A review of Equilibrium
Movie: Equilibrium
Government Restriction(s) on: Feelings
Main Character: Emotionless warrior-monk
Possibility of eventually happening in the real world: Low
Yesterday I watched Equilibrium, a movie directed by Kurt Wimmer and starring (one of my favorite actors) Christian Bale. The vast city-state of Libria has eliminated war and negative (and positive) feelings through the use of the drug Prozium (interestingly close to the anti-depressant Prozac). However, there is a rebel underground that still “feels” and “senses”, and so it is the job of our warrior-monk main character and the oppressive government to eradicate these rebels. Although this movie received negative critical reviews, I personally would definitely recommend it as it is a interesting view on government oppression. While the movie draws similarities to both the Matrix and 1984, it is different from many other dystopian movies that I have seen because of the restriction it chooses. For example, in Atlas Shrugged the government restricts the mind, in 1984 the government restricts free speech and free thought, and in 2081 the government restricts people physically. But this is the first time that I have ever seen a government attack emotion and attempt to hold it in check. This movie presents a novel concept that attempts to inhibit something that usually dictatorships need, ie. fiery rage and hatred of non-believers/enemies. However, it is clear that the government in Equilibrium is evil and that their regulation of emotion is horrible and that the feelings really are important in the functioning of mankind.
Rating: halfplusgood
