I don’t think a modern remake would need to drastically change anything, per se, rather just improve and build on what director Michael Radford has put in place here. The cold, metallic palette of many of the scenes is perfectly juxtaposed against greens and blues in the woodland retreat where Winston and Julia develop their relationship. Richard Burton is the only other character who carries any real significance in the plot, and he’s certainly one to watch out for, delivering a stirring performance to say the least.ĭespite the obvious dated appearance of the film, the aesthetics are actually pretty interesting. Her cold, determined rebellion is something to be admired and is conveyed powerfully by Hamilton. Opposite him, Suzanna Hamilton is rather effective as a young lady who appears so ordinary and unspectacular to us, but who in that world, and to a man longing for love and change, would be so alluring and endearing as to risk your life for. His character goes on quite the journey, and Hurt really impressed me with the way he depicted the many stages of Winston Smith. From a solemn, meek, almost spineless servant to a rebellious, carefree and passionate man and back deeper than ever before, to a broken, desperate soul. John Hurt played the central role of Winston really well. Winston and Julia may have faith in the idea that rebellion will one day overthrow the surveillance state and the corruption and lies of the totalitarian government, but “Big Brother” can always see you, and he knows your deepest, darkest fears. But when he meets Julia (Suzanna Hamilton), all the consequences which come with thought crimes and sexual activity don’t seem to matter anymore anything to feel love again.

Winston Smith (John Hurt) despises the regime which dictates his life, but of course, cannot act on such frustration, nor can he allow these thoughts to betray his passive exterior of seemingly relentless loyalty. The world has been split into very distinct boundaries, with Oceania branded the supreme global power, under the watchful, oppressive eyes of the mythical “Big Brother”. For now though, this version will more than suffice.īased on the famous novel, written in 1947-48 by George Orwell, we are transported to a dystopian future where independent thought, emotion and action is punished severely. This is one of a small handful of films which I have always said needs, and deserves an update, and it is something of an ambition of mine that I could one day be a part of bringing this beautifully dark story to life once again. I love all the thematic layers to this George Orwell story, which could feasibly be given a new life on the screen, but I just wasn’t hopeful for the actual aesthetics of it all, given the (rather apt) 1984 release date.

But of course, I knew that nothing could live up to the book films rarely do match up to their written counterparts.

This is my favourite book ever, so I expected big things from a film adaptation.

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