In an interview on the Den of Geek web site, producer Michael Radford gives some interesting insights into the making of his acclaimed film adaptation of George Orwell's 1984 that was released the same year. Initially, Radford approached Sean Connery to play the part of the villain O'Brian, a soft-spoken, seemingly gentle man who subjects free-thinking individuals to horrendous physical and mental tortures. After spending months trying to get Connery to commit, Radford reluctantly went with Richard Burton. He had great concerns about Burton's reputation as a heavy drinker. He was delighted to find that the iconic actor had since gone on the wagon and his only vice was Diet Coke. Burton delivered the last great performance of his career in the film.
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