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Equus (1977)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:14
Fresh:9
Rotten:5
Average Rating:6/10
Synopsis: 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... 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. Joan Plowright stands out as Dora Strang, the young boy's mother. [More]
Starring: Richard Burton, Peter Firth, Joan Plowright, Colin Blakely
Starring: Richard Burton, Peter Firth, Joan Plowright, Colin Blakely, Jenny Agutter, Harry Andrews, Eileen Atkins, Kate Reid
Director: Sidney Lumet
Director: Sidney Lumet
Composer: Richard Rodney Bennett
Reviews for Equus
The acting of Richard Burton and Peter Firth in their Oscar-nominated turns is good, but writer Shaffer and Sidney Lumet can't open up the play, which on screen seems too verbose and pretentious with its philosophical issues.
An illuminating parable about the human condition, giving voice to the yearning we all have for some kind of religious experience.
he center of the film is still grandiose acting and tons of over-reaching self-revelation, and it ends up feeling awkward and unsteady on the screen
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