Anyone ever watch the movie 1984?

[anti_shrub]

The one with John Hurt and Richard Burton? I just picked up the DVD, and while I don't think a movie could ever accurately convey the entire book 100%, this film came damn close.

[punpirate]

1. Yes...

... have seen it many times, over the years.

I'd thought about buying the DVD, until I found that the original Eurythmics score had been removed by MGM (the original film had been produced by Virgin Films and released by Orion), since they obtained the rights.

That said, it is immeasurably better than the `50s version with Edmund O'Brian (Orwell's widow sued the studio to have that one withdrawn from distribution). John Hurt is quite amazing in it--I cannot think of a better Winston Smith.

The scene-setting and set design is palpable--one can feel the grit and grime and blunted misery everywhere.

It's only problem (with regard to awards and industry recognition) is that it was unremittingly depressing--no uplifting positive ending, no simple moral at its conclusion. It's an extremely difficult film to watch, perhaps because it is both intellectually engaging and emotionally distressing. There may be no sadder two minutes in film than the last ones in this one.

Cheers.

[listenup]

3. Why would they remove the Eurythmics?

I thought the movie exactly followed the storyline of the book - no extra love scenes or other screenplay additives. It was a "dark" look at the possiblities, though it stayed true to its core by not becoming sinister or simplistic. To read the book online, go here:

http://orwell.ru/library/novels/1984/index.htm

[anti_shrub]

4. Its weird

The Eurythmics are still credited, but aren't in the film on the DVD (due to the rights issues you mentioned). I don't see how their music would work in a movie like that anyway.

[punpirate]

5. You'd have to see (and hear) the original...

... but their score does work. I'm not a listener of the Eurythmics otherwise, but I liked the original as it was.

I still don't know what MGM's beef was about the score. They might not have wanted to pay royalties to another company (apparently, there have been some changes in rates over the years), or it could have been something as pissy as the Eurythmics not being part of MGM/UA's stable of names, and them not wanting to promote the work of the competition.

I originally taped it from cable in about 1985 or 1986, so I would have liked a better copy, had it been the original.

Despite the world looking and feeling much differently than depicted in the film, we're going through the same thing today... there's not a great deal of difference between IngSoc's Ministry of Truth and Fox News, except in slickness. Whenever the WH rhetoric heats up about North Korea, all that comes to my mind is, "we are war with EastAsia! We have always been at war with EastAsia!"

Cheers.

[EX-CONservative]

2. My first post...

Yes. I've seen it twice. It's a very poignant film.

When you seen the parade of soldiers with the INGSOC flag, it eerily prescient of Bush's aircraft carrier landing.

[lazarus]

6. welcome

to DU.

These neoCons have truly captured the spirit of Orwell, haven't they? Did you hear that Blair is actually starting a Ministry of Truth over in the UK?

[EX-CONservative]

7. Yes, I did...

It's disgusting.

The idea was put forth by "ex" Blair spinmeister Alastair Campbell. He's probably still in Blair's kitchen cabinet. Blair needs him to stay in power. Much like Bush needs Rove.

This is one screwed up world...

[Room101]

8. The original movie came out in 1956

I lost my clip of the movie.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

9. I think they need to remake it...

I just think it would be better if done today.
Duckie

[CanuckAmok]

11. Are you kidding?! Bite your tongue!

If it were made today, it would have Matt Damon as Winston Smith, and Mell Gibson as O'Brien (and Jennifer Lopez as Julia).

There'd be a hit single by U2 attached somehow, and Will Smith would cameo as The Magic Sandwich.

The ending would be changed to one in which O'brien and Smith CGI their way through a climactic 30 minute semi-truck/hovercraft/RPG/full-auto battle with the Ministry of Truth troops (are you picturing slo-mo inserts of spent shell casings falling to the floor? I am) before storming the tower and exposing Big Brother as a timy little man behind a velvet screen, pulling levers. They'd all teleport back to LA circa 1982 by rewiring an out-of-control subway car, and, with the remorseful and newly-reformed Big Brother's help, prevent the Ministry of Truth from ever being formed. Julia and Winston would be married before a colour guard of Rebel Soldiers, and everyone would live happily ever after... or would they? I smell a sequel--maybe with Eric Stoltz as "Big Brother II", the genetically-mutated son of Big Brother, out for revenge for having his predetermined future as ruler of the world taken from him when the future was changed by Smith/O'Brien.

[sexybomber]

12. that's one of the strangest visuals i've ever had (n/t)

[Elidor]

14. Ah, what delicious cynicism

Sounds like something I'd say, but I must bow to the master. Hehehe. :)

[dofus]

10. I happen to think that the

1956 version is extremely good. I saw it on late night TV many, many years ago, and in my opinion is much better than the Richard Burton/John Hurt version.

I understand that an earlier version was made in 1955, which I've never seen. I've been told this more than once by film geeks. They all say the first version is by far the best.

[Uzybone]

13. I have

its a great movie...and very very sad indeed. The hopelessness conveyed there is pretty depressing.

[NightTrain]

15. Yes! It was awesome

n/t