Fahrenheit 451 (HBO)

About Fahrenheit 451 (HBO)

Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian drama film released by HBO in 2018. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, the film is based on Ray Bradbury's 1953 novel of the same name. The story unfolds in a society where books are banned, and 'firemen' are tasked to burn any that are found. The plot revolves around Guy Montag, a devoted fireman, who begins to question his actions after meeting a rebellious young woman. A disturbing contemplation on censorship and the destructive impact of technology on human society, this film catches viewers with its thrilling narrative.

Making / Production

Production of Fahrenheit 451 began in July 2017. Ramin Bahrani, who not only directed but also co-wrote the screenplay with Amir Naderi, aimed to bring a fresh depiction of Bradbury's dystopian classic. Bahrani's vision was to portray a world drowned in the shallowness of social media, false news, and content manipulation, thus rendering the original novel's themes relevant for today's audience. Shot primarily in Ontario, Canada, the movie blends reality with technology-inspired visions.

Actors

• Michael B. Jordan: Played the protagonist Guy Montag, a fireman who begins to question his job. Jordan delivers a powerful performance, capturing his character's emotional turmoil effectively.
• Sofia Boutella: She portrays Clarisse McClellan, a young woman who instigates Montag's inner rebellion. Boutella gives an impressive performance, injecting her character with necessary nuance and depth.
• Michael Shannon: Brings life to Captain Beatty, Montag's superior officer. Shannon depicts Beatty's contradicting nature - oppressive yet intellectual - with a poignant complexity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the second adaptation of Bradbury's novel. The first was a 1966 film directed by François Truffaut.
• Director Bahrani and co-writer Naderi previously collaborated on another film, "99 Homes," before working together on this project.
• Bahrani was a fan of Ray Bradbury and had previously directed a short film based on Bradbury's story, "The Electric Ant."

Awards

The film was nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Michael B. Jordan.

Quotes

• "We are not born equal, so we must be made equal by the fire."
• "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Full knowledge even more so."
• "The only way to be happy is for everyone to be made equal."

Music / Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Antony Partos and Matteo Zingales, providing subtle yet impacting tones that successfully set the ambience of the dystopian world.
• Partos and Zingales tastefully intermingle sounds, creating a blend of acoustic and electronic music.
• The soundtrack effectively captures and enhances the emotional journeys of the characters in critical plot points.