Wow! Freaky isn't it!

Rating: 10/10 (6 October 2003)

Before "The Matrix" changed our views on computers, there was another film that challenged people to look outside of "the box" and quesiton reality. The film I speak of is "Dark City"!
"Dark City" is a brilliant, dark and twisted story about a city of unsuspecting humans who are a part of a gigantic experiment by a group of soul-less aliens. The aliens hope to learn about the human soul in the hopes it will save there race from extinction.
From there, the movie begins. As in "The Matrix", a savior for the human race is chosen. In this film, it is not a nerdy computer hacker but a confused man (named John Murdock) who wakes up to find himself as a fugitive of the law and wanted for murder. This part is portrayed by Rufus Sewell. Rufus does a great job as the lead and would-be savior but the true performances come from the supporting cast....
The first is Jennifer Connelly who plays Murdock's wife, a sexy club singer who's life is flipped upside-down as she despereately tries to patch up her crumbling marriage to Murdock.
The second is Kiefer Sutherland who plays a Dr. Schreber, a dim-witted and crippled scientist who is forced night after night to "edit" people's personalities for the alien's experiments.
Then there is William Hurt who plays Inspector Bumstead, a depressing detective who is still mourning over the loss of his lovely wife.
The final is Richard O'Brien who plays Mr. Hand, one the dark, albino aliens who imprints Murdock's memories in his head in hopes of capturing Murdock.
From there the movie takes off. It is filled with mystery, action and questions...tons of questions. Are the memories in your head your true memories? Who are you? What is your true purpose?
The other brilliance of the film is the unbelievable setting which is a cross between the 1950s and the 1980s. From the saucy night club to the cheap hotel, to the upscale police station to the rundown theater. It reaks of "Metropolis."
The movie's story is stunning, the acting superb and the setting is to die for. Rent this film and watch it! Let the quesitons begin!!!
(10 out of 10 Stars)