Amazon.co.uk Review
If you're a fan of brooding comic-book anti-heroes, got a nihilistic jolt from The Crow (1994) and share director Alex Proyas's highly developed preoccupation for style over substance, you might be tempted to call Dark City an instant classic of visual imagination. It's one of those films that exists in a world purely of its own making, setting its own rules and playing by them fairly, so that even its derivative elements (and there are quite a few) acquire their own specific uniqueness. Before long, however, the film becomes interesting only as a triumph of production design. And while that's certainly enough to grab your attention (Blade Runner is considered a classic, after all), it's painfully clear that Dark City has precious little heart and soul. One-dimensional characters are no match for the film's abundance of retro-futuristic style, so it's best to admire the latter on its own splendidly cinematic terms. Trivia buffs will be interested to know that the film's 50-plussets (partially inspired by German expressionism) were built at the Fox Film Studios in Sydney, Australia, home base of director Alex Proyas and producer Andrew Mason. The underground world depicted in the film required the largest indoor set ever built in Australia. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Dark City: Not to be taken lightly........2008-01-27
'Dark City' starts with a man, John Murdoch (Sewell), waking up with no memory in a gloomy hotel in the middle of the night, confused and alone, committed of murders he didn't commit and pursued by ghostly agents who want him on account of the psychic power he has developed.
It so happens that I wanted to watch 'Dark City' because having seen Rufus Sewell in 'The Illusionist', I wanted a comparison and this mysterious film seemed a good option. Having said that, I'm very glad I bought it because it is a masterpiece of science fiction. Combining a tense surrealism with incredible visual effects and an indescribable sense of foreboding, the film draws you into its dark heart. I was not sure quite what to expect, but from the first intriguing moment to the cosmic finale I was gripped by the mystery; the pace; and the queer malevolence of 'the strangers' who's hidden purpose both intrigues and discomforts.
On the one hand, 'Dark City' could be described as an extended 'escape quest' along the lines of the 'Truman Show', but that would be an injustice. For whereas in the 'Truman Show' evereyone was conspiring against Truman, in 'Dark City' everyone is oblivious to the monstrous 'experiments' of the alien strangers upon themselves, leaving John Murdoch afraid and alone except for one (rather disturbing) scientist traiterously acting on behalf of the strangers. 'Dark City' is profoundly philosophical in its treatment of what constitutes identity, the value of memory and what it is that fundamentally makes us human, for the way the 'strangers' callously tamper with the human mind is enthralling and it is only when one distances oneself from the dreamlike quality of the film is the troubling nature of such a possibility realised.
All in all, I loved this film and I recommend it to anyone who's ever considered the question 'who am I?'. It's a fast-paced exciting story with a great performance by Sewell, convincingly backed by Jennifer Connelly and William Hurt, filled with stunning effects; creepy music; supernatural powers; and the haunting dilemma of existentialism that will leave you, strangely in sympathy with the 'strangers', pondering long after the ending.
Ignore Amazon's review of this film.......2008-01-21
Please ignore Amazon's review of the film. Dark City is a classic, one of the best science fiction films ever made. To say that it is a triumph of design over substance demostrates a total lack of understanding of the film. Yes the film is beatuful to look at, but the complexity of story is rewarding in equal measure.
This film is crying out for a Special Edition/Director's Cut.
If you have never watched this film before it is strongly recomended that you mute the narrative right at the start of the film and keep it on mute until the opening titles begin.
Quick Reviews!.......2007-09-15
Carrying on with the look of The Crow, Proyas gives Dark City an appropriately noirish atmosphere. Many have asked whether The Matrix 'borrowed' heavily from Dark City. The similarities are blatant, the opening few scenes are almost identical to the Wachowskis' movie, and some of the early dialogue is the same. The look is similar, as is the story to some extent: your life is being controlled by an outside, unseen force, and the human race is their little play thing. Then again, Proyas' story has elements from Metropolis, and Blade Runner. Both films are must-sees from the nineties, but unfortunately Dark City is barely known.
Sewell's character Murdoch wakes up with no idea who he is, or who the dead woman beside him is. When he is chased by a group of leather clad baldies, he begins to wonder what the hell is going on. He questions why no-one can remember the last time there was daylight, or remember the way out of the city. Help comes in the form of odd doctor Sutherland, who seems to be the only other person in the city who doesn't mysteriously fall asleep at midnight. Sutherland teaches Murdoch how to harness his powerful gift (an ability to 'change' his surroundings), and then try to bring down the bad guys.
Questions of free will are explored, and like The Matrix we wonder whether it would be better not to know. At the end, there is still no escape from the city, although Murdoch's power to create remains. Most of the performances are good, though unlike The Crow, Dark City has a bleak, close to emotionless feel to it, and only Jennifer Connoly adds some glamour. The film is visually stunning and the plot is engaging, though it was always clear that this would never be the blockbuster which The Matrix set out to be. The DVD extras are a short making-of and a trailer, but you can pick this up cheap and catch up on one of the decade's forgotten gems.
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More..........2007-05-19
Breathtaking film. Beautiful to look at and it hurts your head to follow the plot. It's agressively intelligent and it doesn't wait for the popcorn public to catch up - you pay attention or you miss out.
That said, it's worth the effort, as all the strands fall neatly into place. Second and subsequent viewing show how everything was there for you to understand from the start if you could just get the jigsaw puzzle pieces to hold still long enough.
