Featured Audience Ratings

• Bob S

  
  A bit hack thematically, very digital, absolutely breakneck pacing visually and plotwise, dreamy illogical... kinda cool hyper-pastiche. Dick Tracy meets Kafka in the Matrix

• Phil H

  
  Directed by Proyas, the man behind ' The Crow' and with a title like this you get an idea of what you're in for. You could say this was the film that influenced 'The Matrix' and from then on a tidal wave of other fantasy films. Not in terms of action but… More
  Directed by Proyas, the man behind ' The Crow' and with a title like this you get an idea of what you're in for. You could say this was the film that influenced 'The Matrix' and from then on a tidal wave of other fantasy films. Not in terms of action but mainly visuals, mood, stylings, the odd set piece and of course the dream like plot. Even though the film sounds like some kind of period set superhero type action film like 'The Shadow' its a whole different ballgame. The story is set within a sprawling city, a dark city naturally, that never seems to see daylight and no one seems to notice. The main character of 'Murdoch' awakens with amnesia and up for murder, from this point on he must try to fathom out how and why he's in this situation whilst trying to avoid mysterious shrouded characters that are trying to kill him. It doesn't sound much of a thrillingly new concept but its the look and atmosphere that was new for the time. I say new, there was Burton's 'Batman' of course and 'The Shadow', but this type of dark comicbook/graphic novel approach wasn't anywhere near as common as it is today. Take a heavy set 30/40's city complete with classic cars and fedoras, give much of the architecture and style a bleak black n white German expressionist tone bordering with gothic and a plot that harks back to old detective noir thrillers. The other cool thing was the city we see in the film is a mix of different architectural styles from different countries. Bits and pieces from all over so you're never sure where exactly you are, it also seems to have bits that range from industrial to basic urban to classical. Overall a very deary dream that does remind you of the cityscape from 'Blade Runner' somewhat. I'll be honest, this film takes time to get to grips with, the first time I saw it (theatrical release) I didn't really like it. I'll admit I expected something very different, an action film, the film is much deeper than that. I only started to get the idea about the same time as Hurt's character starts to follow 'Murdoch'. Its then you realise what's going on and it all clicks, everything is not what it seems, the world you know isn't real...sounds familiar doesn't it. I think the casting let the film down in terms of box office success. I loved the cast personally and thought each person gave the film credibility and believability. I love Richard O'Brien and wish he would do more films where as Jennifer Connelly's looks are so 30's America she could have been snatched from the era in a time machine. She already proved this starring in the other 30's period set adventure 'The Rocketeer' (part of the 30/40's action hero trilogy with 'The Shadow' and 'The Phantom'). Hurt is stoic of course where as Sewell is a proper British actor. The inclusion of Sutherland was the only member there to try and attract a more mainstream audience, I think. I think 'Dark City' is a damn good thinker, philosophical to a degree, questions aren't completely answered and you can look at the story in many ways from many angles. This is why it didn't go down to well upon release, everyone including myself expected something else and at the time (again myself included) people were disappointed and a tad confused. 'The Matrix' filled that part in the jigsaw puzzle and gave people what they wanted, the dark gothic bleakness, something to think about with another good plot and of course blistering action. Upon reflection I now see how good this film is with its possible symbolism's and allegories, if you scratch beneath the surface there may or may not be more to find. You could also look at this as an extended 'Twilight Zone' episode, which is how I see it really.

• Emil K

  
  One of the very best films of 90's and easily up there as a one of the darkest, twisted, handsome and best sci-fi-films ever made. Once it starts it won't let you go until the end credits has rolled. Well written story, by Proyas himself, throws viewers straight in the… More
  One of the very best films of 90's and easily up there as a one of the darkest, twisted, handsome and best sci-fi-films ever made. Once it starts it won't let you go until the end credits has rolled. Well written story, by Proyas himself, throws viewers straight in the middle of mystery where story's main chracter is a potential serial-killer and is suffering from a memory loss. From there on this film is a brilliant puzzle of ideas and theories of why the whole city where they live never sees sunlight and why nobody seems to remember how to go to the end of a metro line. Here is a film with fascinating world and director Alex Proyas truly captures perfectly the noirish look of 40's and turns it all kinda mix of Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Jacques Tourneur's films like Out of the Past with ambitious sci-fi setting. There aren't many films in the world that holds this much innovation or originality in them. Dark City is a instant cult classic and a damn fine film. It has stand time well and it will in the future.

