Futuristic paradise, where feeling and emotion are eradicated, leaving only a totalitarian system hell-bent on exterminating any traces of rebellion.
Build up to this movie included likening it to movies like The Matrix (1999) and Minority Report (2002). While some of the elements of Equilibrium are similar, the film differs vastly from those two. Director Kurt Wimmer has opted for a far duller looking movie, in terms of cinematography, and a storyline that is far simpler.
Christian Bale plays John Preston, a decorated government operative involved in the fight against the rebellion. His job is to locate, and punish/destroy any civilians who cling to the former way of living, i.e. anyone who owns any art, music, literature, and the like. The population are given a body-altering substance, which allows them to feel no emotion, or any of the animalistic urges such as anger, lust, or rage, which caused so much of history's misery. Predictably, Preston begins to question his government's actions, after reading a book and enjoying it. He then begins to stop taking his medication, and to go against protocol by showing empathy towards the rebellion.
A worthwhile piece of science fiction, Equilibrium attempts to make a watered down, action version of more complicated movies, such as the aforementioned. Some of the action sequences and special effects are impressive, and produce a pacey movie, but the film lacks the depth needed to make it an enduring Sci-Fi classic! The dull, grey look of the movie is unappealing, and the story line's typical references to totalitarian governments become achingly cliché.
If The Matrix was too complicated, slow, and deep for you, Equilibrium could the drug you need.
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