Review of Equus (1977) by Simon T — 24 Jun 2018

Equus has dated badly. What on earth is Shaffer arguing at such self-indulgent length? That blinding horses is more admirable than living a 'normal' life with all its quiet compromises and secrets? What was memorable about the stage play was John Dexter's staging and John Napier's design - both of which disguised the banality of the themes.

Here, flat direction by Sidney Lumet and a weary performance by Richard Burton only underline the vacuity at the centre. Good performances from Peter Firth, Colin Blakely, Jenny Agutter and Harry Andrews.