this is SO cool!

Rating: Null/10 (23 August 2003)

contains spoilers:
I caught this last night on TNT as i was dozing in front of the TV. I snapped awake and was on the edge of my seat until it was over. Wonderfully suspenseful. I recall seeing the trailers for the film when it came out but the ad didn't do enough to grab me then and had always planned to rent it someday. After seeing it, i think i'll buy the dvd!
This film was simply incredible. This was NOT a rehash of clichÃ© sci-fi plots, or of other genre movies. Far from it, i think this is one of the most original movies i've ever seen.
The most stunning aspect? The RESERVED and TASTEFUL application of special effects. They were only put in when they added to the story which only made them more effective. I particularly liked the gliding motion of the strangers when they moved. A cheap effect in most movies but here it totally worked. The final view of the city in space was awesome. The sets were so well constructed. The scene where they are taking that boat along that canal to find a way out... man, a scene out of a nightmare - well done.
The acting was very well done, the dark atmosphere was almost claustrophobic. When they ran down that narrowing corridor only to see that huge poster i almost choked! What a relief when we finally see Shell beach! I like the indeterminate milieu. Much better done than the batman movies (P-EW!!!) Instead there is a dominant 1940's theme with anything from the 20's to the 60's mixed in without anything seeming anachronistic. (the automobiles seemed to vary from around 1939 to 1965).
The story is well told and great attention to detail throughout. I was a bit taken aback when they first broke through that brick wall and Bumstead (William Hurt - a much better role for him than Duke Leto in sci-fi's Dune) and the stranger are sucked out. It wasn't making sense to me until they passed through the "force field".
I was a little disappointed in the ending only because the struggle for control of "the machine" between Murdoch and Mr. Book wasn't as drawn out and personal between them as it could have been. (or as clear) Outwardly, it just seemed a fight between two telekinetics. Better to have them clearly struggling for control of the machine.
I was also disappointed that we get so little explained of the true physiology of the strangers. They appear to be something like a cross between a tapeworm and a chinese dragon that "possess" dead bodies in order to run their "laboratory" (the city). I would like to have seen more of their "true form" and to have explained why it was necessary for them to inhabit the human bodies to fulfill their role. After all, they never went about among the inhabitants for the most part. They only went out at midnight when everyone was asleep. And beyond that, what will finding out "what it means to be human" do to help the survival of their dying race?
I also found Mr. Hand's desire to take on the characteristics of a serial killer when exposed to murdoch's memories a little disturbing. It almost seems he is doing it by choice, as if he's letting an inhibition slide rather than he is being controlled by murdoch's memories.
The love story between Emma/Anna and Murdoch is done with a light touch and that is exactly what the story called for. The love between the two characters really comes out without taking over the story or becoming sappy.
Still, the acting, the sets, the script, the score, the camera work all seemed flawless. The only thing that separates this movie from something like "american beauty" is the dark, gothic sci-fi atmosphere. If you like art films and have an open mind this one might grab you. If you like well plotted, well directed sci-fi there's none better.