Equilibrium makes a great effort in reviving old-school sci-fi and famous titles. Stands as a movie itself, no need to compare it to another (Matrix).
It is interesting to note that the movie combines elements from many classic sci-fi novels and movies. Among these, the most present novels are "Farenheit 451" by Bradbury, "Brave New World" by Huxley, and "1984" by Orwell. Also there is a strong presence of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) both in the Skyline and the scenes of people leaving the public transportation.
As all these three sci-fi novels and movies deal with the issues of perfect societies and the true driving force behind them. We see the inhibiting drug that kills all emotion (taken from "Brave New World"), a society leadered by a figure called Father (resembling a combination of Big Brother and Mustapha Mond), and a central figure who wishes to break away from the system. As in all these works, a group of rebels is present, and our main character makes contact with them.
Christian Bale fulfills the role perfectly as John Preston, and all the other characters play their part to the letter. I especially liked Taye Diggs as his temporary partner and rival. Many people go around saying that it should be compared to Matrix, and they shouldn't, since they are working on different grounds.
Don't consider this movie to be thoroughly deep, since its rehashing old sci-fi themes that have been present in 20th Century novels and works. But the movie itself is quite enjoyable and not that much of a waste. So if you're a sci-fi fan or like even a hint of the subject the movie is recommendable, if not stay away and go watch something of your taste.
4 out of 5
It is interesting to note that the movie combines elements from many classic sci-fi novels and movies. Among these, the most present novels are "Farenheit 451" by Bradbury, "Brave New World" by Huxley, and "1984" by Orwell. Also there is a strong presence of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) both in the Skyline and the scenes of people leaving the public transportation.
As all these three sci-fi novels and movies deal with the issues of perfect societies and the true driving force behind them. We see the inhibiting drug that kills all emotion (taken from "Brave New World"), a society leadered by a figure called Father (resembling a combination of Big Brother and Mustapha Mond), and a central figure who wishes to break away from the system. As in all these works, a group of rebels is present, and our main character makes contact with them.
Christian Bale fulfills the role perfectly as John Preston, and all the other characters play their part to the letter. I especially liked Taye Diggs as his temporary partner and rival. Many people go around saying that it should be compared to Matrix, and they shouldn't, since they are working on different grounds.
Don't consider this movie to be thoroughly deep, since its rehashing old sci-fi themes that have been present in 20th Century novels and works. But the movie itself is quite enjoyable and not that much of a waste. So if you're a sci-fi fan or like even a hint of the subject the movie is recommendable, if not stay away and go watch something of your taste.
4 out of 5