EQ: Literal or Figurative??

[JenGe]

I posted the following at IMDb's EQ message board and thought that it might make an interesting discussion here ...

I think that the biggest problem people have who don't understand Equilibrium is that they are taking it all too literal. Equilibrium is very figurative, symbolic, and abstract. Its actually a parable of sorts. I mean would any of us take many impressionistic paintings literal...no...because they obviously are not and we recognize that. Its a bit more difficult in film unless one is intentionally created and labeled as an "art house."

BTW, I bet anything there's way more then 10 sources but those are hidden and less noticeable. In fact there's quite a lot hidden in EQ.

So what do you think...agree...disagree... ?? (I dare someone to disagree with me ;D)

[Cleric]

me cleric thinkum me lika mov'n picdure cuz guud bang bang and story wuz guud to. Me no nothin of "pariditables" and succh. *grunts* Yer queston makem me nogin hyrt. ho ho ho!

[JenGe]

Oooopppsss....sorry about that!!! You want some of my Excedrine??

[snufkin]

That's what I enjoyed about Equilibrium, the fact that there are messages in it, and that's what it's about. It's certainly a kind of "art house" film, but becuase it has action sequences in it people don't think so.

It's a very pure film. The elegance of the gun kata reflects that as well as reinforcing the idea of purity and faith of the state/religion. (Have faith in the gun kata and you will always win etc, etc)

It could have easily been made in the 70's, reminded me of Logan's Run but without a dodgy-as-hell robot or nude Jenny Agutter.

plus the comparisions with The Matrix....

[JenGe]

Someone the other day on CHUD asked me about its comparison with Logan's Run and I guess I just don't see it. I did realize though that EQ reminds me a bit of Hamlet.