`Gattaca' meets `Logan's Run' in what can hardly be described as a rip-off of `The Matrix'. On the surface, this bares resemblance- cold, sterile future with Keanu Reeves lookalikes in huge overcoats. But the plot itself contains none of the rag-tag gung-ho plot points present in `The Matrix' movies. An intriguing science fiction movie, `Equilibrium' is an entertaining B movie with the credentials of an A-list blockbuster.
Pretty much ignored upon initial release, average fare at the box-office and hit-and-miss reviews from the critics certainly didn't help, but said film has found favour here on the IMDb, receiving an eye-raising score of 7.8. `Equilibrium' (great title by the way) is best when not taken seriously. The emotional hokum is surprisingly convincing, but the fight sequences are where the film really hits a home run. Made sporadic enough to value, instead of thrown in at every possible turn, the carefully choreographed manoeuvring is snappily executed.
The movie has been compared to `The Matrix Reloaded' on many occasions. I can honestly say that `Equilibrium' is, by far, the better picture. `Reloaded' was just so vapid and superficial- clunky dialogue, painstakingly boring fight scenes, distressingly fallacious love sub-plots and over-length were just some of the flaws. This, however, has an intelligent core that is hidden under the cold, sterile surrounding surface; but doesn't go un-noticed.
I'm not saying that the film is flawless in any sense. Supporting characters are undeveloped and the `past the gloss' effect is a bit slow to get going. But the implausibility of it all is a huge factor that pushes things down. The mere thought that the authorities would leave us void of our five senses is too unlikely to contemplate. But as a popcorn sci-fi, this isn't to be taken seriously.
Technical credits are top notch with authentic costumes, cinematography and art direction, though they shouldn't have used a fictitious city. The directing techniques are appropriately artificial and un-stylised. Daring is the fact that it doesn't rely heavily on visual and sound effects in exchange for intellect. The script is well created standard fare.
As far as acting goes, this is Christian Bale's show. He delivers a good performance as the un-charismatic hero (or cleric) of the bunch. As the un-trustworthy `by the books' counterpart, Taye Diggs is upstaged by Bale in every possible way. You'd think that Emily Watson had gone past the `flat female lead' role by now. Think again. She does a good job of her part, but is capable of a better (that is more challenging) part. As I said, support is under-developed and those characters played by Sean Bean, Sean Pertwee, William Fichtner and Angus MacFadyen simply aren't used enough.
All in all, this is a glossy, purposeful and enjoyable sci-fi flick. The intelligent narrative makes for a welcome change from `brainless' action movies in every sense of the word. It probably won't light up box-office records or go down in history for any particular reason, but if you want a good futuristic drama/ thriller, you won't go far wrong with `Equilibrium'. My IMDb rating: 6.4/10.
Pretty much ignored upon initial release, average fare at the box-office and hit-and-miss reviews from the critics certainly didn't help, but said film has found favour here on the IMDb, receiving an eye-raising score of 7.8. `Equilibrium' (great title by the way) is best when not taken seriously. The emotional hokum is surprisingly convincing, but the fight sequences are where the film really hits a home run. Made sporadic enough to value, instead of thrown in at every possible turn, the carefully choreographed manoeuvring is snappily executed.
The movie has been compared to `The Matrix Reloaded' on many occasions. I can honestly say that `Equilibrium' is, by far, the better picture. `Reloaded' was just so vapid and superficial- clunky dialogue, painstakingly boring fight scenes, distressingly fallacious love sub-plots and over-length were just some of the flaws. This, however, has an intelligent core that is hidden under the cold, sterile surrounding surface; but doesn't go un-noticed.
I'm not saying that the film is flawless in any sense. Supporting characters are undeveloped and the `past the gloss' effect is a bit slow to get going. But the implausibility of it all is a huge factor that pushes things down. The mere thought that the authorities would leave us void of our five senses is too unlikely to contemplate. But as a popcorn sci-fi, this isn't to be taken seriously.
Technical credits are top notch with authentic costumes, cinematography and art direction, though they shouldn't have used a fictitious city. The directing techniques are appropriately artificial and un-stylised. Daring is the fact that it doesn't rely heavily on visual and sound effects in exchange for intellect. The script is well created standard fare.
As far as acting goes, this is Christian Bale's show. He delivers a good performance as the un-charismatic hero (or cleric) of the bunch. As the un-trustworthy `by the books' counterpart, Taye Diggs is upstaged by Bale in every possible way. You'd think that Emily Watson had gone past the `flat female lead' role by now. Think again. She does a good job of her part, but is capable of a better (that is more challenging) part. As I said, support is under-developed and those characters played by Sean Bean, Sean Pertwee, William Fichtner and Angus MacFadyen simply aren't used enough.
All in all, this is a glossy, purposeful and enjoyable sci-fi flick. The intelligent narrative makes for a welcome change from `brainless' action movies in every sense of the word. It probably won't light up box-office records or go down in history for any particular reason, but if you want a good futuristic drama/ thriller, you won't go far wrong with `Equilibrium'. My IMDb rating: 6.4/10.