Mind bending

Rating: Null/10 (11 February 1999)

Dark City is destined to become a cult classic and is definitely one of the best sci-fi films of recent years. The film is of course ultra-stylish, and the quick editing keeps it ticking along at a rollicking pace - even when nothing much is happening.
Dark City reminded me a lot of the works of Terry Gilliam (in particular Brazil and 12 Monkey's) and Stanley Kubrick (2001) in that it examines/attacks our perception of reality. While this is not a new idea, it does this in a fresh way. It basically asks the question "is the world we 'believe' in, really the world we 'live' in"? There is some wildly imaginative stuff as the city moves and changes shape around our hero as though in a dream.
This whole notion culminates in a mind blowing moment when the main character (and the audiance) discovers exactly the true nature of the city and that there is no escape. This is done with an incredible sequence. However I was disappointed with the film from this moment on, instead of sticking as a psychological thriller, the climax turns the film into a SFX extravaganza resembling a 'dark' version of one of those lame old Superman movies.
Acting wise the film is nothing special, but that's not really what it's about, the acting is certainly sufficient. Rufus Sewell is adequate but nothing special. William Hurt gives a solid performance as you would expect. Keifer Sutherlands over-affected mannerisms make his character increasingly annoying. A well cast Jennifer Connelly graces the screen with her presence but her character lacks any real weight.
8/10 - Some great ideas can't be spoiled by some naff ones.