The Bottom Line
Any movie that advertises itself with "Forget 'The Matrix'" on the cover of its DVD is asking for it. Where "The Matrix" boldly ventured into new territory, "Equilibrium" plays like a pale imitation.
Pros
- Christian Bale delivers a fine performance
- Exciting high-tech action sequences
Cons
- "The Matrix" set the bar impossibly high
- Slow and plodding in places
Description
- Commentary by director Kurt Wimmer;
- Commentary by Wimmer and producer Lucas Foster;
- Behind-the-scenes featurette - "Finding Equilibrium."
Guide Review - "Equilibrium" DVD Review
Set in the future when the display of emotions is punishable by death, "Equilibrium" explores a society ruled by an all-powerful figure referred to as 'Father' (think the "Wizard of Oz"). All citizens must inject themselves with an emotion-blocking drug at regular intervals, and anyone who refuses to do so is hunted down by a lethal police force.
Christian Bale stars as a Cleric (a high-level officer) who decides to stop injecting himself and begins to see the world as it really exists. Taye Diggs co-stars as a rival cleric who wants more than anything to make a name for himself.
