1984 (2023) User Reviews

A Great Adaptation from A Force to Be Reckoned With

[AlbertV79 · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

After seeing her 2021 debut film Quarantine, I had a good feeling about Diana Ringo as a filmmaking force to be reckoned with. She solidified that statement with her adaptation of the classic Orwell novel 1984. Combining elements from Orwell as well as a 1921 Russian novel, We, by Yegveny Zaymatin,

Ringo brings us to a futuristic or alternate 1984 where we see D-503 (based on Winston Smith, a mathematician in a world run by Big Brother, begin to have thoughts and personal feelings that do not mesh with Big Brother's vision of a world. Together with artist I-330 (based on Julia and played by Ringo herself), they learn of a possive resistance movement and will go to great lengths to enjoy "freedom".

Excellent performances by Aleksandr Obmanov as D-503, Ringo as I-330, and Aleksei Shamayev as Big Brother's "spokesman" drive the film. Overall, highly recommended and can't wait to see what Ringo comes up with next as she did it all here (co-star, director, producer, writer, composer, VFX artist).

Orwell for the digital age

[matthewalfordphd · 10/10 · 21 February 2024]

I enjoyed this creepy computery adaptation of Orwell's classic novel, which I rented on Amazon. It's tough to do justice to the book, which always feels so rooted in the initial years of the Cold War while Stalin was still alive. Ringo has achieved the cool menace from the original tale combined with a fittingly sinister AI vibe from the 2020s. The acting was good, well cast. The pacing was effective. I would like to watch it again as my battery died before I could finish it so I might re-rent. The film left me wondering about what has changed since 1949, whether Orwell would recognise the same themes in the contemporary world.

"1984" - A Dystopian Masterpiece Resurrected by Diana Ringo

[axelfilmfanatic · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

The new feature film "1984" by visionary director Diana Ringo emerges as a captivating reinterpretation of George Orwell's classic novel. This cinematic gem not only breathes new life into Orwell's seminal work but also pays homage to Evgeny Zamyatin's "We," a novel that undoubtedly influenced Orwell's dystopian vision.

"1984" transcends the boundaries of a mere adaptation; impeccable visual imagery, stellar performances, and a haunting musical score. The result is a gripping drama interwoven with elements of black comedy, a refreshing take on Orwell's somewhat dated narrative.

The film catapults us into a future United State dominated by the omnipotent Big Brother, where technological progress coexists with societal alienation, dilapidated streets, and synthetic sustenance. Here, imagination is suppressed, deemed a societal ailment. Diana Ringo deftly navigate this dystopian landscape, infusing it with a fresh and contemporary relevance.

At the heart of the narrative is the brilliant portrayal of the main character, D-503, by Aleksandr Obmanov. His nuanced performance captures the essence of a man torn between conformity and the yearning for individuality, adding layers of complexity to the character. Opposite him, Sergey Khrustalev delivers a compelling performance as the investigator, unraveling the mysteries of this dystopian society with a captivating intensity.

Cinematographically, "1984" is a visual feast. Diana Ringo employs a unique and artistic approach, creating a visual language that perfectly complements the narrative. The juxtaposition of sleek technological advancements against the backdrop of grimy streets and the prohibition of fantasy paints a vivid picture of a society teetering on the edge of its own demise.

The film's exploration of themes such as surveillance, conformity, and the suppression of individuality resonates strongly in today's world, making "1984" not just a nostalgic homage to the past but a poignant reflection of our present and potential future.

While the 1984 adaptation from nearly six decades ago painted a bleak portrait of a society reminiscent of a communist-like totalitarian state, Diana Ringo's "1984" introduces a fresh perspective. It embraces the technological strides of our time while preserving the essence of Orwell's cautionary tale against the erosion of human autonomy.

"1984" directed by Diana Ringo is a cinematic triumph, a thought-provoking and visually stunning masterpiece that breathes new life into a classic while paying homage to the literary influences that shaped it. This film is a must-watch for those seeking a captivating exploration of dystopia, societal control, and the enduring power of human spirit in the face of oppression.