Contrast-Comparison Essay. Victoria Odnosum

Fahrenheit 451 vs Equilibrium

Swift changes and unpredictable upheavals of the ХХth century provoked some people to become thoughtful about the future of mankind. That is the reason why a man appealed to such genre as dystopia which remains quite moving till now. Films “Fahrenheit 451” and “Equilibrium” are worth considering because these are the bright examples of the vision of possible totalitarian societies.

As far as both films depict totalitarian regime they have a big amount of similarities. For example, such totalitarian societies are hold up with help of the idea of total equality which is embodied in life due to the activity of special punitive organs. In “Fahrenheit 451” it is the institution of firemen, that have a duty to burn books and imprison people, and in “Equilibrium” it is Grammaton Clerics who are more violent and have a right to kill the breakers. Thus, one can see that the basics of each totalitarian regime lie in the repression of dissidence and singularity, which makes easier to control the society. Another likeness of both films consists in the plot that is developed around protagonist who revolts against the system. Though the films seem much alike there are several differences that are worth mentioning.

Burning the books and the pieces of art as precautionary measure of possible conflicts or wars is the most obvious similarity in both films. But in “Fahrenheit 451” the emphasis is put on books that are considered to be the reason of human’s suffering because the knowledge and the experience they share with the reader are traumatic. Also this knowledge ruins the principle of equality and may lead to anarchy. In “Equilibrium” this idea is exaggerated and expanded to the destruction of everything that can evoke the emotions. Though these are the justifications of the existence of totalitarian regime, still different reasons of social threat are determined: one in sense, another in emotions.

The other difference between two films consists in the ways how people are oppressed and are equalized. “Fahrenheit 451” shows that people can be oppressed not only with help of punitive organ and propaganda but also with help of satisfaction their primitive desires. The idea of the destructive influence of the mass culture on uncritical minds is well shown in Huxley’s “Brave New World”. On the other hand, in “Equilibrium” the main lever of control, except of fear and propaganda, is medicine that suppresses all possible emotions. The first model of control is more dangerous therefore more difficult to be destroyed.

To sum up, both films are quite similar because they depict the totalitarian societies that are based mostly on fear and propaganda, on the existence of punitive organ and on the idea of total equality. Nevertheless they put emphasis on different things.