science fiction movies are now more synonymous with special effects than plot (see star wars episode one for proof of the pudding) dark city is a surprising exception to the rule. That's not to say that the special effects are not at hand, there are employed here, but for once take a hand in hand role to compliment the story rather than to exagerrate. The story is about a man who wakes up without memory to find a woman dead in his flat. He strugles to understand what is happening around him, and confused he runs rather than try to wait around to discover if he actually committed what turns out to be a string of murders.
His journey then becomes one of the most inventive and surprisingly entertaining films in years. the city itself is controlled by a race of creatures intent on finding the sourse of the human soul, who have the power to transform objects at will by a process called tuning. John finds that he too has this tuning ability, although he doesn't understand how he has it, or how dangerous he will become. All the time he is still struggling to find his lost memory and discover if he really is a killer.
He seeks out the help of his estranged wife, and a myterious doctor, who seems to hold all the keys to his memory loss and his tuning ability. However the strangers have realised that john poses a very big threat to the city they control, and will stop at nothing to capture or destroy him.
Richard o brien takes on the role of one of the head strangers, and is excellent in a rocky horroresque role which suits him to a tee. Rufus sewell is also great as john, bringing a real air of depth and realism to the role. If you love horror, then watch this film, if you love sci fi, again watch it, if you want to see an absolute gem of a movie that needs watching twice to really fully be understood, then watch this movie. Just one more point Jennifer Connelly is absoloutley gorgeous and needs more mainstream roles, fantastic.
The only let down, is a five minute making of is classed as a special feature. Laughable. great direction, acting and superb special effects kiefer sutherland has never been better, this is how science fiction should be. vastly under-rated, this is a good way to kill a sunday afternoon.
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Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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Advantages: The film creates a fantastic vision that makes you want to explore its depths Disadvantages: It's dark and foreboding which is its power yet its downfall