Production Information: Perry, Simon (Producer) and Radford, Michael (Director). (1984). 1984. DVD. 20th Century Fox/Virgin Films, United Kingdom.
Plot Summary: This film is based on George Orwell's famous novel, 1984. The story centers around Winston Smith, who works at the Ministry of Truth in Oceania, a country run by a totalitarian government. Big Brother rules and controls Oceania with a constant stream of propaganda announced via big screen television. Winston has memories and desires and ends up having an affair with Julia, a fellow worker, which is strictly forbidden. The affair ends when the Thought Police arrest Winston and Julia. Winston is tortured with his worst nightmare: a cage filled with vicious rodents and is "broken."
Critical Evaluation: My first impression when watching 1984 was one of sadness and bleakness. John Hurt, playing Winston Smith, does an excellent job at depicting the horror of this fictional place. Julia, played by Julia Hamilton, is also wonderful at portraying Julia in the novel: bold and rebellious. As with most film adaptations of novels, the film cannot capture everything a novel can, but 1984 does a good job. It generally received "positive critical reaction."
Annotation: A worker for the Outer Party living in a futuristic world run by a totalitarian government is tormented by painful memories and desires.
About the Director: Michael Radford is an English film director. After attending Oxford, he worked as a documentary filmmaker, mostly for the BBC. He became famous after directing 1984 which Richard Burton gave his last performance. Radford has directed several other films including: White Mischief and Il Postino which won many international film awards.
In 2000 Radford directed Dancing in the Blue Iguana and in 2004 he directed The Merchant of Venice adapted from William Shakespeare's comedy. The film stars Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons. In 2000 Radford directed his first play, The Seven Year Itch.
Genre: Science Fiction
Curriculum: Social Studies/ Totalitarian Government/ Brain Washing/ Torture
Talking Points: What would it be like to live in a world where you were not free to think or have your own beliefs? How would it feel to be controlled by a totalitarian government?
Rating and Interest Age: 16 and up
Challenge Issues: Sex, full nudity, torture
Reason for Inclusion: This thought provoking film which touches on social issues and government is for a mature audience.
No comments:
Post a Comment