• UUd I

  
  A bit hack thematically, very digital, absolutely breakneck pacing visually and plotwise, dreamy illogical... kinda cool hyper-pastiche. Dick Tracy + the Matrix

• Jens S

  
  Director Alex Proyas already proved with The Crow that he knows how to film gloomy cities. His approach here is even more fantastic, combining elements of the film noir and science fiction to tell the story of an amnesiac in his lone struggle to find the truth while fighting off a… More
  Director Alex Proyas already proved with The Crow that he knows how to film gloomy cities. His approach here is even more fantastic, combining elements of the film noir and science fiction to tell the story of an amnesiac in his lone struggle to find the truth while fighting off a mysterious cult of floating men. The result is wonderfully odd, very entertaining and unpredictable, with lots of references to similar themes from literature and film. In the end, despite of a few confusing scenes and a couple of wasted opportunities or characters, a very satisfying film.

• Matthew R

  
  Released around the same time as the more action-savvy "Matrix", "Dark City" explores the similar fundamental properties of what can be defined as the soul. Superbly acted and directed, it blends well-executed aspects of Film Noir, with the premises of scientific… More
  Released around the same time as the more action-savvy "Matrix", "Dark City" explores the similar fundamental properties of what can be defined as the soul. Superbly acted and directed, it blends well-executed aspects of Film Noir, with the premises of scientific experimentation, mental evolution and the expansion of consciousness. The concept of personal memories and experiences as an ability that is often taken for granted, and the torture of an existence of collective memory are thoroughly explored. Though the effects can sometimes come across as a bit dated, the film is a testament to human dexterity as well as a sci-fi adventure not easily forgotten.

• Jeff "

  
  Dark City is a very interesting, neo-noir futuresque Dystopian society film. With a strong, stylish visual style, director Alex Proyas creates a terrific film. Dark City is an effective blend of action and thrills. This is a film that relies on its visuals to create a memorable film.… More
  Dark City is a very interesting, neo-noir futuresque Dystopian society film. With a strong, stylish visual style, director Alex Proyas creates a terrific film. Dark City is an effective blend of action and thrills. This is a film that relies on its visuals to create a memorable film. Dark City has a terrific cast that elevates this film, and every actor are wonderful in their performances. What I love about the film is the way it looks. Combine that with a great story, and you have a terrific film. I've always enjoyed Dystopian society films, and Dark City is a well crafted film that echoes the style of Director Alex Proyas' previous film, The Crow. The plot is terrific and multi layered, you may need to rewatch this film to truly understand the idea. For the most part, I enjoyed this film, and thought it was one of the most thrilling Sci-Fi films of the 90's. The concept is great, and it has often been imitated, but never matched. This film is Alex Proyas best film along with The Crow. Brilliantly acted and with a fine story, Dark City is bound to satisfy Sci-Fi fans. The films unique visual style adds so much depth and mystery to this film. If you love Sci-Fi films that are quite different, then Dark City is one that is very different and boasts a terrific concept and wonderful visual. Aided by a great cast and terrific director, Dark City is a film that truly elevates the bar in the Sci Fi genre. A film that is a must see.

• Spencer S

  
  Though ultimately a lackluster effort, but ambitious and ravenously astute, Dark City is the best neo-noir sci-fi ever attempted, and beautifully executed. It holds each element in the palm of its hand and instead of squashing it like a bug, lays the groundwork with impressive set… More
  Though ultimately a lackluster effort, but ambitious and ravenously astute, Dark City is the best neo-noir sci-fi ever attempted, and beautifully executed. It holds each element in the palm of its hand and instead of squashing it like a bug, lays the groundwork with impressive set designs (reused for the Wachowski Brothers' The Matrix), bleak photography and cinematography, and acting that is far and beyond that of the cast called upon. For one thing, Connelly has always made beautifully resonant films, instead of the fluff of the eighties we were ingratiated towards. The lead of the film is amnesiac John Murdoch, played by Rufus Sewell. The fact that he has no memory plays well into the neo-noir aspect, since these "Strangers" work as the police would in the same sense, except in a world that mirrors complete darkness and lack of any true emotion, it's easier to centralize one villain as a large entity rather than a single person. The concept behind the world itself was the most interesting part, though it's not unearthed (without the voice over narration) until an hour in, and all the ambiguous buildup gave me a headache. It was enjoyable to watch the storyline unfold as it did, and with the introduction of the Strangers could have lent to a more particular mind figuring it out sooner, but I leave my viewing up in the air with suspense of disbelief. Besides that, the effects were very low budget for a nineties film, and one that was well financed at that. The Matrix, made just one year later, had the computer generated output to create much more effective visuals, but couldn't completely replicate the dreary cityscape that Alex Proyas imagined so vividly. At times I almost wondered if this world was our own, and the ending reflected the protagonist as a Jesus like figure, sacrificing his own happiness through ignorance for one as creator, perhaps all of our lives relatively only real to us and the basis of our lives are simply the memories we have. The whole film deals with our souls through memory, and whether or not it actually is in our emotions rather than experiences and thought processes. Also, the climax of the film felt rushed, as the final battle between good and evil used bad effects and didn't truly work with the overall storyline the film was already following. It would have been great to lead into other great Proyas work, but we have sadly all been let down, yet this gem at least exists to fuel the discussion for another day.

