Dark City (Dir. Cut)
Released: 1998 Director: Alex Proyas Running time: 100 mins. Rated: R
Main cast: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and William Hurt
Dark City is a 1998 science fiction film directed by Alex Proyas, and the director's cut is an extended version of the movie that was released in 2008. The film is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging work of science fiction that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
The movie takes place in a mysterious city where it's always night and the sun never rises. The story follows John Murdoch, played by Rufus Sewell, who wakes up in a hotel room with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he tries to unravel the mystery of his identity, he discovers that the city is controlled by a group of beings known as The Strangers, who have the ability to manipulate reality and memory.
Rufus Sewell
One of the most impressive aspects of Dark City is its visual style, which is heavily influenced by film noir and German expressionism. The film's production design is top-notch, with a highly stylized cityscape and an eerie, oppressive atmosphere that perfectly captures the film's dark, mysterious tone.
The director's cut of the film adds an additional 15 minutes of footage, including an extended opening sequence and additional scenes that flesh out the film's characters and themes. The added footage helps to deepen the film's sense of mystery and intrigue, and makes the story feel more complete and satisfying overall.
The Strangers
The movie's themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality are explored in a thought-provoking and engaging way, and the film is able to create a sense of tension and unease that keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish.
Jennifer Connelly
The performances in Dark City are also excellent, with standout performances from Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, and Kiefer Sutherland. The film's cast manages to convey a sense of unease and tension throughout the film, adding to the movie's overall sense of mystery and suspense.
Overall, Dark City director's cut is an intelligent, visually stunning, and highly entertaining work of science fiction that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its complex story and thought-provoking themes make it a standout film that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.
Dark City (Director’s Cut) is available for purchase or rent on most streaming services, but I suggest purchasing this on Blu-ray.
In Retrospect ★★★★☆
