Comments on: Harrison Bergeron, the film

By: Pippin

Pippin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:10:17 +0000

Anyone recall the short story about two parents who take their son in for a state mandated IQ exam? It was played out in a way that hinted if you were below standard, something bad happened. In the end, the boy scored above average, and was to be put down. Everyone had to be equal, good or bad.

By: Cynical In CA

Cynical In CA — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:04:53 +0000

Vonnegut, RIP

Carlin, RIP

I am an ideological orphan.

By: A McGillican

A McGillican — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:45:27 +0000

The idea of a equal society by handicap was earlier described by Vonnegut in The Sirens of Titan (1959).

By: John Petrie

John Petrie — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:37:05 +0000

I own the VHS of the movie “Harrison Bergeron” starring Sean Astin and Christopher Plummer. Too bad it isn’t available on DVD. I liked it. I thought it was better than the short story, which was quite short, if I remember from 10th grade correctly. I heard Vonnegut didn’t like the movie, though I don’t know why. It was unapologetically critical of political correctness and egalitarianism.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:54:23 +0000

I rather thought Bergeron was a satire of the entire dystopian genre. I’m probably wrong though.

By: Andrew Williams

Andrew Williams — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:46:42 +0000

Yo. Though as I recall it was part of a series of Showtime dramatizations, along with “The Euphio Question.” But yeah, now I remember the movie, which was actually named after the story (ooh, what a concept!)

I also remember a 1984 PBS adaptation of “Who Am I This Time?” with Christopher Walken and Susan Sarandon, both playing against type. Interesting score by John Cale, too.

By: fcc

fcc — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:41:58 +0000

The Club for Growth likes it too (as does RightMind), something for everyone.

By: Random

Random — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:52:45 +0000

Am I the only one who remembers the TV movie? I especially remember “Lollipop” being played over the end (opening?) credits.

Anyone…?

By: Andrew Williams

Andrew Williams — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:45:41 +0000

Because of some niggling differences between MD and CA college standards. I had to retake English 101 to be able to transfer from a CA junior college to Cal State-Fullerton. One of the stories assigned was “Harrison Bergeron.” I am pleased to report that most of my classmates–all of them half my age–got the point.

By: Honeyko

Honeyko — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:37:24 +0000

Fritz, just wait an see how the dictatorship in 2081 is anything but directly descended from contemporary commie nanny-statism.

– They pulled it off in “V”, so I have little reason to doubt they can do it again.

By: Fritz

Fritz — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:17:19 +0000

I hope this comes to my city; I can’t wait to see it. It’s good to know this Moving Picture Institute (www.thempi.org) exists. On a related note, I see that Atlas Shrugged (which was to star Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) is probably not going to see the light of day. This may be a good thing – I was wondering how Hollywood would mangle the story and try to cram it into a couple hours.

By: Ben S.

Ben S. — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:35:50 +0000

Gotta say, not exactly the kind of star-studded cast that would renew widespread public interest in the story.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:54:44 +0000

This was required reading for us 25+ years ago in high school. But in talking to several of my younger relatives and friends about this great piece of literature, I was met with only blank deer-in-the-headlights stares. Same with Slaughterhouse Five. Maybe if it starred some bigger celebrities, or if there was some frontal nudity, or if it was made into a reality show and put on network TV, people would wake up and start taking our current state of affairs more seriously. But I doubt it. As stated by someone above, it’s only the free bread and circuses that matter.

By: something_feral

something_feral — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:24:28 +0000

This has been my favorite Vonnegut piece since I was a teenager. I’m glad to see it’s making it to the screen.

Unfortunately, I fear the message will be lost on the American public at large. A Brave New World seems to be the evolving paradigm for the 21st century… Most are content to be entertained and fed on a regular basis in exchange for a nose-ring and a leash.

By: Stormy Dragon

Stormy Dragon — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:09:41 +0000

Meanwhile in the real world 31% of Americans want the government to monitor websites and make sure they present 'balanced' commentary: http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/47_favor_government_mandated_political_balance_on_radio_tv

By: perlhaqr

perlhaqr — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:26 +0000

Awesome. But hopefully the scoring isn’t just Kronos Quartet, as awesome as they are. Requiem was Kronos Quartet and Clint Mansell.