Watch Dark City
- R
- 1989
- 1 hr 40 min
-
7.6 (214,530)
Dark City is an action-packed sci-fi neo-noir film, directed by Alex Proyas, that portrays a surreal and mysterious world filled with suspense, intrigue, and uncertainty. The movie takes place in a city that appears to exist outside of time and space, where the sun never rises, and the citizens are controlled by a group of dark and menacing creatures known as the "Strangers."
The story follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), a man who wakes up in a hotel room with no memory of his past, covered in blood, and wanted for several murders. As he tries to piece together the fragments of his life, he discovers that the city is not what it seems, and the people around him are not who they pretend to be.
John soon realizes that the Strangers are responsible for his amnesia and that they have the power to manipulate the city's structure and the memories of its inhabitants, turning them into pawns in their twisted game of control. In his quest to uncover the truth about himself and the city he lives in, John must outsmart the Strangers and fight against their deadly powers.
The Strangers, led by Mr. Hand (Richard O'Brien), are fascinating and terrifying creatures who possess the ability to modify reality according to their whims. With their telekinetic powers, they can stop time, change objects, and alter the minds of those around them. They are also in pursuit of a mysterious child, who seems to possess the special gift that could grant them ultimate control over the city.
John's only ally is Dr. Daniel Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland), a mad scientist who was once coerced by the Strangers to help them control the city. Dr. Schreber is the only one who can communicate with the Strangers and understands their powers. He helps John to put together the missing pieces of his memories and devise a plan to take down the Strangers.
Jennifer Connelly plays Emma Murdoch, John's estranged wife, who is also being hunted by the Strangers. Emma initially appears to be a damsel in distress, but soon reveals her badass side when she joins John in his quest for justice.
The movie's visual aesthetic is a blend of art nouveau, expressionism, and noir, with a gothic and dystopian feel. The sets are breathtaking, with towering art deco buildings, labyrinthine alleyways, and multilayered cityscapes. The film's cinematography, by Dariusz Wolski, is masterful, creating stark contrasts between light and dark that define the film's mood.
Dark City is a gripping, mind-bending thriller that explores themes of identity, free will, and the nature of reality. The film's plot twists are clever and surprising, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. The acting is superb, with strong performances by the entire cast, especially Rufus Sewell, who convincingly portrays John's transformation from a confused amnesiac to a determined hero.
In conclusion, Dark City is a must-see for fans of science fiction and noir. It is a visually stunning and captivating film that will leave audiences in awe of its intricate plot and unique storytelling.
Dark City is a 1989 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 66.