Equus is based on a play by Peter Shaffer and focuses on a psychological investigation into a heinous crime committed by a young boy at a stable in Hampshire. The film handles themes that wont go down well with many audiences; there are clear bestiality scenes (made more shocking by the human participant's young age) and some very shocking violence directed towards animals; yet in spite of this, the film still managed to get nominated for a few Oscars, and that is testament to the great work put into it by the two central actors who do a brilliant job of bringing Peter Shaffer's story to life. The film begins with a description of the boy's crimes; in a fit of rage he blinded a group of horses inside a stable. Psychiatrist Martin Dysart hears the story and decides to take on the case. Through talking to the boy as well as his family and other people that knew him, the psychiatrist begins to build up a picture both of the boy's character and development, as well as the events leading up to the atrocious crimes that he went on to commit.
The interaction between the two central characters is the main focus of the film and this is also its central element. The film really needs two great actors to carry this off and it gets them in the form of Richard Burton and Peter Firth. Both of them fit into their characters very well and convince throughout; Firth especially as he has to act out some rather uncomfortable scenes. At 138 minutes, Equus seems like it might turn out to be a little bit too long, but it actually makes very good use of it's time, which flies by and the film doesn't become boring at all despite it's slow pace. I have not read the literature that this film is based on, but unfortunately I got the impression that some things were left out of this one as it feels like the film has some defining point to make; but one is never really made. The film also has holes regarding the reasoning behind the boy's strange development; the religious and sexual themes come through but certain things are left unexplained. It all boils down to a shocking conclusion that will shock and offend many viewers. However, despite some problems; Equus is still an excellent film and one well worth spending time on.
The interaction between the two central characters is the main focus of the film and this is also its central element. The film really needs two great actors to carry this off and it gets them in the form of Richard Burton and Peter Firth. Both of them fit into their characters very well and convince throughout; Firth especially as he has to act out some rather uncomfortable scenes. At 138 minutes, Equus seems like it might turn out to be a little bit too long, but it actually makes very good use of it's time, which flies by and the film doesn't become boring at all despite it's slow pace. I have not read the literature that this film is based on, but unfortunately I got the impression that some things were left out of this one as it feels like the film has some defining point to make; but one is never really made. The film also has holes regarding the reasoning behind the boy's strange development; the religious and sexual themes come through but certain things are left unexplained. It all boils down to a shocking conclusion that will shock and offend many viewers. However, despite some problems; Equus is still an excellent film and one well worth spending time on.