Nineteen Eighty-Four (stylized as 1984 ) is a 1984 dystopian film written and directed by Michael Radford, based upon George Orwell 's novel of the same name. Starring John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton and Cyril Cusack, it follows the life of Winston Smith (Hurt), a low-ranking civil servant in a war-torn London ruled by Oceania, a totalitarian superstate. [6] Smith struggles to maintain his sanity and his grip on reality as the regime's overwhelming power and influence persecute ... Learn about the dystopian world of 1984 , where a totalitarian regime controls the people through surveillance, propaganda, and war. Follow the story of Winston Smith, a rebellious Outer Party member who falls in love with Julia and joins a secret resistance group. ' 1984 ' by George Orwell follows Winston Smith as he navigates his home, Oceania, and fights back against the totalitarian Party that rules his life. 1984 : Directed by Michael Radford. With John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton, Cyril Cusack. In a totalitarian future society, Winston Smith, whose work is re-writing history, tries to rebel. He meets a kindred spirit named Julia and they fall into a love affair.