1984: Film vs. Novel

Although some scenes were changed in the translation of the novel and film versions of 1984, I feel that as a whole, the film did a great job in capturing the atmosphere and fear presented in the novel. What I especially enjoyed was the exact translation of dialogue between the film and novel. The film version effectively conveys the despair and pure hopelessness of Oceania from the novel version. I believe that the viewer can feel how depressing Winston’s life really is through the movie version of 1984. The torture scenes in the film were very true to the book, successfully portraying the horror and dread which is so prevalent in the novel. I especially enjoyed how Room 101 was done in the film, as it manages to take a fear that not everyone shares (rats) and makes the viewer sense the same terror which Winston suffers.

Unfortunately, I believe that the film version did not present Orwell’s original intent through some variations in events from the book. While Winston is clearly presented as truly loving Big Brother at the conclusion of the novel, it is unclear whether Winston is claiming his love for Julia or Big Brother during the film. The fact that Winston wrote only “2 + 2 =,” not “2 + 2 = 5,” further confuses the viewer as to Winston’s loyalties. In this regard, Orwell’s true meaning is lost. Orwell’s intent was to show audiences that the Party makes sure nobody dies a martyr within Oceania, but through the film version’s refusal to embrace idea is disappointing in that it does not portray Winston as truly loving Big Brother.