When a film blends its genres, it naturally makes categorization difficult. In the waning years of the 20th century, a fascinating, exciting film was released that blended its genre so skillfully that several can call it their own. One minute, you are watching a contemporary film noir, when suddenly, you are watching a murder Mystery. As you settle in for your comfortable Mystery film, suddenly, you are watching a Horror movie. Then Romance. Then Drama. Then Science Fiction. Held together by top-notch filmmaking, the result was a film like none before or since. It is a film that wears many genres proudly, Horror chief among them. Indeed, it is the film’s creepy, unsettling Horror vibe that defines the movie. That film was Alex Proyas’ 1998 masterpiece DARK CITY.
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DARK CITY begins as John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens suddenly in a seedy hotel bathtub. He has no memory of what he is doing there or even who he is. As he is gathering his senses, he answers a ringing phone. On the other end is Dr. Daniel Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland) who tells John he must get out of the hotel. As they are talking, John discovers the body of a brutally murdered woman and flees just before some strange, pale people arrive called the Strangers. As John makes his way through the city, he learns that there is a serial killer operating in the town – and that it very well may be him.
This set-up is deceptive in its simplicity. The amnesic serial killer whodunit has been done before and in seeing this premise, we feel comfortable in where we think the film is going. The thing is, DARK CITY is not a film that will let you off so easily. It is one of the most challenging and demanding films ever made – requiring the audience’s strict attention throughout. It rewards your attention, however. Though densely plotted, the movie takes you through all of its twists and turns with a sure and clear hand – never losing you in its labyrinth. Indeed, it is a testament to the skill with which Alex Proyas paces the movie that such a dark, brooding, challenging, and frightening movie could not only get made in modern Hollywood, but thrive as a beloved classic.
Proyas had a lot of help, of course, and every element of filmmaking came together brilliantly in DARK CITY. Patrick Tatolpoulos’ production design is a wonderful riff on classic noir with a modern twist. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski uses deep blacks and dim lighting to create an oppressive, mysterious mood. Trevor Jones’ brooding, pulsating score is a constant reminder that time is always running out in this place. In addition to Sewell and Sutherland, the cast is rounded out by tremendous actors. William Hurt plays Inspector Bumstead, the cop out to catch the serial killer, Jennifer Connelly is Emma Murdoch, the wife who may have sent John on his murderous rampage.
Most notable, however, is Richard O’Brien, who plays Mr. Hand – the Stranger that takes the most interest in John and his movements around the city. The Strangers, as a group, are an imaginative hive of villains, but Mr. Hand is a singularly creepy and unsettling character whose amorality is at once frightening and fascinating. When Mr. Hand’s amorality is challenged by his connection to John, he becomes a tortured, desperate antagonist. He is a character that deserves a spot in the pantheon of great movie monsters.
DARK CITY had an unfortunate fate at the box office. The movie was absolutely clobbered by “Titanic” – as were most other films released at that time. The film was a nearly unanimous success with critics, however, and positive word of mouth since its initial theatrical release made it a success on home video. In only a few short years, it became a cult classic, and now - a decade and a half later - it has the feel of a classic in its own right. DARK CITY is a film that belongs in the collection of every Horror fan, and indeed, in the collection every film buff.
Parental Guide - Not gory, but scary and challenging. 16+
DARK CITY fun facts –
The movie was Roger Ebert’s #1 film of 1998. He loved it so much he recorded a commentary for the DVD.
The director’s cut DVD eschews the opening narration that gave away many key plot twists. The narration was foisted on the film by the suits at New Line who believed the film was too confusing.
The child Stranger, Mr. Sleep, was played by fraternal twins Satya and Noah Gumbert.
The character of Daniel Schreber is named after the author of the book “Memoirs of My Nervous Illness”, which was written while Schreber was institutionalized while suffering from schizophrenia.
Inspector Bumstead - “So Husselbeck, what kind of killer do you think stops to save a dying fish?”
Mr. Hand - “I have become the monster you were intended to be.”
Dr. Schreber – “Can you imagine what it’s like to erase your own past?”