Films & Events

Michael Radford’s haunting adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel brings to life a chilling vision of totalitarian control and lost humanity. Set in a war-torn London ruled by the oppressive superstate of Oceania, Nineteen Eighty-Four follows Winston Smith (John Hurt), a low-ranking bureaucrat who dares to seek truth and love in a society where independent thought is punishable by death.

The film features Richard Burton in his final screen performance, to whom the film is dedicated, and showcases striking cinematography by Roger Deakins, whose use of the bleach bypass technique gives the film its distinct, desaturated look.

Upon its release, Nineteen Eighty-Four earned two Evening Standard British Film Awards for Best Film and Best Actor (John Hurt), and a BAFTA nomination for Best Art Direction. Hailed by critics as “bleakly beautiful” (The New York Times) and “a deeply penetrating adaptation” (Roger Ebert), Radford’s film remains one of the most powerful and visually arresting interpretations of Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece.

1984. 113 min.

Rated R.