Review of Fahrenheit 451 (1966) by Jdc + Vlt — 14 Sep 2008

[font=Tahoma][color=white] As an English I teacher, I require my Honors English I students to read the novel Fahrenheit 451. I enjoy reading and discussing the novel in class. I think that Bradbury does a good job creating a novel about a post-modern society that is interesting. My class discusses the banning of this novel and why it is viewed so controversial. [/color][/font].

[font=Tahoma][color=white] Now, with that being said, I contemplate whether this movie should be banned! When watching the movie in comparison with the book, there are so many differences! Why would the director take the liberty to change Mildred?s name to Linda? Why did the director omit Faber and the hound? So many things were changed that it seems only loosely based on the novel. Did the director and screenwriter read Bradbury?s work before filming this 1966 movie? [/color][/font].

[font=Tahoma][color=white] The director?s decisions were not all bad. I did like the choice of clothing and hair styles for the characters. It seemed that all the ?anti-social? characters had very short hair. The image that was created was that the ?anti-socials? were confident and strong. The clothing also enhanced these characters, making them stand out from the rest of the cast. However, I am concerned that my students were too busy laughing at the unrealistic flying police officers and the toy looking fire truck to notice these director decisions.[/color][/font].

[font=Tahoma][color=white] I thought the ending scene with the ?anti-social? characters walking in the snow was especially impacting for the audience. I also liked the addition in the movie with the young son and dying father. The text that was being recited by the son was a perfect fit for the theme of the novel. [/color][/font].

[font=Tahoma][color=white] I truly appreciate the director?s efforts, but I have to say that there were too many liberties taken with the text changing Bradbury?s words and ideas TOO much! I hope that with the 2010 remake, the director goes back to the text. I hope Faber and the hound are both included. Also, with the advancement with movie effects, I hope that the graphics are better (or at least believable)![/color][/font].

[font=Tahoma][color=white] As a viewer, I?m sad to say that the 1966 version of Fahrenheit 451 fizzled out and left me heated by the changes![/color][/font].