Review of Equus

Introduction

Sidney Lumet directed this film version of Peter Shaffer`s dramatic play, transforming theatrical symbolism into cinematic realism. Richard Burton received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance as Martin Dysert, a psychiatrist determined to unravel the disturbed mind of Alan Strang (Peter Firth), a young stableboy. In a fit of rage, Strang has blinded a stable of six horses. The court then assigns Dysert to probe the young man`s mind in order to understand why he committed such a violent act. But the doctor, who is battling demons of his own, wonders if he can save the boy--and whether saving him at all is the right thing to do.

Video

The video is presented in 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen, so a quick hunt for the aspect ratio button on my projector remote control was required to view the cast as they should be seen!

The picture quality is only average, with a grainy image, lacking detail and looking rather washed out and tired - there is also the occasional speck of dirt of dirt on the print, although nothing too serious. The picture certainly looks its age, and doesn`t appear to have had much done in the way of restoration.

The visuals are quite well done, and the filmmakers make good use of location to help tell the story. Conversely, some of the interior sets are all too obviously set inside a studio.

Audio

The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital Mono, which adequately reproduces the movie`s dialogue, music and effects, albeit without any excitement or vigour.

The dialogue is clear and understandable, and has a reasonable frequency range given the age of the movie, with voices sounding natural and not hindered by the sound equipment.

Similarly, the sound effects and music are well reproduced given the inherent limitations of the mono format, and neither detract from the film in any way whatsoever.

Features

Being a back catalogue release, it came as no surprise to learn that the only extra on offer is the film`s trailer.

The menu`s are static, not very exciting, but very easy to navigate.

Conclusion

Richard Burton is one of my favourite actors, so I was quite keen to see this film, especially as it also features a strong supporting cast.

Often, psychological dramas based on plays don`t translate to film very well, b4t Equus makes the transition reasonably satisfactorily, broadening the story with locations and visuals. Performances, as expected, are excellent, and Richard Burton was fully deserving of his Academy Award nomination.

The story moves at reasonable pace, making the film quite watchable, although there are several uncomfortable moments, these are however well handled by the cast.

Overall, this is an average psychological drama, let down slightly by the below-par video reproduction.