Tried to capitalize on the last wave of the YA dystopian craze by updating a piece of classic literature for the Hunger Games crowd. Yes, some of the depth and nuance was lost in the process, but this isn't an entirely brainless adaptation. That's because the source material's themes are still relevant to this day and even in this altered form paints a picture of a future that feels likeTried to capitalize on the last wave of the YA dystopian craze by updating a piece of classic literature for the Hunger Games crowd. Yes, some of the depth and nuance was lost in the process, but this isn't an entirely brainless adaptation. That's because the source material's themes are still relevant to this day and even in this altered form paints a picture of a future that feels like all too real a possibility.
Following a second civil war the government decides that the best way to keep America from tearing itself apart with infighting (while giving themselves greater control over the populace) is to destroy any means of artistic expression that could create differing viewpoints and therefore conflict. Primarily books in this case. In a time where cancel culture is running rampant and nobody can handle someone else having a different opinion than them, it's not hard to see how this level of censorship could come about. What's really scary though is that it almost seems like a preferable alternative to the point where you can somewhat understand why the society portrayed here would be so willing to accept it. I mean, wouldn't you like to live in a world where you didn't have to worry about another racially, politically, or religiously charged riot or other act of violence (or Twitter feud) taking place?
Of course, books and other types of media aren't the problem here. It's people's inability to accept or at the very least ignore the beliefs and lifestyles of others they don't agree with. This is something the movie never really addresses. It certainly shows how we should celebrate and protect our texts through the heroes' efforts to preserve them, but it doesn't cover why they aren't at fault for how the country ended up in that state. Essentially failing to dive into the real meat of the matter.
In an effort to spice up this now decades old story, Ramin Bahrani and Amir Naderi did things like cast attractive young actors in the lead roles, made Montag and Clarisse lovers, and took the setting further into the future to incorporate modern technology such as the internet. All of which do a good job of making an entertaining experience out of a novel that's not very exciting in the traditional sense, even if there are still a few dull stretches. That doesn't quite make up for how hollow the script can be though. For example Guy's desire to go from burning books to reading them comes completely out of nowhere and the romance aspect is based more on a physical attraction between the two characters as opposed to an emotional connection because one is never developed. The groundwork was clearly in place for both of these to have played out in a more satisfying manner. I don't know if constraints with the budget or running-time got in the way, but whatever the case some things aren't as fulfilling as they otherwise could have been.
Coming off like a made-for-TV version of Divergent the whole thing may feel kind of pandering, and that's because it totally is. Yet, it's pandering in an attempt to reach an audience that typically wouldn't give the work of Ray Bradbury a second look. So despite all its flaws if this new take has a better chance of passing on his still important message to a wider group of people then even in this watered-down state I'm here for it.… Expand
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