Review of Fahrenheit 451 (1966) by Alison O — 20 Jun 2004

Best in Show: Oskar Werner.

One for the future: n/a.

Stand-out scene: David Copperfield.

Brainer or no-brainer: Brainer.

Stands up to one viewing or repeated?: Repeated.

DVD commentary any good?: n/a.

TV.

From a Ray Bradbury sci-fi novel this was director Francois Truffaut's first English language and colour feature and as soon as its opening titles begin (delivered verbally as if the movie's a radio play) you know that this is going to be an individual kind of movie. Made in 1966 its title refers to the temperature at which paper burns. Set in an unspecified time in the future, its peculiarly Sixties slant on a future where houses are built fireproof and the majority of citizens are pill-popping non-thinkers deprived of the printed word and addicted to bland audience participatory daytime soaps is a nightmarish vision. Society is subdued under an Orwellian style thought-control where those who deviate from the norm are shopped by family members and those with a liking for books are forced to conceal their activities and tomes for fear of a visit from the Fahrenheit 451 boys. Firemen are no longer required to put out fires but to start them. Specifically to destroy books. When Guy Montag (Werner), in line for promotion, one day encounters a young woman (Christie, who also plays Montag's wife) on his way home from work and she urges him to try reading one of the tomes he is paid to burn. When he starts to read David Copperfield one night he is converted to a book-lover. The film's simple message that books are essential is conveyed effectively and entertainingly and it's fun to observe the creaky vision of future living as imagined from a mid-Sixties asthetic. I wonder how Frank Darabont will get on with his forthcoming remake.