Inquiring Minds: DARK CITY (1998)

This is the column that digs into the science fiction lover’s world, tackling some of the most complex and perplexing that content allows. Is it weird? Most likely. Do we love it? Yes! It’ll likely be thought-provoking, and potentially illuminating. Intriguing minds, unite for the weirdest Film Inquiry Column yet.

Dark City is a film I often recommend (and just recently did, prompting this to be added) because, for some reason or another, many haven’t seen it. I’m finding a trend with science-fiction and cult followings, and this one most definitely has it. Dark City is nearly a nightmare-fueled neo-noir masterpiece. This science-fiction jaunt is one that should be pulled out of the shadows.

John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) wakes up in a hotel room with a dead woman and a foggy head. Who is he? Why is he here? What has happened? One of the most terrifying things is losing your memory, especially when you may possibly be involved in something sinister. And it doesn’t look good for Murdoch.

We soon realize there are several gruesome murders and John is the suspect. Police Inspector Frank Bumstead (William Hurt) is searching for him as John wanders the grim streets, armed with little to go on. His wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly) a nightclub singer, looks to report him as a missing person which brings her into the fold.

“Sleep Now.”

Dark City is visually intoxicating. At times the set design and camera work make Dark City feel like a stroll through someone else’s mind. It’s a twisting, gnarled maze of a nightmare, as you work your way through clues amid the blurred and unknowing edges. As John begins to piece things together (a picture of his wife, and of a place he loved: Shell Island) we also see the behind-the-scenes workings of a group of weird entities in trench coats with psychokinetic powers known as The Strangers, that put the city to sleep at midnight. Richard O’Brien plays the leader Mr. Hand who is inherently curious about our species. There’s also a scientist played by Kiefer Sutherland, who administers the experiments, and as it turns out, messed up with Murdoch, making him not only “awake” but evolved.

The narrative is really quite incoherent for a while, but it’s eerie and distorted and the walls are closing in. What Dark City lacks in a straightforward storyline it makes up for with copious amounts of atmosphere and vision. The writing can’t be dismissed either because the themes and deeper intentions of the story dive into some heavy waters: how can one understand the human soul?

“This one was different, yes.”

A mad scientist, a nightclub singer, mysterious murders, and a brooding lead: this has noir written all over it. Decorated with science-fiction nuances that populate in strange and disturbing ways, Dark City nestles nicely into its own, intriguing island. The inventive landscape and imaginative storytelling transcend the film, making it a melding of genres.

All of the performances are terrific. William Hurt (RIP) is perfect as the detective following his intuitions and looking deeper. Kiefer Sutherland is creepy and intriguing, with his speech and work methodical. The dream-like qualities only intensify, making John (an excellent Rufus Sewell who I wish received more attention) our lucid guide, navigating the city. Jennifer Connelly seems perfectly casted for the role, though I wish she had an even bigger presence.

While Dark City shares similarities in the story, themes, and even looks with the much more successful The Matrix, this feels more haunting. This also came out a year before, and the influences show. Dark City may be overlooked but is incredibly insightful, with heady voyages into identity and existentialism. Some of the effects don’t age well, as many don’t from that time, but the set design is especially stark and stellar. While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s an ominous but beautifully brewed pot. I’m also a fan of Alex Proyas‘s director’s cut, showing his creation as he wanted.

And the world sleeps.

Conclusion

Don’t be fooled by some 90’s FX, Dark City is one that you should let wash over you, urging thought-provoking notions and ensuring admiration for the production design. It’s surreal, it’s odd, but it’s also remarkably creative and deserves to be seen.

Watch Dark City