A Scanner Darkly
2006
Richard Linklater's adaptation of Philip K. Dick's classic novel is a challenging, mind-bending experience that cautions about the dangers of excessive drug use as well as the government's capacity to abuse and manipulate power. Using the same interpolated rotoscoping technique that Linklater employed in 2001's WAKING LIFE, the .. Read more
| Starring | Robert Downey Jr, Winona Ryder, Woody Harrelson, Keanu Reeves |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Linklater |
| Genres | Animated, Audio Descriptive, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller |
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A Scanner Darkly
Richard Linklater's adaptation of Philip K. Dick's classic novel is a challenging, mind-bending experience that cautions about the dangers of excessive drug use as well as the government's capacity to abuse and manipulate power. Using the same interpolated rotoscoping technique that Linklater employed in 2001's WAKING LIFE, the film is an animated, trippy descent into one man's unraveling mind. Set in the not-too-distant future where a new drug, substance D, has created an epidemic, A SCANNER DARKLY charts the mental unraveling of Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves). Arctor is an undercover cop who has been assigned to track a group of individuals who include the hyper-intense Luckman (Woody Harrelson), the ultra-paranoid Freck (Rory Cochrane), and the beautiful Donna (Winona Ryder). As the film unfolds and Arctor finds himself abusing substance D in order to maintain his façade, his mind begins to spin out of control, to the point where he doesn't know what's real and what isn't. Eventually, the truth comes out, leaving Arctor even more numbed. Linklater's surprisingly faithful adaptation of Dick's novel blends humor, drama, and Bob Sabiston's striking animation to deliver a thought-provoking film that will leave viewers as dazed as the film's protagonist.
| Starring | Robert Downey Jr, Winona Ryder, Woody Harrelson, Keanu Reeves |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Linklater |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 36 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Animated, Audio Descriptive, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller |
| Language | DVD: English, English Audio Description |
| Released | DVD: 22 Jan 2007 Production year: 2006 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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Utterly hypnotic. Mesmerizing and thrillingly original
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A Scanner Darkly is a resounding success
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Most helpful member's review
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85 out of 100 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
A well-done faithful adaptation
Ever since I read A Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick its has been one of my favourites and I've always wanted it to be made into a film. When I read 2/3 years ago that the 'A Scanner Darkly' project had been greenlit I was so excited but nervous they may destroy the story. However I can reveal that Linklater has done a fantastic job. The rotoscope technique he incorporates is very fitting with the tone and subject matter of the film and adds to its overall effect. The job it does with the scramble suit is spot on.
There are some great scenes involving the 3 supporting male actors. The parts were perfectly cast. Winona does a great job as Donna although her feelings for Arctor seem less explored than in the book but this does not make the film any less for it.
The subject matter of how drugs can degrade the mind is well portrayed and how ones life can become a confused mess. As for the main storyline and its conclusion and the realisation of various other utterances during the film, priceless, I remembered why I loved the book and had to read it several times over. This is a film you will instantly want to see again.
However this film will not be for everyone. You will need to like strange films that leave you bemused and puzzled until things become clearer.
Great film recommended to all those who have a love of slightly bizarre movies that still retain tight dialogue.
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- Dragilex from Manchester
- Posted 21 Sep 2006 10:10
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Visual effects - extremely distracting
The special effects added to this film make it virtually unwatchable - which is a shame because it is that rare thing: a faithful rendering of a Philip K Dick book into a film.
However struggling with the extremely challenging visuals and a complex storyline meant that about halfway through the four of us watching this had completely lost the plot.
We struggled to watch it all the way through- this was challenging to the max.
somewhere in there is a great film struggling to get out. -
News and features
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Soderbergh confirms Che Guevara films
- 31 Oct 2006
Traffic and Ocean's Eleven director Steven Soderbergh has announced he is to make two films about Che Guevara. According to Variety magazine, the films will be titled Guerilla and The Argentine, both starring Benicio Del Toro as the Cuban revolutionary. Due to be filmed back-to-back in South America, most of the dialogue will be in Spanish, with opening scenes already having been filmed with Del Toro and Julia Ormond. In addition, Benjamin Bratt, Javier Bardem and Franka Potente are reportedly... Read more
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