In a post-WWIII world, a fascist government system controls society by prohibiting all forms of human emotions. One law enforcement officer starts to question the system which he represents.

I always try not to compare a film with other movies before the end of the film. But this one’s asking, no crying, for it. A big blender full of: 1984, A Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, Logan’s Run and a whiff of Matrix. The trouble with these icon-concepts is, when you start referring to them, you better do something reaaally sublime with it. Otherwise your film will not be regarded as an autonomous product.

The blunt obviousness of the stereotypes in this film surprise me. As a writer, Wimmer showed more creativity in ‘Sphere’ and ‘The Recruit’. Why not in this film? Wimmer and his team were either paying hommage to above mentioned films, on the ‘gloomy post WWIII society’ bandwagon, or thinking that they had created something unique. And I sure hope it wasn’t option number three.

It’s almost an exact copy of Fahrenheit 451. But it doesn’t stop there. The creators also have used tons of famous symbols and concepts from religions and governing bodies. The big kahuna is called ‘Father’, Swastika-like symbols, Law enforcers are ‘Clerics of the Tetragrammaton’, the drug used to keep the people numb is called ‘Prozium’, need I go on. Nothing creative was done to them. It’s a pity that a gutsy remake, with the potential of complimenting the original, is turned into an easily consumable action flick. With a little added value as a metaphore study.

So is there anything good about it? Luckily there is. American Psycho Christian Bale performs well as Cleric John Preston. He’s convincing and drags the viewer through the film. Emily Watson, Bale’s love interest, is ok. But her character is two dimensional. Despite the stereotypes, most production design is really good. Clearly inspired by retro-futuristic Gattaca and 1984. Cleverly blending it with a bit of Matrix and 2003 fashion into an authentic mix. In contrast with the symbolism used, cityscapes, buildings, squares and hallways quote ’1984′ and in a remarkably refined way.

All of this, combined with the fabulous dreamy cinematography of Dion Beebe (do watch ‘The Goddess of 1967′!!), makes the film bearable to watch. For ‘ambiance-lovers’, maybe even a wish-list entry.

I’m probably taking all of this way too seriously. They simply must have had a good time making the film. For example. The elite group of law-enforcers, the grammaton clerics, have mastered special martial arts skills called ‘the gun kata’. They are karate and kung-fu style techniques with the use of two handguns blended in. Those who master this technique can disable a large number of attackers at the same time. I think it’s brilliant and funny. Why combine armed and unarmed violence. Turn it into one cool kind of violence. Hilarious. Does it work? If it was meant to raise the bar of spectacular violent action scenes, it failed. If it was meant say ‘We have action in this film, but it’s unlike what you’re used to’, it’s a start. But it probably needs a bit of Woo or Tarantino to make an impression.

The bottom line. Entertaining enough for a rainy sunday afternoon. Cinematography lovers might want to check it out. If you sanctify 1984, Fahrenheit 451 etc…, you might be offended. It’s widely available on DVD and video.

rated: ** (out of 5). For ambiance and a good laugh.

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