Nineteen Eighty-Four

Michael Radford\'s release-year-1984 adaptation of Orwell remains the most faithful screen version. John Hurt\'s gaunt Winston Smith and Richard Burton\'s coldly authoritative O\'Brien deliver the prophecies of total surveillance, of language eroded from above, that have only sharpened in the decades since.

• Released in 1984 to honor the source novel's setting.
• John Hurt was cast over many bigger stars for Winston Smith.
• Richard Burton's final film role.
• Filmed on the actual dates the book's diary entries refer to.
• The Eurythmics composed an alternative score, partially rejected by the director.

• "Big Brother is watching you."
• "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."
• "Do it to Julia!"
• "Under the spreading chestnut tree, I sold you and you sold me."
• "He loved Big Brother."