As psychiatrist Martin Dysart, Burton confronted a disturbing case of a boy who blinded horses, in Peter Shaffer’s powerful drama.
Equus (1977) follows Dysart as he tries to understand Alan Strang, played by Peter Firth, and finds his own beliefs shaken. Burton, who had played Dysart on stage, brings a haunted, questioning quality to the role.
He was nominated for Best Actor, and the film remains a testament to Burton’s willingness to tackle difficult, adult material late in his career.
Image credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.