Pre-Matrix revelations

The similarities between The Matrix and Dark City are strong. Both focus on brooding central characters somehow out of sync with the world around them and becoming aware of their own capabilities. In fact, The Matrix was filmed directly after Dark City at Fox Studios on Australia's Gold Coast. Parts of the rooftop sets were used for both films.

Rufus Sewell plays the main character, John Murdoch, as a man struggling to reach the truth of both the city and himself.

Kiefer Sutherland, complete with limp and weird accent, is John's tortured mentor. Jennifer Connelly plays his wife, the pseudo femme fatale, who needs rescuing herself. The city too is a character, menacing and alive.

Perhaps if this film had had a Matrix size budget it would have garnered more attention. Perhaps that's for the best as we're guaranteed no lesser sequels. As it stands, Proyas has created a little known gem with images and ideas which swirl in the mind for a long time after viewing.