually a work of fiction of what George Orwell thought the future could become, not specificly the year 1984, but any year afterwards.
What really sends shivers through your spine, just like 2001: A SPACE ODESSEY was a "prediction" that many technical devices and space technology and use of computers portrayed in the film have come true. "1984" also has some "predictions" that have materalized before our eyes. Giant-monster screens, high-definition television, plasma tv sets for the wall. Even the phrase "Big Brother is watching!" is commonly used.
Winston Smith's (John Hurt) daily routine is getting up by an alarm, exercise, go to work, listen to "Big Brother", go home and more "Big Brother". Inside your home, you must be in sight of the big screen. Big Brother's face is constantly there, but no one as ever met him or seen him anywhere. You must listen to what Big Brother is saying at all times even when you are outside his voice is heard. If you are not in sight of your screen, you will be told to get back in sight. There are no drama or comedy programs. Just real life. You can exercise live and you can see an arrest made live. No music programs. At work, Winston has a little t.v. on his desk because Big Brother must be seen and heard. Winston's job is to re-write and proofread past and present history. Articles are condensed in one sentence if possible. "Doublespeak" is used. Words and other information is altered. Even two words can be condensed. When Winston is finished, the original, historical and valuable piece of information is destroyed forever. Similar to LOGAN'S RUN, everyone must gather into a giant room, there is a big screen of Big Brother there. People usually scream at the screen with "his face". Others are quite serious and quiet. You must live by Big Brother's orders or else. Winston wants to get out. To see if an outside exists. He has once heard of a land without Big Brother.
Richard Burton plays "O'Brien". This was Burton's last film role and he died during production, ironically in 1984. Bob Flag is the face of "Big Brother". After viewing this film, you might realize how close we might be to Orwell's story. Was it Russia, Germany, or is it the Middle East? This book was published in 1949.
As long as there is a President of the United States, a Queen or King of England, and His Holiness the Pope, this "1984" story will never fully happen.
I highly recommend any edition of the book, "1984" by George Orwell for excellent reading.
A film version of "1984" was also made by the British in 1956.

Rating:
Summary: a good remake, but not like the original
Review: this remake is alright, however the original film, released in 1956, starring Edmund O'Brian and Jan Sterling is far more superior. The performance of Michael Redgrave was outstanding, although Richard Burton is good also. It is too bad that the original cannot be found anywhere except ebay, and even then you may get a poor print. Supposedly banned by the George Orwell Society because of copyright. It is too bad because the original is far superior to the remake. Why the producers put Annie Lennox for the musical score is beyond me, it was distracting, and I am glad it is gone from the DVD. The original was scored with the London Symphony Orchestra. The two minute hate scene had you frozen in your chair. However this remake of a classic is good for those who aren't even familiar with the original.