I have heard complaints about Equus not measuring up to the stage play, because the play/ story demands the manner in which the play is presented, the arrangement of the props, the production, etc. I've never seen the play, however, and consider the film a piece on its own, as I think it should be viewed anyway. And on its own, it is superb. The acting is first rate, particularly Burton and Firth. All the actors though contribute their best or close to their best work. Sidney Lumet works his magic as always and perfectly weaves the present and the flashbacks and Burton's narration into a powerful, psychological detective story. The questions posed by it strike at the foundations of western civilization and individual existence. Pretty heavy stuff and Burton, Lumet, et al. pull it off with wonderful precision. Anyone who questions what the heck they are ultimately doing in or with their lives should find this film worth watching.
Review of Equus
