Backdrop preview Harrison Bergeron backdrop
Harrison Bergeron

Harrison Bergeron (1995)

Aug 13, 1995 1h 39m Science Fiction TV Movie

"All men are not created equal. It is the purpose of the Government to make them so." This is the premise of the Showtime film adaption of Kurt Vonnegut's futuristic short story Harrison Bergeron. The film centers around a young man (Harrison) who is smarter than his peers, and is not affected by the usual "Handicapping" which is used to train all Americans so everyone is of equal intelligence.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Bruce Pittman

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Bruce Pittman

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, Harrison Bergeron explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Bruce Pittman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Harrison Bergeron took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2394 individual shots.
  • The costume department created over 196 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1995, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Harrison Bergeron shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Panic in Year Zero!, which focuses more on action than character development, Harrison Bergeron offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like H2S and A.I. Artificial Intelligence explore similar territory, Harrison Bergeron stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 13, 1995
  • Runtime: 1h 39m

Similar Movies