#984: RADFORD, Michael: 1984 (1984)

RADFORD, Michael (United Kingdom)
1984 [1984]
Spine #984
Blu-ray


This masterly adaptation of George Orwell's chilling parable about totalitarian oppression gives harrowing cinematic expression to the book's prophetic dystopia. In a rubble-strewn surveillance state where an endless overseas war props up the repressive regime of the all-seeing Big Brother, and all dissent is promptly squashed, a profoundly alienated citizen, Winston Smith (thrillingly played by John Hurt), risks everything for an illicit affair with the rebellious Julia (Suzanna Hamilton), defiantly asserting his humanity in the face of soul-crushing conformity. Through vividly grim production design and expressionistically desaturated cinematography by Roger Deakins, Michael Radford's 1984 conjures a bleak vision of postwar Britain as fascistic nightmare — a world all too recognizable as our own.

110 minutes
Color
Monaural
1:85:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2019
Director/Writers


Based on the novel by George Orwell.
Michael Radford was 38 when he wrote and directed 1984.

The Film

A

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eight-panel foldout featuring an essay by writer and performer A.L. Kennedy.

Commentary

None.

Two scores

One by Eurythmics and one by composer Dominic Muldowney.

Interviews

With director Radford and DP Roger Deakins.

Interview

With David Ryan, author of George Orwell on Screen.

Behind-the-scenes footage

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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