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EQUILIBRIUM

"Taye Is Diggin' This Film"
Directed by Kurt Wimmer - Written by Kurt Wimmer
Starring Christian Bale, Taye Diggs, Sean Bean, Emily Watson
Distributed by Miramax - 2002 - 107mins - Rated R

Jacob Hall's Review

A-

 
In a future where freedom is outlawed outlaws will become heroes.
 
"Equilibrium" was shot for $20 million, a pretty small budget for an ambitious action film. It was filmed in Europe using a German crew and received wide release throughout most of the world. It was such a big hit, that the producers decided not to risk it flopping in the United States due to the cast of unknowns. It received limited release and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Pity. What most Americans don't know is that they missed out on one of the best action films in years.

"Equilibrium" is an homage to two genres: science fiction novels like Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" and George Orwell's "1984," and hard-boiled action films. Like "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451," "Equilibrium" takes place in the near future. The government of the world realizes that war and crime bridges from one thing: feelings. They decide that if they eliminate emotions, no one will hurt anyone, and society can be productive. Everything that can trigger emotions is ordered to be destroyed. Books, artwork, music, movies, and even video games are burnt. Pets are outlawed. At regular intervals, everyone is required to inject themselves with Prozium, a drug that stops emotions. Naturally, not everyone is happy with this lifestyle and they choose to fight it. Since the regular polic force is inadequate to fight the rebels, a special team is created: the Clericks. This is a highly trained and deadly team of officers who hunt down and eliminate rebel activity and destroy art. One of the most respected officers, is John Preston (Christian Bale), who's wife was burnt alive for "feeling" four years earlier. His kids are emotionless zombies, he kills without remorse or regret, and his life is straight...until he finds out that his partner Partridge (Sean Bean), has been secretly reading poetry and meeting with rebels. Preston ends this problem by shooting him in the face, and he gets a new partner: the vigilant Brandt (Taye Diggs). Preston's life soon changes forever, when he accidentally drops his supply of prozium and is unable to acquire more...and he starts to feel.

This is a fascinating movie on every front. Writer/director Kurt Wimmer has crafted a film that will easily be a science fiction masterpiece in a few years (it already has a strong cult following). It does what few films of this type do: bridge an emotionally harrowing story with kick-ass (I rarely use that phrase) action sequences. Since these two parts of the film have their own positives and negatives, I will examine each of them individually.

THE STORY, ACTING, AND DIRECTION

As you must of guessed by now, Preston discovers why people fight to keep emotions, and naturally, he joins the rebels. This doesn't immediately take place, though. It first establishes Preston's character through his encounter with art. When Preston raids a house looking for art, he stumbles across a record player. With his newfound emotions taking over, he plays a record and hears Beethoven. Preston's reaction is so moving, and very sad, mainly because this is a man who has never heard music before. Unlike most of us, who take simple things like music for granted, Preston realizes the true magic of the medium. Another equally moving scene occurs when Preston saves a dog from being shot by police after the dogs licks him on the face. Such a simplistic thing, being discovered for the first time. This film truly shows Bale's power as an actor. He is easily one of the best young actors out there right now.

Most of the acting is very stiff and emotionless, but of course, this is intentional. The only truly bad performance comes from Diggs, who is supposed to show no emotion at all, but does so openly and quite often. I can't blame Diggs too much. He's a decent actor, and the director should have told him to cut the emotion.

These are minor quips about the story and acting. I'm a big fan of both "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451," so this type of story really appeals to me. Even the design of the city reminds me of these novels. A slightly futuristic city landscape that is almost entirely neutral colors. The city at first does look a little fake, but after a few moments when the city design blends with the action sequences, you notice that while the city's faults may be because of the low budget, it actually works extremely well and gives the film a very comic book look. Whether intentional or not, it's very impressive.

THE ACTION

Many think that the action in "Equilibrium" is a rip-off of "The Matrix," but they are actually quite different. The only similarities are that the main character wears a long coat (but a different design than Neo), and he wields dual pistols (but the reason for this weapon choice is actually explained). There is no bullet time, and none of the reality bending stunts, either. In fact, the action is some of the most original and mind-boggling I have ever seen.

Instead of slow-motion, the director seems to being using sped up film. The action scenes are very fast and furious. The main action scene must last for no more than a minute or two. But what a bang for the buck! The choreography is based on a training technique that is shown earlier in the film, where gun-fighting becomes an elaborate dance of death and the gun is an extension of the body. In addition to the gun battles, there is an equally fast sword fight that you have to see to believe. I won't say anymore, because it's too good and I don't want to spoil it anymore.

So, why not an A+ for a film like this? Well, when everything really boils down, "Equilibrium" is still a science-fiction film, that, while excellent, doesn't break too many barriers. The story, as good as it is, deserves a longer running time. And Taye Diggs' performance practically contradicts the entire film.

Despite these minor quibbles, I highly recommend this film to any science fiction or action fan. If you like "Dark City," "The Matrix," or "Minority Report," you should like this film. It's a fascinating, exciting, and re-watchable film featuring Christian Bale, whom I guarantee you will be one of the most respected actors within a few years.

Highly underrated, and simply excellent

 
© Written by Jacob Hall - Email Me!

How We Rated This Film

TC Candler -

B-
Richard Propes - B
Jacob Hall - A-

TC Candler's Comment

This film isn't original enough to be memorable.

Richard Propes' Comment

n/a


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