Equus (1977)

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards:

Best Actor: Richard Burton

Best Supporting Actor: Peter Firth

Best Adapted Screenplay

It’s hard to believe Sidney Lumet directed this heavy, heavy film, that is not terrible, but kind of a burden to watch. As with most films that fail, the problem lies in the screenplay. I haven’t read the play, but its author also wrote the screenplay and, if anything, you can tell he had a hard time editing. The monologues could’ve been broken up or cut some more, and by the end of the film I was so confused with all the mythology, religion and so-called explanations behind the event that triggers the film.

There’s little rational character development for the lead, and what a task for Burton to balance. He sells the hell out of it, even though I had little idea what he was talking about most of the time. Peter Firth is a STAR in the role, but again I couldn’t really empathize with his troubled character.

The film is known nowadays for the intense male nudity. It’s a car crash that I was very tempted to have a sneak peak at, but I can’t really defend it. It also would’ve worked better, in defining the psychiatrist, if it had clearer gay undertones, because it would’ve made more sense story-wise.

I give it: 5/10

IMDB LINK