Extremely good performances from Rufus Sewell (Martha Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence), William Hurt (Gorky Park, The Big Chill), Keiffer Sutherland (Lost Boys, 24), Richard O'Brian (Rocky Horror Show) and the sadly missed Ian Richardson (House of Cards, Hogfather). Where could you find a cast like that now?
It's all crafted by Alex Proyas, who went on to make a splendid job of I Robot.
Highly original, highly thought provoking, highly entertaining and highly recommended!
It is over before it begins.......2006-01-22
In a city where the sun never shines and everyone knows the way to Shell Beach but you can never get there, John Murdock (Rufus Sewell) thinks he knows a truth, with his half remember past he now seeks to find out the cities secret.
It appears to be around the 40’s and John is thinking of his wife Emma Murdoch (Jennifer Connelly), that now may or may not be someone else.
We are carried along with the story and just might find the secret out before John. Can we handle the truth?
What happens if john finds out how unique he is and whom he may be threatening?
“Dark City” (1998) seems like a short story (both story and screenplay by Alex Proyas “The Crow”) with a simple prime that was fleshed out to movie length. The visuals gothic in feel and style will hold you long enough to allow you to enjoy the slow unfolding of the story. Jennifer Connelly seems like she should have been born in the thirty’s/ forties as she looks and acts her part so well that you forget you are watching a movie; At times you forget that it is a sci-fi movie.
Amazon.co.uk Review
In 1992, The Lawnmower Man was hailed as a CGI (Computer Generated Image) breakthrough. It's fascinating to consider the effects in a historical context, knowing it came just a year after T2: Judgment Day and was followed by Jurassic Park a year later. Written and directed by Bill Leonard, this was intended to showcase how realistic digital likenesses and landscapes had become. Little did they know that Toy Story was already in pre-production! The story hangs on the concept that a scientist gain (Pierce Brosnan) is drafted in to utilise the technology for governmental. As with all top-secret government projects in the movies, it all goes horribly wrong. Forced to progress from a chimp to a human subject, Brosnan secretly recruits local backwards boy and lawnmower pusher Jobe (Jeff Fahey). The increases in intelligence are alarming. He learns Latin in two hours, becomes an object of sexual desire (all it takes is cowboy boots apparently), and then develops telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Some very overt religious analogy is in evidence. Jobe's beatings by a priest give way to an eventual crucifixion on the spinning wheel that allows him to enter Virtual Reality. Will he be resurrected for a sequel? Such questions were what Stephen King took extreme exception to when his name was placed before the title. A lawsuit took care of that. What the film ought to be remembered and appreciated for though are the visuals, which undoubtedly advanced the arcade and home computer game industry. --Paul Tonks
Customer Reviews:
The Lawnmower Man/Directors Cut.......2002-10-15
Considering the time this was made,the special effects were very good.Not the best acting in the world but an all round good watch.Your futuristic spin on a tale of the worm that turned with an extra 38 minutes of added footage that really filled the gaps of the original and made for a much more complete experience.
dud.......2001-09-12
a few cute computer effects do not make up for a terrible plot, horrible acting. This movie has nothing in common with the Stephen King short story. god only knows what made Pierce Brosnan take the lead in this dud. Miss it if you can!
Marvellous film. Simply marvellous........2001-08-30
The Lawnmower Man combines awesome special effects with great acting and plotline to boot. Jeff Fahey is superb as the gardener-turned-god, and Pierce Brosnan excels as the stressed-out programmer. As a sidenote, Lawnmower Man was the first film to show a cyber-sex scene, albeit with not quite the intended result. Lanmover Man may not make it up to the legendary sci-fi films like 2001 or Close Encounters, but I think it comes close.
The classic that introduced Jeff Fahey to the world.......2000-07-23
Lawnmower Man is a chilling critique of V.R., or Virtually Reality as it is more commonly known. It examines the effects it has on one man and how it changes him and the potential effects it couuld have on the world and those around him.
When we first meet Jeff Fahey he is all thick and stuff and his voice is stupid because he is a retard. Pierce Brosnan is clever because he is a scientist and when he meets Jeff, or Jobby as he is called in the film, and he says; "I think you should try V.R. Then you will be cleverer than you are." So he does. Then the science man says "Now you know Latin" This is followed by several bone chilling scenes where Jobby revenges himself on the society that was so cruel to him when he was a div. Looking at a priest he sets him on fire because of Virtually Reality. This angers Pierce Brosnan, who would go on to portray James Bond double o seven, and he says "stay away from my boy. I don't like you anymore"
The scene is set for a showdown in the computer where a battle that could be responsible for the fate of humankind will take place.
Special mention should go to the revolutionary computer animation that was done better in Terminator 2. When first released potheads got all scared when they watched it. In these scenes there is the first V.R. sex scene but you don't see anything.
The actin is superb with Fahey doing a stirling job in portraying a man who is at first a simpleton who goes on to become an all powerful man. When he is silly his hair is a mess but when he becomes clever it looks much better. Frightening and seductive.
On this DVD, or Digitally Video Disk, you will find the trailer which is really really good.
DVD Review:
- Dark Water [2005]
- Demons 2 [1987]
- Demons - The Director's Cut (Dubbed) [1987]
- Devour [2005]
- Flavia The Heretic [1974]
- Fog, The [2005]
- Fox Horror Classics Collection (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Frankenstein [2003]
- From Beyond the Grave [1973] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Ghost Hunters: Season 2, Part 1 [2007]
DVD Review List
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