Equus (1977)

I admit that the lurid one line description of the story both made me not interested in watching this while also sincerely wondering what has made it successful. I don’t know about the play itself, but the film is also a bit slow in getting started. As the psychiatrist unravels the mystery of why this boy maimed six horses, it becomes quite compelling. I’ve spent a lot of time in recent years pondering how much we should push people to be more ‘normal’ and fit into the mainstream. Any adult who interacts regularly with children particularly should be asking that question and how much to push them into abiding by what you think they should believe and be. I have mixed feelings about the roles I’ve seen Richard Burton in, but this may be one of the best so far. I am now curious to see it on stage.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor in a Leading Role; Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium