Fahrenheit 451 (1966)

Set in a dystopian future, fireman start fires by burning books rather than put them out. The totalitarian government has banned all books because they make people think which makes them harder to control. A fireman (Oskar Werner) has never questioned his line of work but when he meets a young teacher (Julie Christie), he begins to question it and begins reading books although they are forbidden. Based on the novel by Ray Bradbury and directed by Francois Truffaut in his only English language film. The film received mixed reviews when it premiered but in the subsequent years, its reputation has grown and justifiably so. It probably plays better today than it did to 1966 audiences. It has a terrific look thanks to the production design and art direction of Tony Walton (who also did costumes) and Syd Cain and immeasurably aided by the cinematography of Nicholas Roeg (before he turned director) and there's a shimmering score by Bernard Herrmann. My only quibble and it's a minor one is the casting of Christie in dual roles. She also plays Werner's wife and the "two sides of the same woman" idea is a bit too obvious. Other than that, a haunting and compelling film. With Cyril Cusack, Anton Diffring and Mark Lester (OLIVER!).