A Scanner Darkly DVD

Advantages: funny yet dark, superbly made with an excellent script
Disadvantages: will not be to everyones taste

...taste in movies. Im not a great fan of Keanu Reeves or Winona Ryder and Im also not very keen on animated films (and being told it’s not an animated film, its filmed in Rotoscope doesn’t make much difference!). It’s also a book I’ve read and enjoyed, although quite some time ago, as it’s by an author I like Philip K. Dick and often the films aren’t as good as the book It’s likely quite a few of you probably enjoy Dicks tales too even though you ...
...Uma thurman was based on a Dick short story by the same name • And Nicholas Cage’s film 'Next' that came out last month is also based on a Dick short storycalled the Golden Man Most of those films have been quite sucessful and some have been quite good so I gave this film a watch and, almost despite myself, really enjoyed it A Brief synopsis of the story: Scanner Darkly is set in California in a not too far distant future where America has lost ... Read review

Advantages: Saddening, deep and surreal
Disadvantages: Can be difficult to follow

“What does a scanner see? Into the head? Into the heart? Does it see into me? Clearly? Or darkly?” Originally having gone to see this film at the cinema, I was debating about what to expect from Richard Linklater’s ‘A Scanner Darkly’. I had been utterly intruiged by the ghoulish advertising and darkly presented posters, but lingering in the back of my mind was the constant image of what Linklater had directed so far. From the family orientated, ...
...story of ‘Bad News Bears’ a year later, his films are usually great for a laugh. This preconcieved opinion of what was to come was soon shattered, as I realised that this was not going to be another funny but forgettable Channel 5 afternoon film, but a dark and challenging masterwork, that would turn Linklater’s reputation on its head. Cor! PLOT: Anaheim, California, and ‘seven years from now’ America has lost the war on drugs. Twenty percent of ... Read review

Advantages: Very Stylistic, gerat soundtrack
Disadvantages: difficult to follow

...read Philip K Dicks book, A Scanner Darkly, I was eagerly awaiting the film adaptation. Upon hearing that George Clooney had optioned it no less, and that Richard Linklater was down to direct it I was kind of ecstatic. I have a lot of respect for George Clooney, following his efforts to turn out less main stream Hollywood films, in favour of thought provoking and interesting films. So when I heard that Keanu Reeves had go the lead role as Bob Arctor, ...
...But the lead character for A Scanner Darkly, in my opinion would always have needed someone who had a half decent range, and not someone who cam across as a bit of an airhead. But upon watching the DVD, I was surprised. On a number of levels. Spoiler warning!! The story follows an undercover drugs operative called Fred (his codename for anonymity. He has to wear a scramble suit at all times to cover his identity within the police station). He has ... Read review

Advantages: Good Special Effects
Disadvantages: Not many

...deep reflection it is not a film that I would recommend. But if you want to watch it do so at your own risk. 1 hour forty mins Rating (15) The Product details The Actors: Rory Cochrane, Robert Downey Jr., Mitch Baker, Keanu Reeves, Sean Allen (II) Directors: Richard Linklater Format: PAL, Widescreen Language English Region: Region 2 ( DVD formats.) Aspect Ratio: Wide Screen:1 Number of discs: 1 Classification: 15 Studio: Warner Home Video ... Read review

Advantages: Graphics and humour
Disadvantages: Creative licence taken too far?

...them, and it seemed like a good buy. The way the film works is strange, i had never seen anything like it before, and havent seen anything like it since. The graphical animation of the characters, scenery and settings are amazing!! Nothing was ever still, which added to the feel of the film as you knew that nobody could trust anybody else, it made each and every character look "sketchy" which is rather relevent for the style of the film. As well ...
...Keanu Reeves playing the main character who was just as untrustworthy as the drug dealers he was pursuing. The only thing that i found very strange about the film was the undercover suit that the officers wore. This was obviously only enabled because of the format of the film. This would not have been as possible using CGI. But must have taken the animators an eternity. My favourite part of the film (for those who have seen it) is the scene with ... Read review