• AJ V

  
  This movie is like a cross between the Matrix and The Truman Show. Both great movies themselves, and before them, this great movie. It has a great, interesting cast, a great story, and a very cool style. It's like a neo-1940s. I really enjoy this movie, and I highly recommend… More
  This movie is like a cross between the Matrix and The Truman Show. Both great movies themselves, and before them, this great movie. It has a great, interesting cast, a great story, and a very cool style. It's like a neo-1940s. I really enjoy this movie, and I highly recommend it.

• Jameson W

  
  Phenomenal film! One of the best Sci-Fi movies I have seen in a while, and definitely one of my new favorites. Dark City is one of the most thought-out and well done films I have seen. Director Alex Proyas did an excellent job with this film. The pacing is perfect; I had tons of… More
  Phenomenal film! One of the best Sci-Fi movies I have seen in a while, and definitely one of my new favorites. Dark City is one of the most thought-out and well done films I have seen. Director Alex Proyas did an excellent job with this film. The pacing is perfect; I had tons of questions throughout, but never was I bored or completely lost. The director takes his time and never assumes the audience needs a rushed conclusion. Basically, you need to this movie. Everything about it is fantastic...the concept, story, cast, visuals, tone, music, emotion, pacing, direction. I literally could have asked no more from this film. Truly an underrated gem!

• Tim S

  
  My original thoughts on this: "This had quite an interesting cast and strong direction, but somehow it just doesn't quite reach that epic place you want it to. There are some troublesome things about it, but I suppose it's another one of those 'warm up'… More
  My original thoughts on this: "This had quite an interesting cast and strong direction, but somehow it just doesn't quite reach that epic place you want it to. There are some troublesome things about it, but I suppose it's another one of those 'warm up' movies where you have to see it multiple times to warm up to it." Now having seen it and the director's cut a couple of times, I feel a bit less hard on this movie. It is filled with lots of things we've seen before and some muddied plot details, but it has some great performances, marvelous art direction and set designs...and it's just an overall enjoyable sci-fi experience. It still doesn't get exactly to where it's going, but isn't dismissable by any means.

• Chris W

  
  This is a wonderfully imaginative sc-fi thriller that, unfortunately is criminally underappreciated. I can't prove this, but I have a feeling that a reason for this might have to do with the fact that a year after this came out, The Matrix- a similar, yet more popular and… More
  This is a wonderfully imaginative sc-fi thriller that, unfortunately is criminally underappreciated. I can't prove this, but I have a feeling that a reason for this might have to do with the fact that a year after this came out, The Matrix- a similar, yet more popular and accessible film, was released. With this film, it is as if Alex Proyas combined Kafka, philosophy, film noir, and the visual aesthetic/art design of films such as Metropolis, Blade Runner, and Tim Burton's Batman in a blender, then topped it off with a trippy and compelling sci-fi mystery. The story, like much of the film, is dark and mysterious, and the audience feels much like the main character for a great deal of the running time. This film wastes no time in getting the film started, letting the plot unfold as it goes along instead of setting things up with lengthy explanation first. Doing it this way will be maddening for some, and it is confusing, but it is supposed to be. Stick with it, though. It's worth it. You do need to pay attention and come to this film with the intention of engaging the mind, but that's fine by me. This film, as a result, is both entertaining and stimulating...a perfect film for discussion afterwards. The effects are cool, but don't really hold up over time. In a way it kind of adds to the charm since this film already mixes a futuristic look with something reminiscent of the 1940s. Since the effects and action aren't the point of the story though, the slight datedness of the effects isn't a dealbreaker. Besides having a great look, and terrific ideas, the camera work, music, and acting are terrific as well. Sewell is good, but he's eclipsed by Sutherland who turns in a really odd and creepy performance. In fact, this might be Sutherland's most out there performance. That's not a bad thing though. Richard O'Brien is suitable creepy in his role as one of the creppy and msyetrious Strnagers, and Jennifer Connelly is also good, but, even though she has a sizable role, I wanted to see more of her. Like I said, The Matrix probably stole this film's thunder, and, even though the two are comparable, that film didn't really rip this one off. They are similar, and comparisons are valid, but this film relies more on atmosphere and ideas than that one, hence why this one may not be as appealing to some. You should still definitely give this one a chance though. It is quite thought provoking and excellent...just come to it ready to focus,pay attention, and do more than just sit back staring at the screen.

