Destined to Be A Cult Classic!

Rating: 9/10 (5 October 1998)

In the tradition of Blade Runner, Dark City with its visually arresting combination of German impressionism and classic film noir style, is destined to become a cult classic.
It takes a while to get your footing in this movie as we search along with the protagonist "John Murdoch" (Rufus Sewell) for his illusive identity. We discover, as Murdoch gradually does, the true nature of The Strangers and the fate that has befallen the citizens of this topsy-turvy world as the story unravels.
Deliberately underplayed, the characters that inhabit this caliginous world might seem cardboard at first, but upon the film's full revelation it should be fairly easy to understand why. Careful never to reveal too much too soon, Dark City takes you on a journey that is alien, eerie, a bit unnerving and so much fun.
This film is not for everybody. Some people I discussed it with found it boring. I, on the other hand, was mesmerized from beginning to end. If you enjoy this film you ought to know that upon my second viewing, I found many details that weren't apparent the first time. So richly textured, Dark City begs a second viewing!
For those of you who are fans of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," Richard O'Brien (Riff Raff) is on hand as "Mr. Hand" and delivers a deliciously depraved performance.
Do you know the way to Shell Beach?