1984

Normally the problem with adaptations is that they skip the boring bits so the plot and character development suffer as a result. Not so with 1984 where they've seemingly decided that the real threat of Orwell's dystopian future was unending boredom rather than totalitarian fear and oppression. The characters are undeveloped and the movie is slow slow slow.

The novel has pretty much a history textbook in the middle of it, yet it held my interest from start to finish. For this movie, a history lesson in the middle would have been the most exciting scene.

The film stayed quite faithful to the book and, I felt, Orwell's vision; or at least my personal perception of it. Needless to say, it met with expectation. I do believe, however, that one needs to read the novel in order to fully appreciate the film. As well as the opportunity to read the greatest work of fiction of the 20th Century, one is afforded the luxury of a greater awareness and appreciation of the plot; the character's viewpoints and reasons for certain behaviours; even the minor player's attitudes, reactions and relationships which would allow for greater clarity; ultimately benefitting the viewer's experience.

There are 4 adaptations of Orwell's novel and this (the 1984 version) was the first one I saw, at the cinema, on its initial release in late 1984. [Incidentally it was accompanied by an excellent short animation called Skywhales which is definitely worth seeing if it ever gets shown on TV.]

22 years later I saw the 1954 BBC production at the National Media Museum cinema; more recently I saw the 1955 film on DVD and shortly after I watched this 1984 version again. This is the best one (although they are all worth seeing) and is the only one in colour. The fact that it is in colour - albeit a deliberately wan colour - actually helps to convey the grimness & bleakness of the citizens' lives.

The acting by the main players is very good. John Hurt, as always, is excellent. Richard Burton is superb; he could so easily have been too theatrical and over-the-top as O'Brien but his performance is carefully restrained and is all the more menacing for it. Burton makes a whisper more threatening than a shout. His last role was a fitting tribute to his genius and it's tragic that he never lived to see the completed film. Former child actress Suzanna Hamilton (Swallows and Amazons) shows that she's now grown up and, yes, we can certainly see she's a big girl now! Whatever happened to her?

As for the music by the Eurythmics, the least said about that the better but it's the reason I deducted half a star. Apparently the producers wanted David Bowie but the Eurythmics were cheaper. Whatever they were paid it was too much. Classical composer Dominic Muldowney also had some input & I have a vague recollection of him having some connection with Bowie - possibly the marvellous Baal's Hymn but my memory could be wrong.

The other version of 1984 was another BBC production, made in 1965. I haven't seen it as it's never been released on video or DVD, so if any BBC execs happen to read this, how about it? Let's have the chance to see it.

Format: Cinema - 35mm film (and DVD)

Its a very dark film, and you probably need to know a bit about the book before you watch it (although if you haven't read 1984 then what the hell have you been doing?).

Parts of the film goes into that typical 1980s strangeness that can leave you a bit lost. However the overall message of the film is not lost and it is immensely enjoyable and has a very powerful message. You should definately watch this if you like films that make you think.

An excellent film.

Not seen this for years, still good.

Excellent adaptation of the book.

One most definately to add to your list.