Review of Fahrenheit 451 (1966) by Michael K — 11 Feb 2008

I have always loved this film for its unusual quirky style and also for the unique mood Truffaut, Werner and Christie create with very simple means. Werner's background as an Austrian theatre actor adds a special touch to his character: his English sounds odd.

This is not "bad acting" - rather the opposite. Whether intended or not, it makes the character more authentic because the people in this story really are estranged from language! The film is based upon Ray Bradbury's novel which is one of English literature's great warnings concerning our society and where it might be heading.

Despite of its simplicity I'd put this short novel right next to Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World in this category.