The Look

Rating: Null/10 (5 June 2004)

One of the best movies of the year, 'Dark City' has one quality that totally mesmerizes the viewer  the look. There are few films in recent memory so completely watchable in the sense that the pieces of the puzzle are fleetingly offered, rapid fire and at first inexplicable.
We find John Murdoch (marvelously underplayed by Rufus Sewell) awakening in a strange setting where he finds he is in an even stranger situation. Right from the outset we do not know exactly what is going on, but we will have our curiosity satisfied as to what each element of his environment means within short order.
Murdoch is apparently wanted for murder(s), and we soon find Inspector Bumstead (William Hurt, who appears mysterious in his own right), Emma Murdoch  or is she really Rufus Sewell's wife? - (Jennifer Connelly) and Dr. Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland) entwined in Murdoch's life. Each actor develops their own character to fit the requirements of this nourish sci-fi treat.
In particular Connelly and Sutherland are mesmerizing. Several actors could have played Sewell's part, but the aforementioned two give a special twist to their portrayals. In true noir fashion the motives of all are suspect.
There is no movie that lays out the explanation for such a bizarre set of sensory details as 'Dark City'. We are so cleverly led through a minefield of clues that as the explanations for all these seemingly disassociated elements come into focus we are thrilled and by degrees satisfyingly enlightened.
'Dark City' is a must-see for fans of intellectually challenging science fiction thrillers. This will also be a fascinating find for those interested in well-plotted noir, even if they are not a sci fi fan.