AND THE DESCENT INTO THE HUMAN MIND: "EQUUS"

Ok, gentle reader, be warned. This film is most definitely NOT for the faint of heart or stomach. And yes, there are some – truly very few – gory scenes in it but I do not mean you need to be strong of stomach. Although that does help. It is strong of mind, able to well handle deep psychological stuff and a serious interest in this kind of film that you need. If you feel you tick the boxes read on. Have I got a treat for you. Now if the name seems familiar to you, it is because this film was actually adapted by a Tony award winning play of the same name. It is the story of Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist (played rather superbly by Richard Burton). One day a rather unusual patient is brought to him. His specialty is troubled adolescents but this young man has blinded six horses in a rather horrendous way and Dr. Dysart needs to figure out why he has done that and if the boy can be cured. There are, however, some dark truths that are altogether better off staying in the dark. Dr. Dysart is indeed able to delve into the young man’s psyche and come face to face with his demons but will he be able to safeguard his own sanity in the process? A couple of things about this film. Firstly it is more suited for a mature audience in all senses of the word. Sex and sexuality come into it, as does religion and very dark obsessions. None of these are, of course, easy topics, this coupled with the darkness of madness makes for something strictly suited to adults. But when you get over the difficulties of the subject-matter the film does make for fascinating viewing, especially if, like me, you are interested in human psychology. Think of it like some sort of crime drama. Only it is not the who but the motive, the real story that we are trying to piece together. And in the process we delve deep into the human mind and uncover its rather terrible potentials… An interesting idea to ponder is the whole matter of Dr. Dysart’s own sanity, what is happening to him and why – it was one point in one of my essays funnily enough - as you can probably deduce it is almost as if Allan’s (the name of the young man who I seem to have omitted before for some reason) particular form of madness is almost “catching”. But is it that simple? Is there some underlying message there? I know a lot of people do not dissecting their films to death but every once in a while you are hit with a movie that responds so well to this kind of thing you cannot resist. If you study film studies you kinda do it automatically anyway. “Enjoy” may not be quite the right word for this one. But the film was incredibly exciting, you become wrapped up in it very, very quickly and watch it breathless until the end. I mean ok, it has the potential to give you nightmares but still… I reckon its worth the risk if only to enjoy the award winning acting.