Equus
Based on the play by Peter Shaffer
This Oscar-nominated adaptation of Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning play erupts on the screen with the same power and passion as the stage original. Richard Burton gives "one of his best performances ever" (Boxoffice) in this "elegant and provocative" (Newsweek) take of myth and madness.
What would drive Alan Stang (Peter Firth), a troubled adolescent stable boy, to blind six horses with a metal spike? Psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Burton) investigates these unspeakable acts and delves deep into Alan's psyche, confronting the mysteries of sexual passion and madness-as well as the dark demons buried within his own soul.
Member Reviews
Provocative - Filmgal
Having both read the play and seen it performned in London (starring Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe), I had a good basis of comparison for the film version. It did not disappoint.
True to the stage, the film version of Equus manages to capture the intensity and drama found in the play. Monologues are not edited down as Richard Burton as Dr. Dysart still directly address the camera and audience the way an actor would recite the lines on stage. As well, the play does not suffer in it's filmed form- it is more than merely a filmed representation of a play as images ans sceenrey are brought to life through director Sidney Lumet. A very evenly paced film from what can sometimes appear dry or slow on stage. It suffers slightly from time, but it's datedness does not marr the overall quality and entertainment value.
As bizarre and tense as it can be, the psychological obsession Alan Strang (Peter Firth) has for horses is a tangled web of Freudian images spurred on by the boy's religious mother.
The climax of the film is a mixture of hyper realism and faux artiness, graphic and appalling which may cause those who are a bit squeamish to turn away. Incredibly well-directed and acted on all accounts, Burton is hypnotic to watch. Firth does a fine job as Alan which is no easy feat for such a difficult role.
A great watch for the performances alone, the film will appeal to those who are familiar with the play.Bizarre... - cushing
The story of "Equus" is thought-provoking and yet strangely bizarre. It involves a teenege boy who is in love/lust with horses, so much so that his desire to be with them only intensifies into tragedy. This film won't be for everyone, but it's psychological implications are thought-provoking nonetheless.Powerful and Disturbing - Nik-
Richard Burton delivers hypnotic sermons, staring straight into the camera, as we slowly zoom in on his face. He confesses that he's jealous of his patient. The boy is in pain, but passion is pain. The boy is worshipping a pagan god -- something Burton wishes he could do as well. Instead, he settles for flipping through books, looking at photographs of old artefacts. The therapist wonders if he's taking the boy's god away by curing him.
If you like Carl Jung, you'll love this film! Equus, archetypal God, we love you!
Some complain that the psychology in this film is "campy" at best. Others say the film can't possibly compare to the stage play. Well, fine. Maybe it shouldn't be used as a model for treating patients, and maybe plays are different than movies. But the film as a piece of art, on its own, is powerful, moving, and fascinating.
I liked this movie so much, I found the script of the play online and bought it.
Rent this movie.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Provocative - Filmgal
Having both read the play and seen it performned in London (starring Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe), I had a good basis of comparison for the film version. It did not disappoint.
True to the stage, the film version of Equus manages to capture the ...Bizarre... - cushing
The story of "Equus" is thought-provoking and yet strangely bizarre. It involves a teenege boy who is in love/lust with horses, so much so that his desire to be with them only intensifies into tragedy. This film won't be for everyone, but it's psychological ...Powerful and Disturbing - Nik-
Richard Burton delivers hypnotic sermons, staring straight into the camera, as we slowly zoom in on his face. He confesses that he's jealous of his patient. The boy is in pain, but passion is pain. The boy is worshipping a pagan god -- something Burton ...