Big brother change

Introduction

The novel 1984 by George Orwell and its accompanying film adaptation have terror as the main focus of the film, which is also the central theme of the story. There is a feeling of fear among the characters in the movie, which is surrounded by having a totalitarian government. In the film, there is the aspect of technology that is being advocated to establish a robotic community. Winston Smith, one of the characters in the movie, and the language used by nature, there is terror and fear-based on having a totalitarian government (Gale).

Winston’s character is used in both mediums as an individual against the Party but opts to keep quiet in fear of what the rest will do if he raises his opposition. Smith is portrayed as a character who is against what the rest of the Party considers best. He seems to be a revolutionary who is against most of the government’s ideas and decisions. In the film, there is a scene that O’Brien is curious about smith and starts a conversation with him. O’Brien asks smith a question that is ‘two plus two.’ Smith answers reluctantly by saying five which is not correct. O’Brien is forced to ask the question a couple of times, which annoys smith, who only needs to be asked a question twice, depending on the situation (Rodden). Based on this instance, it is clear that people in the Party have more power compared to others who can’t express their thoughts and ideas before the public. Some cases show smith as a weakling as he is not even able to go downstairs due to his physical condition. Smith wants to rebel against the party ideas but is also notable as the physical condition also holds him back. Winston values his life more than the opinions he has against the plans made by the rest of the characters. Winston Smith is terrified about his life.

Also, the tone and language used in the film strongly indicate the element of conformity among the individuals who think their interests always. There are instances in the movie that people address each other as brother and sister.  This indicates the element of family and unity among government officials. The government wants to be united in their decisions, mainly based on their interests (Rodden). Winston and his friend, Julia, never shared their view until when it was too late. After being caught, they both argued that they betrayed the rest. In the film, they say that they told them about their ongoing activities. Winston and smith are less emotional as they express the “truth” about the other government officials. They are forced to say false information in fear of what they may face if they told their truth, which is only between the two. The duo only compiled to the organization’s decisions in fear of their lives. The government has been portrayed as an institution that considers ordinary citizens as objects to be commanded and ruled forcefully.

There are instances in the film that portray conformity. The audience is brought to witness Winston, who seems tired and scared. His curiosity about power in the Party has come over him and made him forget the pain he had undergone (Rodden). Winston was always hesitant to publicize his thoughts and still went with the decisions made by the Party. In the novel, it is said that smith loved big brother, which indicated that the latter listened to the thought and rules established by big brother. Smith only acted as if he loved big brother which was not the actual case, he did this only to be on the safer side. Conformity is seen in the instance that smith opts to accept the ideas of the Party to fit in the group. Smith is, however, reluctant to respond to the party ideas.

Conclusion

The film and novel have their primary focus on a totalitarian government. The government is involved in instilling fear among its citizens, which is done to make them adhere to their rules and decisions. The films end with Winston admitting to all his wrongdoings and crimes because the Party forced him to do so. It is still evident in the end that smith is still doubtful about the Party. The Party humiliates him in public to ensure that he could not do anything or act against the Party. The Party controls the people by instilling fear in those who make attempts to go against the Party’s will and regulations. The Party argues that all those with different views from the Party will be punished for their crimes. In the current world, there are instances of a totalitarian government that has power over its citizens. In such a government, people are forced to follow the government obligations and will by force to protect the government, or they are dealt with.

Works Cited

Gale, C. A Study Guide for” 1984″ (lit-to-film). Gale, Cengage Learning., 2018.

Rodden, J. Donald, and Winston at the Ministry of Alternative Facts. Society, 54(3), 215-217., 2017.