Required viewing for lovers of "Metropolis" and "Blade Runner"

Rating: 9/10 (9 August 1999)

This is what I call a great movie. I loved this movie when it first came out, in 1998, and I saw it again and I still love it. This movie is visually stunning like no other movie. The special effects were even somewhat ripped off for "The Matrix," which is one of the very few similarities that I can think of. This movie is not about alternate realities like "The Matrix" or "Thirteenth Floor." This movie is about studies and science. This is a science fiction movie WITH the science still in it. It is a slow, thoughtful movie that will make you think about your life as a whole.
Plot: Can't reveal the plot otherwise I will spoil everything. However, I will also suggest that you mute the beginning voice-over because it gives way too much away. It gives you a basis for the rest of the movie. If you forget about the voice-over, you will be as confused as the man in the bathtub.
Presentation: The whole movie has an eerie, classic sense. It feels more like a film noir than "LA Confidential." You have the sense of the detective and almost can read what he would say in a voice over. But you can only guess, which is part of the fun. The sets are fabulous and dark. They seem to fit all into place. The camera angles just look strange and twisted, which adds to the effect of the movie. I recommend watching the DVD version with Roger Ebert's commentary, and you will notice a lot more in the movie. Such as the quick cuts of static shots to start to confuse you, and later the camera moves more and more. Great choice of film work.

This movie is a great movie for those who think and analyze. If you don't like movies with intelligence, or don't like to be confused or don't like movies that have almost no brightness in them, skip this movie. This movie is dark, and almost dreary. It is a great movie that makes you watch and think about it. I highly recommend this movie to all others.-------------9