A Scanner Darkly Starring Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder, and Rory Cochrane Written by Richard Linklater Based on the Novel by Philip K. Dick (novel) Directed by Richard Linklater Genre: Animation, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi
A Scanner Darkly portrays a dystopia in which the government has the ability to monitor everything the individual does. A drug, named Substance D, is a plague within the society, causing the government to create a specific unit, Newpath, to investigate and arrest those who are pushers and users.
Bob Arctor (Reeves) plays an agent of Newpath, who is given a "scramble suit" - a uniform that allows for his appearance to change and makes his voice different, hence giving him an ability of incognito to help infiltrate drug rings. As an undercover narcotics officer, he is assigned to join a group of substance D abusers in order to find the high supplier to the drug itself. He lives with three users, and participates in substance abuse in order to remain unsuspicious to his peers.
Done in animation reminiscent of Richard Linklater's Waking Life (2001), it enhances a surrealistic feel that gives an ambiance fitting for the hallucinatory affects of substance D. While used in a different manner than in the aforementioned film, Linklater is ingenious in employing black and white scenes ("the footage is shown in black and white for screener purposes only. Final product will not be alter in this manner") in addition to flashing "PROPERTY OF WHV NOT FOR SALE OR RENTAL" and "IF YOU HAVE RENTED OR PURCHASED THIS DVD PLEASE CALL 1-800-NO-COPYS." There is a point to this, though it may take an additional viewing to fully comprehend the gravity of this perk.
What follows is a very bizarre and peculiar series of events, with stellar performances by Reeves, Ryder, Downey Jr. in addition to the entire cast. Throughout the entire story, because of the ability for "scanners," or undercover agents such as Arctor, to change their appearance, the paranoia felt by his friends leads to some hilarious scenes. Downey Jr. has an uncanny ability to play a hopped up junkie, along with Harrelson, and what adds the movie an even more complicating flair is the fact that the men Arctor works for are accusing his character of something that he is unsure of.
While the plot twist in the end leaves the story off on a somewhat ambiguous note, this brings up one of the films downside: It may be hard for the viewer to keep their attention or interests within the film, if such brief references to neuropsycholgy and also slow character development, plus the entire seemingly cliché premise seems uninspiring. However, with a hook very, very reminiscent to William S. Burroughs' Naked Lunch, those who are interested in narcotics crime films may find themselves very enticed.
The title A Scanner Darkly refers to the passage 1 Corinthians 13 of the Holy Bible, which states:
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (Verses 9-12, King James Version)
And on a final note, the best quote which can somewhat act to summarize a theme is said by Reeves-
"What does a scanner see? I mean, really see? Into the head? Down into the heart? Does a passive infrared scanner see into me — into us — clearly or darkly?"
I would recommend this movie to those who like to analyze, as it may take two or more viewings to fully understand the plot. Dick, the author of the original book, asserts in an interview that all of the events within his story he actually saw. Upon contemplation of the film itself, the eerie reality expounding from his words make it seem very likely, actually.
| Cinematography 9/10 | Acting 10/10 | Character Development 8/10 | Soundtrack 9/10 |--Final Score: 9.2/10--|
A Scanner Darkly portrays a dystopia in which the government has the ability to monitor everything the individual does. A drug, named Substance D, is a plague within the society, causing the government to create a specific unit, Newpath, to investigate and arrest those who are pushers and users.
Bob Arctor (Reeves) plays an agent of Newpath, who is given a "scramble suit" - a uniform that allows for his appearance to change and makes his voice different, hence giving him an ability of incognito to help infiltrate drug rings. As an undercover narcotics officer, he is assigned to join a group of substance D abusers in order to find the high supplier to the drug itself. He lives with three users, and participates in substance abuse in order to remain unsuspicious to his peers.
Done in animation reminiscent of Richard Linklater's Waking Life (2001), it enhances a surrealistic feel that gives an ambiance fitting for the hallucinatory affects of substance D. While used in a different manner than in the aforementioned film, Linklater is ingenious in employing black and white scenes ("the footage is shown in black and white for screener purposes only. Final product will not be alter in this manner") in addition to flashing "PROPERTY OF WHV NOT FOR SALE OR RENTAL" and "IF YOU HAVE RENTED OR PURCHASED THIS DVD PLEASE CALL 1-800-NO-COPYS." There is a point to this, though it may take an additional viewing to fully comprehend the gravity of this perk.
What follows is a very bizarre and peculiar series of events, with stellar performances by Reeves, Ryder, Downey Jr. in addition to the entire cast. Throughout the entire story, because of the ability for "scanners," or undercover agents such as Arctor, to change their appearance, the paranoia felt by his friends leads to some hilarious scenes. Downey Jr. has an uncanny ability to play a hopped up junkie, along with Harrelson, and what adds the movie an even more complicating flair is the fact that the men Arctor works for are accusing his character of something that he is unsure of.
While the plot twist in the end leaves the story off on a somewhat ambiguous note, this brings up one of the films downside: It may be hard for the viewer to keep their attention or interests within the film, if such brief references to neuropsycholgy and also slow character development, plus the entire seemingly cliché premise seems uninspiring. However, with a hook very, very reminiscent to William S. Burroughs' Naked Lunch, those who are interested in narcotics crime films may find themselves very enticed.
The title A Scanner Darkly refers to the passage 1 Corinthians 13 of the Holy Bible, which states:
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (Verses 9-12, King James Version)
And on a final note, the best quote which can somewhat act to summarize a theme is said by Reeves-
"What does a scanner see? I mean, really see? Into the head? Down into the heart? Does a passive infrared scanner see into me — into us — clearly or darkly?"
I would recommend this movie to those who like to analyze, as it may take two or more viewings to fully understand the plot. Dick, the author of the original book, asserts in an interview that all of the events within his story he actually saw. Upon contemplation of the film itself, the eerie reality expounding from his words make it seem very likely, actually.
| Cinematography 9/10 | Acting 10/10 | Character Development 8/10 | Soundtrack 9/10 |--Final Score: 9.2/10--|