Feeling things

Equilibrium

I was preparing not to like this movie. The 'i'-button on the Sky remote described it as a 'Matrix-style actioner', which always usually means what you're about to see is an hour and a half of dodgy wire-fighting sequences, strung together with a plot you could use to drain pasta. Boy, was I surprised.

It's actually a really good movie. Christian Bale is rapidly becoming an actor I have a lot of respect for (even though I wasn't blown away by American Psycho), and I can't wait to see how he handles being Bruce Wayne. The action sequences are original, and anyone who says that the Gun-Kata sucks was obviously disappointed that the film didn't contain more Matrix-style ridiculousness.

But the real surprise was the story. The idea is an interesting one -- society curbs human emotion in an attempt to stem man's more violent and distructive impulses -- but one you don't believe they'll be able to pull off without any conviction. But they do, and you find yourself immersed in this world. Bale's development from just another one of the emotionless masses to a sense-offender, is excellent, and his struggle to accept his new role in society is well handled. The emotion of many of the scenes stands out all the more because of the stark and restrained backdrop they are set against.

Definitely recommended.

Later . . .