Orwell: 2+2=5 Review: A Concise Caution for Present Realities

      George Orwell stated in his 1946 essay "The Prevention of Literature," "From the totalitarian point of view, history is something to be created rather than learned." The new documentary by Raoul Peck, Orwell: 2+2=5, serves as a stark reminder of undeniable truths and how quickly they are vanishing. This film arrives during a critical period where fiction is frequently mistaken for reality. Quotes from Orwell's 1949 novel 1984 resonate just as strongly, if not more so, than they did decades ago. In a totalitarian regime, "war is peace," and "thoughtcrimes" exist. Surrender is not merely anticipated; it is mandated.

      Peck features Damian Lewis as the voice of Orwell, and the choice is highly effective. The film is narrated through Orwell's writings, often overlaying images of current human rights violations occurring globally, sanctioned by politicians who rationalize their actions using euphemisms and oversimplifications. The visuals are difficult to process, and Peck is aware of this. Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, warned against tyranny and authoritarian rule after serving in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma during the 1920s, becoming part of "the machinery of despotism." As he wrote (and Lewis reads early in the film): "To hate imperialism, you must participate in it."

      The documentary integrates clips from various adaptations of 1984 effectively, particularly the Michael Radford film that was released in 1984. Editor Alexandra Strauss deserves significant recognition for her ability to synchronize text and voiceover with ongoing events and political rhetoric, creating a powerful build-up. Viewers may feel a surge of anger followed by a deep sadness. At times, Orwell: 2+2=5 becomes almost too much to withstand. As Orwell’s essay "All Art is Propaganda," recited in the film, conveys: "When you are on a sinking ship, your thoughts will be about sinking ships." That, indeed, is the crux of the matter. We are all aboard the sinking ship. As Orwell cautioned, we find ourselves in a world dominated by a small number of the wealthiest individuals devising new technologies to enhance population control under the guise of security. Genocide committed in the name of war, under the pretext of protection.

      The film features poignant interludes from Maria Ressa's impactful Nobel Peace Prize lecture in 2021, along with extensive clips from Ken Loach films, particularly highlighting Land and Freedom. Perhaps the most heartbreaking and poignant aspect of Orwell: 2+2=5 is the glaring obviousness of it all. The evidence, the atrocities, the deceit – everything. Many of these tyrants exhibit a lack of subtleness or strength. Raoul Peck stands as a steadfast advocate for truth. In an era where fiction is mistaken for fact, we need as many voices like his as possible.

      Orwell: 2+2=5 is currently playing in theaters.