1984
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Movie Reviews of 1984
Movie Review: I'm a purist and Orwell lover and I still loved this
Summary: 5 Stars
Look, few movie adaptations ever touch the book (Jaws, The Shawshank Redemption are exceptions) but that is no reason to go into a book-adaptation looking for the flaws and differences inherent in turning a brilliant piece of literature into a film. Take this movie for what it is, an exceptional adaptation and piece of filmmaking.
The only complaint that I have agaisnt the film is that it might be a little confusing to a viewer who hasn't read the book. However, I truly mean that that's my only complaint about the film. John Hurt is spectacular as Winston Smith, perfectly displaying Winston's inner turmoil and gaunt appearance. Eqaully spectacular is Richard Burton, in his final film role, as the enigmatic O'Brien. Suzanna Hamilton is decent as Julia, not unrealistically beautiful and with a flippant sense of rebellion that is her charm. The sets of a bombed out London are extremely convincing: never does the viewer question this decrepit and depressing dystopia.
Although some of the things added to the film were surprising (the physical crossing of the arms to make a "V"), some actually improved on the novel, an example being the set-up of Winston's deep fear for rats. The physical likeness of Big Brother, an amalgam of historical tyrants, is well done, and the soundtrack (done by Eurythmics of all people) perfectly suits the film. If you loved the book, you owe it to yourself to see this. 9/10
Movie Review: the most closely followed screen adaption ever
Summary: 5 Stars
in this chilling film,the government monitors all of everybodies actions via computers.winston and his woman must keep thier love a secret or theyll be in violation of federal law.any lawbreakers are tortured so bad theyll confess to anything just to get it to stop.hes also keeping a diary which is another no no since the computer cannot actively follow what he is writing.the kids will probably be bored.i dont know who directed it,but the book is by george orwell who is better known for animal farm.its my second favorite book right behind a clockwork orange.its really low budget.i think this is a movie for intellectuals,but everybody should see it.theres an older movie version from 56 also.it is 100% consistent with the book.ive never seen one so closely adapted.even how i pictured it in my head was accurate and thats astronomical!the message is let the machine roll on.you are but one tiny piece.its awesome. Movie Review: Where's the sound track??
Summary: 1 Stars
This film premiered late in 1984 with a lot of hype about Eurythmics soundtrack. The story goes that when Eurythmics attended the London preview which featured the now DVD version of the soundtrack, they thought it was a joke. Sadly, this was in fact the director's vision of what might otherwise have been a really powerful realization of Orwell's famous novel. After a legal suit, Eurythmics won out and director Michael Radford was forced to honor his own advance publicity and include Eurythmics soundtrack for the public release of the film. Because he had never intended to use the soundtrack at all, the original cut of the film (available on VHS) is hauntingly silent, devoid of music except for the very odd and occassional moment where Eurhtymics soundtrack makes an appearence. This is the film I remembered, a retro-futuristic examination of Orwell's work. Eurythmics' music was powerful and unsettling and really stands on its own as a studio recording (for those who are fans of 80s techno-pop)- keeping in mind that the lp release of the sound track was sooped up for the dance-floor. All in all, Radford's original/DVD vision of this story was hoakey and uninspired. Had he stuck with the material Eurythmics brought to the film, he might have had a real daring film on his hands. As it stands, well...it's hoakey, and uninspired.Movie Review: *sigh* Get the VHS!
Summary: 2 Stars
I've seen the VHS version a dozen times, and waited a LONG time to get my hands on the DVD. Well, I finally saw it two days ago.I regret to say, I'm glad I only rented it.
In short, the DVD version of this film is completely, utterly LIFELESS. Not boring, but passionless and without the vitality of the original. I suspect it is a combination of the inappropriately bright, clear colors (not suggestively muted and washed-out as in the VHS) and the new, quietly ponderous "serious" soundtrack which is just plain...well...weak. Overall, this version is about as impressive as a good made for TV movie, if that can be called a compliment.
Please do not judge Radford's 1984 by the DVD, even if he is reported to prefer this version (something I will NEVER understand). The life has been literally SUCKED from this film. If you can find a copy of the VHS, watch it instead. It is literally a different movie - try it and see.
The only good thing about the DVD is the addition of subtitles which do clarify many scenes. That I liked.
Movie Review: Kudos to No Soundtrack Alternative comment
Summary: 3 Stars
I agree with the review of this DVD concerning the lack of the Eurythmics soundtrack. Absolute blasphemy! Radford has not only made a huge miscalculation in judgment -- he's showing his true colors. His hatred of the Eurythmics soundtrack was only the beginning. He has completely taken Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox out of the film! He has somehow digitally removed them!