In a future where emotion is suppressed, one elite warrior, a cleric trained in the art of “gun-kata” slowly regains his humanity and strikes back at the heart of this anti-utopian society.
“Gunplay” or “gun-fu,” an armed extension of martial prowess formerly the exclusive domain of Hong Kong purveyors of extreme action like John Woo and Ringo Lam has officially broken out into a whole new arena with Equilibrium. This film which quietly appeared and then slipped away late in 2002 with little marketing from Miramax is destined to be a sleeper hit that will be appreciated even more in the years to come. Director and writer Kurt Wimmer combines a thoughtful and genuinely frightening Orwellian future with an innovative concept towards gun battles that incorporates a strong martial aesthetic. The result is a heady and lean action film light on pretense and full of promise.
British actor Christian Bale (Reign of Fire) cements his status as a credible action star by playing John Preston, a super soldier known as a cleric, trained in the art of “gun-kata” and charged with the task of wiping out all traces of artistic or literary endeavor in a repressive future society. Angus MacFadyen (Braveheart) delivers an engaging performance in a crucial role as Bale’s boss and main foil who represents the very essence of what this society has become. As Bale’s partner, Taye Diggs is a bit too chipper and hollow for my liking. He replaces Sean Bean (Fellowship of the Ring) who initially plays Bale’s partner and offers a smaller, but meatier character.
Initially, Preston is the state’s model citizen soldier who wages a war against an underground movement of freedom fighters. His emotions along with the rest of society are kept under control by constant propaganda and a form of brainwashing sedative, rationalized as a means to eradicate hate and violence. But several events trigger an emotional response in him and he stops taking his mandatory drug allotment. He also starts questioning the status quo which draws the attention of his ambitious partner, another cleric played by Taye Diggs. Preston is eventually recruited by the underground to assassinate “Father,” the leader of this society.
While the film simplifies the concept of people under strict control, Kurt Wimmer hits the right chord in stirring up a genuine air of paranoia as Preston slowly emerges from the control of the drugs. Preston’s young son seems about to turn on his own father at any time and this creates an unsettling and creepy feeling that really brings the state of this society to life. The story harkens back to the sort of vintage science fiction tales of the 1960′s that often appeared in television series like The Twilight Zone. The success of these stories usually grew from parallels to real life fears. In the post-9/11 era, fears in a free society forced to tighten its security include the potential loss of some freedoms and anonymity. As we question the motivations that lead people to all sorts of violence, blame put on religion or media such as television and video games could lead to government policies that restrict or regulate free expression. As Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 did, Equilibrium compellingly explores these fears within the context of an innovative action film, thus proving that a film can be both visually entertaining and challenging at the same time.
Wimmer takes a decidedly unique approach to the action that on the surface could be confused with a simple Matrix-like facsimile. In reality, his concept of a complex martial arts approach to gun use is one of the most intriguing ideas to come across in action films in years. Basically, every possible movement when using a gun is reduced to calculations and counter-measures are taught to the clerics who act as enforcers. Standard opponents don’t stand a chance despite having heavy firearms of their own, but one cleric facing another is another matter. The film’s final fight turns into a close quarter kung fu battle as each opponent attempts to out-maneuver the other and get a clean shot off with their sidearm. The clerics are also trained in sword handling and this results in two very nicely choreographed fights; one a training session with batons and another, much more deadly confrontation between Bale and mass of swordsmen.
More than just another futuristic action film, Equilibrium moves the cinematic vision of gunplay and martial arts expression forward while offering an unoriginal, but engaging moralistic story. The direction is measured and smartly allows for reflection amidst the flurry of combat sequences. Bale is an action star that projects a subtle range of emotion. With slick costuming and set design despite a modest budget and focused direction, Wimmer has created a great little gem that deserves much more attention. At the very least, Wimmer presents some fresh rules governing how gunplay and martial arts are integrated into a film, something which will hopefully be explored again and more thoroughly. John Woo, you just might have a successor!
by Mark PollardRelated Topics:
Christian Bale • Equilibrium (2002) • gunplay • Kurt Wimmer
