The 2018 dystopian drama film Fahrenheit 451 is purportedly based on the novel of the same title by Ray Bradbury. At least, the novel is more or less recognizable as being the source material. The movie uses the names of at least three characters from the novel and features another important unnamed character. Several incidents in the movie are from the book. That’s about where the resemblance ends.

To list all the faults of this movie would be to give away too much so I will try to be as spoiler-free as possible. The story is set in a future America, in this case specifically Cleveland. Throughout the country, and presumably the civilized world, firemen have been given the task of destroying books. This is presented as being for the good of society, as reading and thinking make people unhappy.

This film does not take the approach of the 1966 film, of using no print anywhere, leaving the viewer wondering how people knew how to read. Instead, as in the book, written words are fine but literature is banned. The written words shown in the 2018 movie take the form of text-speak and public indoctrination. In case anyone complains of the lack of books, dumbed-down emoji versions of some classics are available.

The central character is Guy Montag, a fireman, played by Michael B. Jordan. The filmmakers deliberately cast someone as opposite as possible in looks and temperament to blond, blue-eyed Oskar Werner with his subdued performance in the 1966 film. Montag is also race swapped from the book and earlier film. Michael B. Jordan is an emotive actor who wrings every bit of drama out of his performance. In this version, Montag is extroverted and confident, at least on the outside appearing as brash, very proud of his work and status. He has an avid following on “The 9,” this universe’s successor to the internet. For some reason those who insist on keeping literature in any form are referred to as “Eels” and the literature as “graffiti.” All of this is different from the book though not necessarily entirely contradictory.

At this time, the firemen of presumably the civilized world believe they have destroyed all print books and are going after electronic devices housing forbidden material. They are also chasing a MacGuffin called “Omnis” which doesn’t exist in the book. Montag’s boss is Captain John Beatty, played by Michael Shannon, who has taken on Montag as a protege and considers him as like a son. A lot of the film is devoted to their interactions. Shannon looks and plays the part well.

Objectionable content, besides the outrages wreaked on the book by this film, includes violence, in the form of physical assaults. Several people are burned alive on camera, in a manner even more realistic than in the 1966 film. Besides these factors is extremely strong language, much worse than the few mild swear words which were sometimes censored in certain editions of the book.

Without saying too much, one vital character from the book is missing here who was also absent from the 1966 film. Another extremely central character who figured heavily in the book and the 1966 film is also shockingly missing. A key character who was not cut entirely was so completely corrupted from what that character was in the book and the 1966 film that this individual doesn’t even come across as the same character despite having the same name.

Unlike the book and the 1966 film, which delivered a powerful and ultimately uplifting message, and are fine for maybe age 12 and up, this film grinds the viewer down with an incessantly dark and depressing vibe. The ending is devastating, the polar opposite of what happened in the book and the 1966 film. Unless you are watching every Ray Bradbury adaptation as I am, skip this one.

Fahrenheit 451, a Classic among the most timely and meaningful novels written!

I was privileged to have taught the book and viewed the 1966 movie with HS students and adult evening seminars for 25 years. Mr. Bradbury so kindly signed my classroom edition when we met in L.A. for his 89th celebration. Our sons viewed the movie with us numerous times. Mr. Bradbury's stories so motivated them to be interested readers and serious students.

Dandelion: I began to watch the 2018 version when it first was on line, knowing nothing about its point of view or characterizations. Shortly into it, I had lost complete focus on the acting and direction of the plot, which I knew so respectfully well. Maybe thirty five minutes or so into viewing, it was turned off. I have never considered giving it another try. The critics shared many weaknesses that I will let RB Forum readers discover on their own.

Watch the original F451 of 1966, and you will step back in time to when Mr. Bradbury was sharing his dynamic warnings.
Most importantly, "Read Fahrenheit 451, the Book!"

I've read the book twice but it's been awhile since the second time. My review of the 1966 movie can be found here: https://raybradburyboard.com/e...1083901/m/9747022307

As for the 2018 movie, I have never heard anyone credible say anything remotely good about it. A friend warned me against it. When I told her I had watched it anyway as part of my project of watching every Bradbury adaptation, she said it was a DNF for her and her husband too: "I haven't got time for bad theater." I will say to you what I said to her: had you stayed till the end, you'd have reviled it to the depths of your very soul.