Dark City (1998) – 8/10 – Underrated Cyberpunk Thriller gem from before The Matrix
‘Dark City’ is a Sci-fi masterpiece I hadn’t heard of. In terms of symbolism, small details, and style, it was reminiscent of The Matrix and Blade Runner. Even though it shares similarities, it still feels fresh and unique.
John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens in the middle of the night in a bathtub inside some strange hotel, with his memories erased. He leaves the bathroom and notices a dead woman lying in his room next to the bed. The phone rings, telling him his life is in danger with people coming to get him. Nothing makes sense. Who is he? Why doesn’t he remember anything? Who is the dead woman? Why is he in the hotel room? Who is coming to get him? Who called and how does he know so much about him? All these questions bombard you, and things become even stranger. The man at the check-in counter tells him he has been in the hotel for three weeks and his wallet is at some laundromat. The police are also after him as the suspect in multiple murders of female prostitutes across the city. He rushes to the laundromat for his wallet, which may jog his memories. That’s just the opening scene, and it becomes even stranger. Watch to find out!
This film is surreal. As you are taken through multiple dark twists and turns, everything is not as it seems. The intense story and no-holds-barred filming style draw you into this bizarre world. It’s not always easy to follow the film noir style, but it grips you from the opening scene to the closing scene. The clever film doesn’t provide you with all the answers up-front, keeping you guessing and on your toes. Of course, once you have the answers, it all makes sense. Not everything gets answered, though. There is also a masterful placement of symbols that hints at what is coming, but I missed most of them (or couldn’t understand). I bet I would notice more of them upon rewatch, especially after knowing how the film ends. I don’t think you can replicate the initial viewing.
The direction, writing, and casting are excellent. Rufus Sewell, the ravishing Jennifer Connelly, and William Hurt have outstanding chemistry. The acting of the entire cast, including Kiefer Sutherland and Richard O’Brien as the villain, takes your breath away. Hats off to the direction and creative original screenplay by Alex Proyas, who I have never heard of. The only other film from him I have seen is ‘I, Robot’, based on Isaac Asimov’s novel. Special effects, fitting sounds, visuals, and the cyberpunk atmosphere draw you into another universe. The pacing and editing occasionally felt odd. The Matrix, filmed after this, reused some rooftop sets from this movie, which you might recognize.
Would I recommend this? It’s not a must-watch, but it’s one of the better films I have seen. It’s not always easy to follow, but the thriller aspect is enjoyable.
