*minor spoilers*
While I can't safely say that Equilibrium brings anything resoundingly unique to the genre, one thing is for sure, it does just about everything right.
This movie seems to always be compared with the Matrix. What I will say about this comparison is that Equilibrium succeeds in two areas The Matrix (and especially its sequels) failed.
The first being the acting, Christian Bale proves he has a natural acting ability that doesn't need to be forced. The supporting performances from Emily Watson and Sean Bean especially are 1st rate. The second is that this film conjures up more of an emotional reaction. When Trinity and even neo died at the end of revolutions I found myself not really caring and many other people I have talked to experienced the same thing. Bale however takes his character Preston on a ride and you're with him every step of the way. Feeling everything he is, and fighting the same conflicting emotions.
As for the sci-fi aspect of the movie, it has it all. The background story based on the themes of the book 1984 definitely works. The characterizations and the plot twists for the most part keep predictability at bay. The action sequences are actually very clever and ones appreciation for them will grow on subsequent viewings. It has some really powerful scenes (the one with the dogs comes to mind) accompanied by an extremely emotionally charged theme.
Probably the greatest compliment I can give to this film is that it is a true ambassador for its genre. It has everything to keep Sci-Fi fans happy but it also posses an element of prestige (probably because of the British/Euro feel rather than American). All of which make it a good film to show to people who are dismissive of Sci-Fi.
I'm sorry this film didn't get the exposure it deserved;
I rate it a 9/10.
While I can't safely say that Equilibrium brings anything resoundingly unique to the genre, one thing is for sure, it does just about everything right.
This movie seems to always be compared with the Matrix. What I will say about this comparison is that Equilibrium succeeds in two areas The Matrix (and especially its sequels) failed.
The first being the acting, Christian Bale proves he has a natural acting ability that doesn't need to be forced. The supporting performances from Emily Watson and Sean Bean especially are 1st rate. The second is that this film conjures up more of an emotional reaction. When Trinity and even neo died at the end of revolutions I found myself not really caring and many other people I have talked to experienced the same thing. Bale however takes his character Preston on a ride and you're with him every step of the way. Feeling everything he is, and fighting the same conflicting emotions.
As for the sci-fi aspect of the movie, it has it all. The background story based on the themes of the book 1984 definitely works. The characterizations and the plot twists for the most part keep predictability at bay. The action sequences are actually very clever and ones appreciation for them will grow on subsequent viewings. It has some really powerful scenes (the one with the dogs comes to mind) accompanied by an extremely emotionally charged theme.
Probably the greatest compliment I can give to this film is that it is a true ambassador for its genre. It has everything to keep Sci-Fi fans happy but it also posses an element of prestige (probably because of the British/Euro feel rather than American). All of which make it a good film to show to people who are dismissive of Sci-Fi.
I'm sorry this film didn't get the exposure it deserved;
I rate it a 9/10.