A masterpiece of visual design.

Rating: 7/10 (26 October 2014)

A masterpiece of visual design, "Dark City" was ahead of the curve in 1998. The existential themes are explored in a number of comparable films made in the late 90's, most notably the "Matrix." Australian director Alex Proyas passionately infuses elements of science fiction, mystery, and film noir in spectacular fashion. Viewers enter into this disorienting world and relies on us to piece together exactly what is going on in this noir metropolis. It's an effective tool as it puts the audience on a level playing field with the main character. A hypnotic and dark movie that takes you on a visually arresting ride, however the movie fails to go beyond the sci-fi/noir genre elements to truly connect on a visceral and emotional level.
"Dark City" opens by immersing the audience in the midst of a fractured, nightmarish narrative. John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), has amnesia, and he begins his "awaking" naked in a bathtub, uncertain of how he got there. His only company in his hotel room is the nude body of a dead prostitute. Suddenly, Murdoch receives a phone call from a man named Dr.Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland), who claims to have his best interests at heart. Dr. Schreber warns him to get out of the hotel immediately, and without a clue about his identity, Murdoch is fleeing from phantom-like creatures with supreme mental powers. Soon, his quest to unearth his past brings him to his wife Emma (Jennifer Connelly), who may or may not be an idea planted in his head, and Police Inspector Bumstead (William Hurt), who is tracking him down because he is the prime suspect in a series of murders.
Proyas appears to have been so distracted with his unique vision that the story suffers from a lack of narrative focus. The plot is weak, and judging from the dialogue alone, "Dark City" is a clumsy melodrama. Which is why, while the majority of the performances are serviceable, it's the sheer overwhelming style that gets us through. Proyas, as in his previous film "The Crow," once again delivers a phenomenal spectacle by creating a somber, despairing ambiance in "Dark City." Regardless of its shortcomings, the movie is a worthwhile cinematic experience--a triumph of cinematography, special effects, and visual design.