On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles, whose later work would include the legendary Citizen Kane, narrated a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, The War of the Worlds. The broadcast was so convincing and frightening that it created widespread panic among listeners who believed Martians were genuinely invading Earth. The CBS Radio Network was overwhelmed with frantic calls from listeners gripped with fear. Some even sought legal action against CBS, including a sheriff from the Midwest who found half his town in chaos. This unforgettable incident emphasizes the powerful impact a well-executed radio dramatization can have.
This piece of radio history came to mind while I was tuning into Audible’s remarkable new adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984. Scripted by Joe Wright, this adaptation features an evocative score co-written by Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy and celebrated composer Ilan Eshkeri. The music is performed by the London Metropolitan Orchestra, adding a rich auditory experience to the production. The all-star cast includes Andrew Garfield and Cynthia Erivo as Winston and Julia, the lovers whose relationship itself becomes an act of rebellion against the oppressive “Big Brother” and the Party. Adding gravitas to the production, Andrew Scott, recently seen in Netflix’s miniseries Ripley, delivers a chilling performance as Mr. O’Brien, Winston’s seemingly loyal colleague who harbors a dark secret. The auditory experience also features an impeccable cameo from Tom Hardy as the voice of Big Brother.
One of the defining traits of this 200-minute auditory journey, divided into seven parts, is its profoundly cinematic quality. The adaptation takes considerable liberties with Orwell’s original text, tailoring it to a modern audience without losing its essence. For instance, instead of Orwell’s original descriptions, the term “surveillance” is frequently used to describe Big Brother’s omnipresent monitoring. This modernized terminology makes the story feel more immediate without stripping it of its thematic weight.
Understanding the challenges of condensing a complex narrative, the adaptation reduces many ‘third-party’ elements such as police files, newspaper excerpts, and fictitious text extracts. This streamlined approach is particularly effective because of the adaptation’s cinematic nature, accentuated further by Bellamy and Eshkeri’s compelling score. Each chapter begins on a somber orchestral note, gradually building tension and urgency as the narrative progresses. By the final third of each segment, the music evolves to evoke a sense of looming paranoia and despair, complementing the story’s dark tones.
Ultimately, what holds this adaptation together is the exceptional work of its cast.
. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Julia is particularly impressive. Known for her television work in HBO’s The Outsider, Erivo’s vocal performance in this adaptation showcases her extraordinary versatility. She brings a delicate fragility to the romance and intimate moments between Julia and Winston, which is crucial to capturing the spirit of Orwell’s original work.
Andrew Garfield, as Winston, finds his moments to shine primarily toward the end of each chapter. Here, Winston is often found grappling with his suspicions about Julia, his colleagues, and his own place within the suffocating grip of the Party. His interactions with Andrew Scott’s O’Brien are especially noteworthy. During a public gathering scene, Winston’s oscillation between seeing O’Brien as an ally in the Brotherhood and as a staunch Party loyalist is masterfully conveyed. Garfield’s nuanced performance expertly guides listeners through Winston’s fluctuating emotions of hope and despair.
“I caught O’Brien’s eye. Just for a fraction of a second, but it was long enough to know. Yes, I know now O’Brien was thinking the same thing as me. I’m on your side, Winston. And just like that, it was gone. O’Brien’s face was as inscrutable as ever. Such a fleeting moment that I questioned whether it happened at all. But I know it did. And it keeps alive in me the hope that it isn’t just me…”
Passages like the one above illustrate how this adaptation refines Orwell’s narrative for a contemporary audience, bearing the hallmarks of modern, snappy dialogue. While purists may argue against straying too far from Orwell’s original prose, the adaptation’s creative choices make it accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Audible’s 1984 serves as an excellent introductory experience for those new to Orwell’s work. It is likely that a substantial number of listeners who start here will feel compelled to explore or revisit the original novel, diving deeper into its rich thematic landscape.
This new adaptation underlines the timeless relevance of Orwell’s work while breathing new life into the narrative through exceptional performances and a hauntingly effective score. It stands as an impressive entry point to a classic, ensuring Orwell’s cautionary tale continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
