Radford's
adaptation was released, fittingly, in 1984, and stars John Hurt as Winston
Smith. The movie follows Smith as
he navigates a dystopian world overcome by war and under surveillance by Big
Brother. Independent thought is outlawed
and individuality is condemned. While
working in the Records Department in the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history,
Winston, as a way of rebelling, decides to keep a diary, an act punishable by
death. The April 4th event date is a nod
to the date Smith begins his journal with the following sentence: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the
clocks were striking thirteen.”
A joint
statement on behalf of the participating theatres reads, “Orwell's portrait of
a government that manufactures their own facts, demands total obedience, and
demonizes foreign enemies, has never been timelier. The endeavor encourages
theaters to take a stand for our most basic values: freedom of speech, respect
for our fellow human beings, and the simple truth that there are no such things
as 'alternative facts.' By doing what they do best - showing a movie - the goal
is that cinemas can initiate a much-needed community conversation at a time
when the existence of facts, and basic human rights are under attack. Through
nationwide participation and strength in numbers, these screenings are intended
to galvanize people at the crossroads of cinema and community, and bring us
together to foster communication and resistance against current efforts to
undermine the most basic tenets of our society."
The protest
screening is also aimed at Trump’s alleged proposed cuts on cultural programs
which are seen as “an attack on free speech and creative expression through
entertainment.”
To find out
which theatres in which cities are screening the film, go to http://www.unitedstateofcinema.com/.
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