1984

A dark tale of human resilience, George Orwell's dystopian vision of a totalitarian future is a landmark of science fiction storytelling. Adapted by Michael Radford in 1984, it tells the story of one man's struggle under the constant surveillance of Big Brother.

Winston Smith (John Hurt) endures an abject existence in totalitarian Oceania, employed to rewrite the history books for the Ministry of Truth in order to support the current party line and perpetuate a false legacy. Disillusioned by the state of affairs and ill with the burden of lies, his life takes a horrifying turn when he begins a forbidden love affair and commits the crime of independent thought. Sent to the 'Ministry of Love', he is placed at the mercy of O'Brien (Richard Burton), an imperious leader determined to not only control his thoughts but crush his soul.

Featuring desaturated cinematography from Roger Deakins and songs by Eurythmics, 1984 is a gripping exploration of a future world where in the words of author George Orwell, 'It's not so much staying alive, it's staying human that's important.'

Classification: M

Running time: 114 minutes