1984 by George Orwell

Orwell’s 1984 hardly needs an introduction (although Christopher Hitchens, author of Why Orwell Matters, does a nice job contextualizing the novel in this radio appearance). Originally published in 1949, the novel came to television in 1954, courtesy of the BBC. The live production, featuring scenes considered “horrific” and “subversive” at the time, shocked viewers across England. One viewer reportedly collapsed and died while watching the program. A wave of controversy followed, and, amidst it all, the BBC decided to air a second live performance and record it to 35mm film. (Watch above or here.) Years later, the British Film Institute ranked the production 73rd on its list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programs of the 20th century. www.openculture.com/2012/01/orwells_1984_animal_farm_adapted_to_film.html 

Watch the film here: 1984 by George Orwell

There was a time when people read the book or watched this film and laughed at the absurdity of it all but the reality of it has root in the world today. We are controlled at every turn by a government which wants more and more control over our everyday lives and more of our people are willing to just give it to them in exchange for what they perceive to be a "free" ride. There are more folks on some sort of governmental assistance (approx. 1 in 6 people in the United States) and less people working (over 8.2% unemployment more like 14% -18%) than at any other time in our countries history except during the Great Depression and it is does look like it will be getting any better in the near future. It is during times like these that people look for help and if that help comes in the form of "Big Brother" they will gladly give up their rights in exchange for a better situation.