Equilibrium (2002) Review
April 20th 2010 19:01
Slick futuristic movies with gunfights in them became a staple in the post-Matrix pre-Matrix Trilogy world. Filmmakers jumped at the chance of capturing the same thrills that the Matrix had. Sadly, it takes more than bullet-trails and long leather trench coats to make a movie that captures the
same magic “The Matrix” had, (it's mediocre Sequels have proven that) films like “Art of War” bragged about their special effects and “Matrix style action” but were abysmal pieces of Hollywood tripe that are better off forgotten. Just taking a glance at Kurt Wimmer's 2002 spectacle “Equilibrium” it's easy to mistake it for a brainless matrix clone, but it's not. It's an amazing Matrix clone.
“Equilibrium” tells the story of a world that has rebuilt after an undisclosed apocalyptic event. We don't know what this event was, but we do know it was humankind's fault, as the new regime in charge determined it was man's out of control emotions that caused all the trouble and started giving the public a drug called “prozium” (A combination of Prozac and Valium, two popular mood drugs) to eliminate all emotion. Not stopping there, the government goes as far as destroying everything that may cause an emotional reaction, including paintings, music, video games, fancy food, even forcing people to cover up their windows so they can't see the potentially nice view out of their windows.
A ruthless government organization, The Gramaton Clerics, are the men in charge of seeking out “Sense Offenders” who horde paintings, music, and other contraband. John Preston, expertly portrayed by the steely Christian Bale, is a Cleric so hardcore that he turned in his own wife for sense offending and claims he “Feels nothing” about it. Due to a freak accident, John Preston misses his meds and winds up hit with a wave emotion he doesn't know how to deal with. A memorable scene has the tough as nails cleric is driven to rebellion to defend a puppy he found among a stockpile o
f contraband, where he would've blown the thing away without hesitation if he'd been on his pills.
A highlight of the film is the stylized fight scenes, highlight the Gun Kata, a fictional martial art based around knowing every possible trajectory a bullet could take. Director Kurt Wimmer claims to have developed the Gun Kata in his backyard, trying to mix the slick fight scenes of classic Kung fu films, with the gun fights of Hollywood action flicks. The Gunfights are like nothing else I've experienced, the best way I could describe the elegant and fascinating action is a sword fight with guns. The normal “Bang your dead” kind of shootouts are replaced with thrilling doges, parries and acrobatics as John Preston dances around bullets. The Matrix built the foundation for sci-fi action, but this film built up on it action sequences like you've never seen.
Before we in America got a chance to see it, “Equilibrium” had already been quite profitable in the international market, meaning that if you live in Estonia you may think the Matrix copied off Equilibrium. After this film made a mint in Europe and Asia, the distributors were afraid to press their luck in American markets and gave it a limited release. It's release of DVD bought “Equilibrium” a loyal cult following due not just to it's incredible fight scenes, but it's intriguing story. Rare you find a thinking man's action film, even more rare is one with a story that can just as easily make you laugh as shed tears. It's easy to dismiss Equilibrium when you just glance at the cover, after all the poor presentation makes the film look like a Sci-Fi original crapfest, but don't let that deter you. Equalibrium is perhaps one of best all-around good sci-fi films I've ever seen, and you won't regret seeing it
I've always Hated this poster, but the movie is great despite the bad graphics,
The Gun Kata in action is somthing everyone should see at least once
A highlight of the film is the stylized fight scenes, highlight the Gun Kata, a fictional martial art based around knowing every possible trajectory a bullet could take. Director Kurt Wimmer claims to have developed the Gun Kata in his backyard, trying to mix the slick fight scenes of classic Kung fu films, with the gun fights of Hollywood action flicks. The Gunfights are like nothing else I've experienced, the best way I could describe the elegant and fascinating action is a sword fight with guns. The normal “Bang your dead” kind of shootouts are replaced with thrilling doges, parries and acrobatics as John Preston dances around bullets. The Matrix built the foundation for sci-fi action, but this film built up on it action sequences like you've never seen.
Before we in America got a chance to see it, “Equilibrium” had already been quite profitable in the international market, meaning that if you live in Estonia you may think the Matrix copied off Equilibrium. After this film made a mint in Europe and Asia, the distributors were afraid to press their luck in American markets and gave it a limited release. It's release of DVD bought “Equilibrium” a loyal cult following due not just to it's incredible fight scenes, but it's intriguing story. Rare you find a thinking man's action film, even more rare is one with a story that can just as easily make you laugh as shed tears. It's easy to dismiss Equilibrium when you just glance at the cover, after all the poor presentation makes the film look like a Sci-Fi original crapfest, but don't let that deter you. Equalibrium is perhaps one of best all-around good sci-fi films I've ever seen, and you won't regret seeing it
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I am a big fan of Equilibrium (not so much The Matrix) and think that as a blend of action and sci fi it never sacrifices its intelligence for a buzz.
From my own review:
"Using Ray Bradbury’s classic novel Fahrenheit 451 as a frame work, Equilibrium is a thoughtful high impact action Sci Fi with dazzling camera work and an interesting rework of a prophetic idea. Education & emotion lead to revolution.
This criminally straight to video release is a well planned retelling of a necessary fable for modern audiences. The script is intelligent and observant with colourful dialogue, full of catchy phrases, it is not Shakespeare but it is a step above the average.
Visually the film constantly gives you something to look at or evokes a response and the soundtracks synthetic classical score help you empathize with our protagonist and enhances, without overpowering the choreographed carnage."
Comment by Joshua the Samurai
Bucket Movies
Weird, Rare, and Overlooked Film
Ultimate Battle
Sci-fi action is hard to come by to be sure. A close second to this one would have to be Total Recall in the 90's or Space Mutiny (LOL)