2081: Classic Vonnegut short story made into film. WHY AREN'T WE TALKING ABOUT THIS?!

2081 - Everyone Will Finally Be Equal

www.finallyequal.com

Based on the short story Harrison Bergeron by celebrated author Kurt Vonnegut, 2081 depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the United States Handicapper General, everyone is finally equal... The strong wear weights, the beautiful wear masks and the intelligent wear earpieces that fire off loud noises to keep them from taking unfair advantage of their brains. It is a poetic tale of triumph and tragedy about a broken family, a brutal government, and an act of defiance that changes everything.

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Featuring an original score performed by the world-renowned Kronos Quartet (Requiem for a Dream) and narration by Academy Award Nominee Patricia Clarkson (Far From Heaven, Goodnight and Good Luck), 2081 stars James Cosmo (Braveheart, Trainspotting, Narnia), Julie Hagerty (Airplane!, What About Bob?) and Armie Hammer (Justice League).

My favorite author, and one of his best short stories. I am ecstatic. I can't believe I didn't hear about it until today.

 

Given the hash that previous moviemakers have made of Vonnegut, I shouldn't think you'd be happy...

 

Yes, but this one looks good.

 

Oh wow -- that is one of the best short stories I've ever read. Hopefully it retains the humor.

The Right-wing media will love it I suppose, but then the story's a valid critique of the notion of equality.

 

I think I've seen an adaptation of this before. Starring Sean Astin, I believe.

 

Why was the title changed?

 

As interesting and creative as Vonnegut's works are, they are very much literary animals which, in my opinion, almost DARE a director to make a good film out of them. I just think it's very hard to translate what makes Vonnegut so great on the page to a movie screen.

 

Agreed. Also, I like Harrison Bergeron, but there are probably twenty of Vonnegut's stories I would see made into film before it.

 

The story barebones is as good as any to use for a future dystopian. I just wouldn't lean too heavily on the actual story (I mean, its only 6 pages in mass market paperback in Welcome to the Monkey House) since its more literary than story.

 

It's a short film. 25 minutes.

 

Yes, this is a fun short story, but I'm glad it will be a short film that almost no one will see. Agreed that Vonnegut hasn't yet translated well to film. A feature length version of this story would be tedious.

 

Will it be available on DVD?

 

We don't know yet. It premiered at a film festival earlier this year but aside from that it hasn't been seen anywhere. I certainly hope there will be a DVD or online release.

 

Keep me informed, please.

 

Looks interesting.

 

You'll see it on TV or DVD, I guess.

 

Where would it be on TV? One of those specialty indy film channels that is like #344404 on DirectTV/DishTV? Meh.

I'll wait the 3 years to try and look it up online to find it on some obscure website for the DVD.

 

New stuff shows up on TCM, too.