Cleveronix
A different way of telling a story
Huievest
Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.
InformationRap
This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
Payno
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
jbenante-388-963917
I've always been a fan of the Vonnegut short story. And I have watched other versions of this story as well - one of the most effective being one of the segments on the seminal "Between Time & Timbuktu" TV broadcast some 35 years ago. Sadly, that movie has been endlessly tied up in litigation for decades, or so I've heard.2081 is an admirable attempt to update the story and modernize it by incorporating technology that is more relevant to OUR day. While it is doubtful that the technology will look anything like this in the real 2081, it's an acceptable approximation of what might be.I enjoyed the performances. Julie Hagerty deserves more praise for her role as Hazel. She plays blank and clueless very well.The soundtrack was pretty powerful. There were some nice touches throughout - such as the clumsiness of the ballerinas. And a misstep or two, as in having Diana Moon Glampers portrayed as an attractive middle-aged woman. The image of the Handicapper General I always got from the Vonnegut story was more along the lines of "Granny" from the old Beverly Hillbillies TV show. Regardless, that is a bit of nit-picking on my part.Overall, I don't think this adaptation was completely successful, but I can't identify exactly why. As another poster said, there was something lacking. Still, it's a good attempt at fleshing out Vonnegut's story about the absurdity that would ensue if we took the idea that "all men are created equal" to ridiculous extremes. The "Founding Fathers" of course meant that we are all equal in the eyes of the Creator. But almost all of us know that we are not, nor can ever be equal in the talents and skills each of us possesses.
Joy Anderson
This was an excellently written and executed piece that brings light to the absurdity of the battle for equality. Pure equality, which I believe, can never truly be reached. James Cosmo as the father is a picture of strength, pride, and hope even in his ultimately restricted state. Julie Hagerty as the mother gives the piece a feeling of home and serenity and even peace with living underneath the governmental thumb. Armie Hammer's role as the rebellion and one whose drive it is to enlighten others of the injustice of it all was powerful and engaging. The entire film is given a somber, yet beautiful tone through the eery sounds of the cello. This film leaves a person to think about our equality and how far we should reach for it. I loved every second and highly recommend this short film.
jackbenimble
This film left me with a sick feeling. If you enjoy the experience of a so called artist being sick on your face by all means watch it. Its only saving grace is it doesn't last too long and then you can go for a walk or something to clear your mind. I'm sure there are people out there will think this is deep, meaningful, artistic and profound but I suspect they wouldn't know profound if it hit them in the face. Of course there are plenty of 'messages' in here delivered without a trace of irony. They're the bleak, nihilistic, humourless, hopeless, depressing one's we see all too much on the screen these days. Who funds this crap? If you want to feel excited and empowered, have your imagination stimulated, be surprised and entertained I'd look elsewhere if I were you.
Red_Identity
2081 is certainly a very ambitious short film, and it is a wonderful, beautiful, and moving adaptation of a book that I had heard of before but never got around to reading it. After this great film adaptation I have to. The acting is great, the cinematography is stunning, the music score uplifting, and it's central theme is powerful. James Cosmo is the central heart of the film, and in the short length you will find you will have a connection with him. It is certainly a strong debut from Chandler Tuttle, and I am sure as a feature length film it would not have worked. The tone of the film is also not as bleak as you would think. This film is stunning, a must watch for anyone.