Harrison Bergeron (1995)

Though this movie didn't strike me as one of the most compelling or realistic dystopia movies I really did enjoy it. The humor that was peppered throughout, when mixed with the occasional good quote, made it entertaining and different. It was reminiscent of stories like "The Giver" and "1984", but with its own personality, which helped me to enjoy it more. It makes its case well, and wasn't as depressing as many other films of this type. The 1950's mise-en-scene also helped lighten the mood while conveying the obviously ridiculous elements of the culture within the film. It was an interesting choice that mixed the tones of idyllic 1950's television shows with other dystopia works to create the tone of fabrication that was so pervasive throughout the film.

It's easy to imagine Mike Judge's hilarious film "Idiocracy" as a dumbed down version of Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron". "Harrison Bergeron" is both darkly humorous, and at the same time frightening. This is intelligent science fiction, that extols the belief that mediocrity for everyone should be the goal of society. The government implements control over citizen's brains with electronic headbands. This diabolical system is overseen by Christopher Plummer, one of a few privileged citizens, not controlled by a headband. Sean Astin is Harrison Bergeron, a rebellious intellectual who tries to overthrow the system. The film has dark comedy, an excellent and appropriate soundtrack, and top notch acting. Recommended sci-fi viewing. - MERK

This has literally been my "favorite movie of all time" ever since a friend rented it for a gathering of geeks. It was made for television, of course, but I believe it was put together far more expertly than most movies I have seen. Aside from a seemingly low budget, some minor inconsistencies, and an occasional poorly-delivered line, the movie is superb. It sets a pace, speaks to a theme, and gives the viewer a story they could believe in.Other reviewers here have observed how "Harrison Bergeron" is a political commentary on the conduct of government (especially American government). Others point out the science fiction aspect of intentionally manufacturing a society. I would just like to voice my awareness of a theme that hasn't been spoken to much here-- the theme that is the reason that this is my favorite movie.The nature of intelligence, while poorly defined and understood by those who measure it so expertly, is a concept I and many others cannot ignore. For the gifted and talented among us, the world looks much like Harrison's world in the beginning of the film. Intelligent people are often isolated from others by intolerance and by their own unwillingness to conform to mediocrity. The movie sums this up well with a line: "It's lonely, being smart." It would be arrogance to believe that people like Harrison are 'better' than the rest, but it would be foolish to say this difference does not matter. Being different in any way is painful for young people, and even more so when the difference allows someone to more fully comprehend the meaning of it.I would never want to be as smart as Harrison Bergeron in a society where excellence was penalized. The American society is not so punitive, but there are certainly costs for being gifted. When federal funding for gifted programs is so quickly siphoned away during budget crises, an intelligent student is not a "child left behind" but is instead a child *kept* behind. What motivation is there to try, to achieve one's potential when more tedious and mind-numbing work is the only reward? Many smart students learn it is better to do just enough to get that "A", or slack off to get even worse, than it is to fight against the inertia of school curricula. At worst, the educational system destroys our brightest minds by teaching them to conform to the standard of the norm.When I saw this film, I remembered again the darkest parts of growing up smart in a place where intelligence is a liability. I was smart enough to be anesthetized by my classes, but not smart enough to see right through it all. The secret government of the best and the brightest looks like a utopia to eyes clouded by compliance. It would be comforting to many students to have a place where they did not need to hide their gifts because other people (and teachers) might get resentful. These places need to be re-created in American culture, because they existed once and served an essential purpose. Until recently, universities and laboratories were places of intellectual enlightenment; now they are institutions designed to swell the ranks of the middle class and to make a profit. The result: it is difficult to find groups who are together solving the greatest problems that beset humanity, as was once done.So, I enjoy Harrison Bergeron for its humor, political insight, and science (non)fiction, but I appreciate it more for its portrayal of the talented and gifted. These are not happy people-- they are burdened people. If you are one of these people, know that you are not alone. Movies like Harrison Bergeron remind us that there are others who experience the angst, the ennui, and the pain of being uncommonly gifted. Find solace in the world of the geek, or in Mensa, or even just with your special group of friends. Harrison Bergeron is a warning, not a role-model.

It's been over two years since Ive seen this movie and I can still remember it. the movie was just so mezmerizing, I couldn't stop watching it if I wanted to! I had to know what happened to harry. The movie was able to be depressing and funny at the same time, great tongue and cheek stuff. Its all in how you take it with this film. it can be precieved in so many ways. In short I loved it! this deserves to be a classic.