Equilibrium does itself a great disservice by exclaiming on the cover of the CD packaging that it is like the Matrix. What a shame...it is nothing like the Matrix once you get past the fancy footwork fighting.

What is unique and special about Equilibrium is the manner to which it speaks, albeit softly, of the world of George Orwell. You know, 1984...Animal Farm.

If you love George Orwell, or at least, get nervous thinking about Orwell's incredible mind and perception then this movie is right up your alley.

Equilibrium, while not cut-throat state-of-the-art, and neither heavily merchandise or commercialized has within it a powerful story...a contemplation of what could become...what could be...and if you really want to look deeply into it...what is ...of our society.

Let's be frank, while we are not controlled, as in the movie, by medication, we are in fact controlled as a society by a certain degree. After all, we do have laws, we have a government, we have morals. We like to think of these things in our hands, and in small part, that at least our minds, our feelings are within our control.

In Equilibrium perspective, you have no control. You are a mindless cog in the great machine of society.

Equilibrium is George Orwell's 1984 brought into futuristic detail...where the enemy is (as always) us...and of course, our feelings.

The main character, Christian Bale (Preston) is gorgeous, but unfortunately, a little reserved. Who wouldn't in trying to fill the shoes of someone who has no feeling. No regret, no anger, no ...nothing. Who stood and watched his own wife die. Without argument, and with piercing eyes of "how could you?", "what are you?".

In this future, WWIII has come and gone, society realizes they must find a way to control everyone, and that is through a drug.

Hmmm...Viagra anyone? Prozac? Oh, let's face it -- we have so many drugs at our disposal who's to say we aren't already controlled in some measures? After all, who of us isn't thinking about a juicy Big Mac after watching a McDonald's commercial? A cheesy pizza after a Pizza Hut commercial? Feelings of anger when Prez Bush starts yammering about the good of the war for the good of all... oh wait...off the topic. But hey, that's my expression and my feelings...I can't imagine it being controlled.

Equilibrium is in and of itself a good movie to watch on a rainy afternoon. Do not expect it to be like the Matrix, we're comparing apples and oranges here folks. Think rather of George Orwell and his fascinating, frightening, and down right creepy creations.

Think of...the Patriot Act gone loco...

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older