Think The Matrix by way of 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and Blade Runner. Throw in a dash of Minority Report and Metropolis and what have you got? Well, aside from a fairly nasty headache, you're probably after checking off the majority of the most blatant influences on the sci-fi thriller Equilibrium. A film which has about as much originality as Demi Moore has talent, Equilibrium is set in post World War III society of the not-too-distant future. Since the world was decimated by the conflict, steps have been introduced to ensure that humanity never gets an opportunity to self-destruct again. Of course, since this is a sci-fi film nothing less than extreme measures will suffice and it's decried that all feelings are outlawed. An elite band of law enforcement agents, the Grammaton Cleric, led by John Preston (a buffed up Bale) are at the forefront of the war on emotions, sentencing any so-called "sense offenders" (those who dare to feel) to death. This, coupled with a self administered drug called Prozium (geddit? Ho-hum), means that most ordinary people are all too willing to accept a fascistic regime, an order which is led by a sinister figure called Father (Sean Pertwee). But when Preston starts to have feelings for a sense offender (Emily Watson), he faces a dilemma that no dosage of drugs can alter.
Despite its hideous lack of originality, Equilibrium is a sleekly designed, well produced movie, which is sporadically - almost unintentionally - entertaining. It's obvious that Wimmer has designs on making a profound statement on the nature of humanity, but the methods which he employs fatally undermine his vision. Wait for The Matrix Reloaded folks; you haven't got long to go now.