• Saskia D

  
  Somebody recommended me this movie after seeing Inception. I liked the lighting, the symmetry and the atmosphere of the movie. It has some minor flaws, but overall, the idea behind it is really cool. Let's say it's a mix of The Matrix and Inception with the weirdness of The… More
  Somebody recommended me this movie after seeing Inception. I liked the lighting, the symmetry and the atmosphere of the movie. It has some minor flaws, but overall, the idea behind it is really cool. Let's say it's a mix of The Matrix and Inception with the weirdness of The City of Lost Children (Jeunet). For a final rating I think I have to watch it again..

• Conner R

  
  I've seen this a few times now and I must say that the Director's Cut of this really sends it over the border of good into a great movie. Without the ridiculous narration that ruins the plot and a few extra scenes here and there, it helps give the story and visuals more time… More
  I've seen this a few times now and I must say that the Director's Cut of this really sends it over the border of good into a great movie. Without the ridiculous narration that ruins the plot and a few extra scenes here and there, it helps give the story and visuals more time to spread their wings and show us the world that was originally intended. Now the theatrical version of the movie isn't terrible, it just doesn't have the power and mystery of this cut. Rufus Sewell is by far one of the greatest villain actors of all time, but in this it's really cool to see that he can play just as good of a protagonist. I love The Strangers, those are some bad guys that will never be forgotten (chattering teeth, bondage gear and pale skin). Also, the supporting cast of this is pretty much flawless. While Kiefer Sutherland is pretty much the only flaw of the movie, he isn't even that bad. The visuals in this movie, especially the Neo-Noir city, is ridiculously beautiful. You just don't typically see so much time and effort put into every frame of a shot. The idea of a moving city is great and the way it is shown is even better. What's neat about this movie even if you're not into its look is the completely original sci-fi element. Nothing has ever really tackled the essence of the human soul and human motivation and this does it without even trying that hard.

• Dean !

  
  A strange, weird Sci-Fi/horror. Not helped by a confusing plot that takes a while to unravel. Featuring a well known cast including the brilliant Ian Richardson who should be in more films and an early small role for Melissa George. It's ambitious and with the right budget could… More
  A strange, weird Sci-Fi/horror. Not helped by a confusing plot that takes a while to unravel. Featuring a well known cast including the brilliant Ian Richardson who should be in more films and an early small role for Melissa George. It's ambitious and with the right budget could have been amazing. I kinda felt it was trying too hard to be a film ahead of its time. It's not until about half way through things start to make sense, until then the highlight was Melissa George stripping off. Could have been a classic but falls a bit short for me.

• Tsubaki S

  
  Fantastic visual piece, but a bit weak in the story. Strange aliens with fantastic mental powers are dying of something (this something is never explained as far as i remember) and want to study the human soul. For all the potential interesting questions the film raises about the… More
  Fantastic visual piece, but a bit weak in the story. Strange aliens with fantastic mental powers are dying of something (this something is never explained as far as i remember) and want to study the human soul. For all the potential interesting questions the film raises about the human mind, and human emotions it tosses them to end up the movie in a big nerd battle of mental powers. Weak lead actor, the aliens could had been better written, and Jennifer Connelly's character is just the token love interest. It's an engaging movie no doubt, but it cripples itself from being something better.

• KJ P

  
  I believe this film fails on many levels! It's extremely boring and very odd! I give it some credit, but it's not for me!

• Lewis C

  
  Dark City doesn't have a slow build-up like many sci-fi movies of a similar vein. Instead, it thrusts you headlong into the mystery of a man who wakes up with no knowledge of who he is, in a city that just doesn't seem quite right. It gives you these mysteries and then… More
  Dark City doesn't have a slow build-up like many sci-fi movies of a similar vein. Instead, it thrusts you headlong into the mystery of a man who wakes up with no knowledge of who he is, in a city that just doesn't seem quite right. It gives you these mysteries and then continually expands on them, leaving you few quiet moments to attempt to figure them out for yourself. Needless to say, I was very impressed by this approach. It lended a thriller-type atmosphere to a genre where that's not often the tone.   I might have initially been interested in Dark City because of Jennifer Connelly, but I ended up enjoying the movie even after I realized that her role was relatively minor. I think that the film suffered a bit because its director didn't quite do the material justice, but overall, Dark City was interesting and fun to watch.  

• Randy T

  
  I can't, in all honesty, say that this film is underrated. Had it gotten a tremendous amount of hype I may have been disappointed. I can, however, say with a fair amount of certainty that <i>Dark City</i> is under-appreciated. This has all the makings of a classic… More
  I can't, in all honesty, say that this film is underrated. Had it gotten a tremendous amount of hype I may have been disappointed. I can, however, say with a fair amount of certainty that <i>Dark City</i> is under-appreciated. This has all the makings of a classic science fiction piece and may, in time, surpass <i>The Matrix</i> in the hearts and minds of genre fans.

• Anthony L

  
  Alex Proyas's best film to date seems to have flown under the radar a bit. Its a real shame, as this is a fantastic sci-fi film, one of the best from the last 20 years in fact.

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