Director: Kurt Wimmer
Release Year: 2002
Running Time: 107 minutes
Starring: Christian Bale, Sean Bean, Dominic Purcell, Sean Pertwee, William Fichtner, Taye Diggs
"Equilibrium" is a sci-fi film that has more truth in it than viewers would think. In a fascist world of the future, after a Third World War, a totalitarian government controls whats left of mankind - a not so farfetched idea. The film stars Christian Bale, in the lead role, and combines a deeply embedded and thought out storyline with entertaining kung-fu styled gun fighting.
In "Equilibrium", the world is not as we know it. A totalitarian government has taken control after a huge war and they nearly have control of everything. In an effort to keep peace and society obedient, they use an injection to stop people feeling. Out of the city, rebels lurk, trying to survive and storing relics of what is now the old world; photos, ornaments, paintings and anything that is culturally relevant. The government sends out teams of Clerics who are ordered to destroy any art form and bring to justice those who can still feel. John Preston (Bale) is one of the best clerics and soon realises what has happened, as he regains his feelings he fights against the whole system to try and overthrow the government.
"Equilibrium" is a great sci-fi film which many viewers can enjoy. First of all the story line is great. It is well developed and then pushed to the depths of the movie. Not much reference or information is needed as the storyline floods through each layer of the movie from the way it has been created. This enables the movie to show different aspects like the incredibly fast paced shooting scenes. A cross between "The Matrix" (1999) and "Enter the Dragon" (1973), the movie comes alive anytime character John Preston has to kill someone or even a large group of people. A very well choreographed fight plan throughout the film keeps the excitement high and the viewer engaged for longer.
Bale's class shines above anyone else in the film and it is a great demonstration of the skills that would have played a part in him being chosen to play Christopher Nolan's Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Dark Knight Trilogy. Slick and professional, Bale is able to portray the traits and mannerisms of someone who is gradually gaining their feelings and emotions back in what is very nearly an emotionless world. Sean Bean, as he often does, has a small part in the film but his character sets in motion John Preston's emotional rediscovery. Taye Diggs plays one of the films adversaries and is very accomplished in the role.
"Equilibrium" provides an action packed movie, set against a dark backdrop. Its storyline is well thought out but is left unexplored by the characters themselves. The questioning of who controls our world and the inner questioning of who we are and want to be feature in the film - leading to interesting discussion and thoughts. "Equilibrium" combines both a clever plot with good action to culminate in to a great film.
M+F Rating: 7/10
Reviewed by M+F Reviews.
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