Equilibrium DVD: Review By Shelley

THE GOOD:

Equilibrium is an original concept that you do not find very often. The story is very good, simple but intelligent although no perfectly executed. The acting is exceptional for the most part and the script is interesting enough to keep the viewer entertained to the end.

THE BAD:

The special effects in this film are not that impressive considering it was made in 2002, I expected better. There was also the occasional smile given by people who are supposed to be without emotion. If you do not have any emotion whatsoever, then I do not think you would have a reason to smile. There is also the area of problems that develop from living life without emotion. This in itself would create a whole spectrum of issues. Then if you look at it from the perspective of Prozium only suppressing emotion to a certain extent and not getting rid of them entirely then there would be a wide variety of effects given individual chemistry. I just think this side of the film should have been explained a little more as well as better character development in the beginning of the film.

THE FILM:

After the third World War, the world is under the leadership of 'The Father'. All citizens are expected to use a drug called Prozium several times a day to repress feelings of any kind. Anything that would illicit an emotional response, art, music, books, luxury items, etc. are considered illegal. Feelings are not acceptable and those that refuse to take the government mandated drug are called offenders and they form the underground resistance to the system, Those who are responsible for fighting the resistance and offenders are called ‘Clerics’. John Preston (Christian Bale) is one of these agents. One day he accidently misses a dose of his medication and he begins to realize that maybe living life without feelings is only existing instead of really living.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Standard DVD

Feature commentary with director Kurt Wimmer

Feature commentary with director Kurt Wimmer and producer Lucas Foster

"Finding Equilibrium"

Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound

Widescreen (2.35:1) enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions

REPLAY VALUE:

I have to say that this has average replay value because it would be fun to watch a couple times but not over and over.

BOTTOM LINE:

Equilibrium is the kind of movie that after ten minutes it would be easy to turn it off and forget about it but after 30 minutes it becomes absorbing. It is not the best I have ever seen but a lot better than expected. I have read it is better than the Matrix and an instant cult classic, but I would not go that far. It is a good film and I recommend it especially if you enjoy Christian Bale and futuristic sci-fi thrillers. I am surprised it did not get more attention than what it received because it deserved it. Only shown in about 300 theaters domestically, it is a wonder I discovered this film at all. Equilibrium is definitely worth the cost of a rental.

Thanks for reading.