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2081

  • 2009
  • Not Rated
  • 25m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
2.6K
YOUR RATING
2081 (2009)
Based on the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by celebrated author Kurt Vonnegut, "2081" depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the United States Handicapper General, everyone is "finally equal...." The strong wear weights, the beautiful wear masks and the intelligent wear earpieces that fire off loud noises to keep them from taking unfair advantage of their brains. It is a poetic tale of triumph and tragedy about a broken family, a brutal government, and an act of defiance that changes everything.

Featuring an original score performed by the world-renowned Kronos Quartet (Requiem for a Dream) and narration by Academy Award Nominee Patricia Clarkson (Far From Heaven, Goodnight and Good Luck), "2081" stars James Cosmo (Braveheart, Trainspotting), Julie Hagerty (Airplane!, What About Bob?) and Armie Hammer (The Social Network).
Play trailer2:35
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15 Photos
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A short film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron, 2081 depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the U... Read allA short film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron, 2081 depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the United States Handicapper General, everyone is "finally equal...." The strong wear weights,... Read allA short film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron, 2081 depicts a dystopian future in which, thanks to the 212th Amendment to the Constitution and the unceasing vigilance of the United States Handicapper General, everyone is "finally equal...." The strong wear weights, the beautiful wear masks and the intelligent wear earpieces that fire off loud noises to ... Read all

  • Director
    • Chandler Tuttle
  • Writers
    • Chandler Tuttle
    • Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
  • Stars
    • James Cosmo
    • Julie Hagerty
    • Armie Hammer
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    2.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Chandler Tuttle
    • Writers
      • Chandler Tuttle
      • Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
    • Stars
      • James Cosmo
      • Julie Hagerty
      • Armie Hammer
    • 14User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    2081 Trailer
    Trailer 2:35
    Watch 2081 Trailer

    Photos15

    2081 (2009)
    James Cosmo in 2081 (2009)
    Julie Hagerty in 2081 (2009)
    2081 (2009)
    James Cosmo in 2081 (2009)
    Beckie King and Armie Hammer in 2081 (2009)
    Armie Hammer in 2081 (2009)
    Beckie King and Armie Hammer in 2081 (2009)
    Armie Hammer in 2081 (2009)
    2081 (2009)
    2081 (2009)
    2081 (2009)

    Top cast

    Edit
    James Cosmo
    James Cosmo
    • George Bergeron
    Julie Hagerty
    Julie Hagerty
    • Hazel Bergeron
    Armie Hammer
    Armie Hammer
    • Harrison Bergeron
    Patricia Clarkson
    Patricia Clarkson
    • Narrator
    • (voice)
    Tammy Bruce
    Tammy Bruce
    • Handicapper General
    James C. Burns
    James C. Burns
    • Lead HG Man
    • (as James Burns)
    Yuris Skujins
    • Stuttering TV Anchor
    David Healy
    • Replacement TV Anchor
    Alina Faye
    • Lead Ballerina
    Beckie King
    Beckie King
    • 'Prima' Ballerina
    • (as Becky King)
    Ira Gold
    • Lead Usher
    Florian Kashani
    • Lead Security Guard
    David Conner
    • Solo Cellist
    Thor Halvorssen
    Thor Halvorssen
    • Bomb Specialist
    Kareem Ferguson
    Kareem Ferguson
    • Bomb Specialist
    Brianna Haynes
    • Additional Ballerina
    Chelsea Hackett
    • Additional Ballerina
    • (as Chelsea Hacket)
    Heather Langham
    • Additional Ballerina
    • Director
      • Chandler Tuttle
    • Writers
      • Chandler Tuttle
      • Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Given the enormity of the theater house, the filmmakers used inflatable extras for the crowd.
    • Quotes

      Harrison Bergeron: They had hoped to destroy any trace of the extraordinary in me, and in time I came to share that hope. But the extraordinary, it seems, was simply out of their reach.

    • Connections
      Version of Between Time and Timbuktu (1972)

    User reviews14

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    Wow. Just wow. I mean...wow.
    I first read "Harrison Bergeron" in my ninth grade English class seven years ago and have re-read it every couple of years since. When I saw the mind-blowing trailer for "2081" last year I could not wait to see the film. After months of waiting the DVD was finally released. To say that it did not disappoint would be an understatement of epic proportions. I was blown away by the film, easily one of the best book-to-film adaptations I have seen. Every Vonnegut film is usually adapted terribly. This is probably the first adaptation that works. Every bit of the brilliance of Vonnegut's story shines through in the film, and the few changes from the source material actually improved upon it.

    The cast is a dream team of some of Hollywood's finest character actors. Among the stellar ensemble James Cosmo's tortured and haunting portrayal of George Bergeron was the most riveting, and with a cast like this that is really saying something. The role of Harrison Bergeron is played by the memorably named Armie Hammer who delivers the best monologue I've seen in a long time. Patricia Clarkson's narration is also superb. The casting truly could not have been more perfect.

    Lee Brooks' score is superlatively performed by the Kronos Quartet and is easily the best I have heard in a short film, putting to shame all but the finest big screen feature scores. I have not enjoyed a score this much since "The Dark Knight," or perhaps "Avatar." The visuals are mesmerizing, dark, and beautiful. Top notch in every regard. This film could not be more relevant to the national conversation today. I still can't believe this is a short film. Are short films supposed to be this good? First time director Chandler Tuttle is a guy to watch.
    helpful•44
    20
    • j-willbanks-1
    • Feb 25, 2010

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    FAQ1

    • Is this short movie based on a novel?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 29, 2009 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Production company
      • Moving Picture Institute
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      25 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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