Exploring ‘Orwell: 2+2=5’ – A Compelling Movie Review of George Orwell’s Timeless Legacy

Filmmaker Raoul Peck’s newest work, “Orwell: 2+2=5,” dives into the life of George Orwell. It connects his thoughts on power and truth to our modern world. The film sparks important conversations about how Orwell’s ideas still resonate today.

Peck isn’t alone in this exploration. Since the rise of political rhetoric like “alternative facts,” interest in Orwell’s works has surged. For example, sales of “Nineteen Eighty-Four” skyrocketed during Donald Trump’s first election campaign, highlighting how relevant Orwell’s warnings have become.

The film uniquely centers on Orwell’s time in Scotland, where he wrote “1984” while struggling with tuberculosis. Rather than a dry documentary, it combines biography, reflection, and key events, all narrated by Damian Lewis, who brings a poetic touch. The visuals range from film classics to impactful news footage, creating a vivid tapestry of historical and current issues.

One striking aspect of the film is its disorienting editing style. It blends different eras and contexts, making us question the concept of objective truth, a theme that remains urgent even seven decades later. This technique emphasizes how Orwell understood that writers reflect their times.

Born Eric Arthur Blair in India, Orwell experienced the divides of class and power firsthand. His journey—from Eton to the British Imperial Police in Burma—shaped his critical views on society. His insights became more profound through experiences like the Spanish Civil War and his reflections on everyday life.

Interestingly, while “Orwell: 2+2=5” might not equal the acclaim of Peck’s “I Am Not Your Negro,” it underscores an essential truth. Orwell’s concepts like doublespeak and Big Brother have entered everyday vocabulary. Even this year, Andy Serkis released a new animated version of “Animal Farm,” showing that Orwell’s work continues to inspire.

Orwell passed away shortly after “1984” was published, unaware of how his visions would echo through the years. His words, while powerful, leave us hoping for a future where they’re less relevant.

“Orwell: 2+2=5,” released by Neon, runs for 119 minutes and is currently playing in select theaters.



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