2006-Jul-16 - Scanner Darkly Checks Out
Most anyone who allows for the possibility of government conspiracies, has sampled mind-altering substances (certain really potent types of alcohol could count), or enjoys the visual stimualtion of Linklater's roto-scopic technique, would have their interest piqued by the recently released A Scanner Darkly, based on the novel by Philip K. Dick. Yes, the animation can be a bit trippy, so I'd advise those of you planning to see this film while actually on mind-altering substances to moderate your intake a bit.
Anyway, the film. I must say: well done, Mr. Linklater. The animation, and especially the type of animation used with its shifting shapes and ever-changing perspectives, lends itself supremely to the subject matter at hand. We're in Orange county in the future, and the U.S. is being ransacked by a super-addictive drug known as Substance D. Apparently, as Robert Downey Jr.'s character James Barris puts it, "There are two kinds of people: those who are addicted and those who haven't tried it."
It's as if you can envision what life might be like for these Substance D users at times, as your visual perception as audience member is distorted. The drug, like most, cuts down the lines of communication in the brain leading to visual confusion, as well as memory and sexual appetite loss.
At the heart of the story is our post-modern protagonist (see Matrix and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure- hey, Bill and Ted do time travel into the future to save the world), Keanu Reeves as Bob Arctor. Now Keanu gets a lot of flack and quite often deservedly so, for his acting talents, but he is ideal in this role (just as he was in the other two previously mentioned films). What's interesting to note here is that Reeves' Bob is a bit reminiscent of Bill (or was it Ted?). After the obliteration of so many brain cells the 2 characters are on par as far as IQ levels are concerned. Interesting that keanu plays these characters so well. Hmmm...
...But I digress. Besides the ride for your eyes and clever plot, A Scanner Darkly also provides some entertaining moments as Downey Jr.'s, Reeves', as well as Winona Ryder's and Woody Harrelson's characters swim together in their sea of insobriety. You can just imagine the four getting together for some recreational activities and then filming it. Perhaps some method acting was afoot with this crew. Whatever the case, the dynamic, especially between Downey Jr. and Harrelson, is there.
Along with the fact that Thom Yorke of Radiohead wrote several songs on the soundtrack, this film which was quite captivating, receives our highest ranking yet:
a Sam Adams (8 out of 10).
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About Me
For all of you pencil pushers, cubicle clerks, dock workers, and govt. employees out there, HIT has combined 2 of your favorite things: beer and movies!
We will review movies and grade them with beer! Now, some of you may disagree with our ranking system. For example, you might consider Miller Lite to be the best beer. And you may also feel that "Independnce Day" is one of the best films ever. Not coincidentally on our scale, "Independence Day" receives a Miller Lite (or 3). So as you see films made in bad taste receive a bad tasting beer for their score. Fun, no?
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