| Posted by: bskutle at August 31, 2002, 11:53 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Dark City- Directed by Alex Proyas; 103 minutes; R; 1998
Stars: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Ian Richardson, Richard O’Brien, Melissa George, Colin Friels, Bruce Spence, Mitchell Butel Proyas’ Crow follow-up is about amnesiac John Murdoch (Sewell) who is, along with police inspector Bumstead (Hurt) and wife Emma (Connelly), a guinea pig of The Strangers, a race of aliens in need of discovering what makes man tick. I refuse to say more except that a Dr. Schreber (Sutherland) is the only human who can explain everything. Working from the intelligent, complex, and excellent script he wrote with David S. Goyer and Lem Dobbs, Proyas (who wrote the original story) creates a riveting, stylish, and unpredictable science-fiction thriller with more brains and entertainment value than most sci-fi films with three times it’s $27-30 million budget. The story itself takes elements from numerous films and is a unique blend of science-fiction and film noir (it’s the first sci-fi film... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Bradox at August 31, 2002, 10:17 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | I'm glad you posted this topic, Dark City is a great movie to discuss on many levels. 1. I think Dark City is better than Blade Runner, but not as good as the Matrix. While Blade Runner is excellent, it somehow just didn't strike a certain level with me that Dark City and The Matrix did. 2. The film noir look was outstanding. One other thing I loved about it was the retro look to everything. You noticed the World War Two-era clothing, the lack of television, computers, cellular phones, and other such things. 3. Yes. 4. The acting was very good and well suited for the story, which was also well-played. The only complaint I had about the effects was the final battle, which was a little, I don't know, odd. 5. I prefer The Crow, but only by a half-point. The Crow spoke to me on a total, personal level, that Dark City did not. 6. I really can't classify her as the "most beautiful" but she's definitely in the top rating. 7. That blew me away, I loved it. 8. I think its originality added to the total movi... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: MikeyB at August 31, 2002, 9:59 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | 1. Do You Think It's Better than Blade Runner and The Matrix? It's definately better than the Matrix but it's a little bit under the classic Blade Runner. Blade Runner 10/10
Dark City 9.5/10
The Matrix 8/10 2. What are your thoughts on the noir look of the film? I think it plays very well into the film and gives it a nice, kinda hopeless feel to the movie. The sets and costumes are great and it gives the movie a timeless look. 3. Alex Proyas- a great mind for the future of film? I don't because I've never seen The Crow and he hasn't made that many movies since Dark City so it's hard to tell, for me anyway. 4. What are your thoughts on the acting, story, effects, etc? All the characters were likeable and cool, with the exception of Kiefer Sutherland who kinda annoyed me throughout the movie, and The Strangers are just so fucking cool they are up their with some of the coolest villains I've seen. I think John Murdock is an awesome hero and Rufus Sewell did a great job with the part. The Story was great... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: LordKaruku at August 30, 2002, 8:29 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | The trailer for Dark City is truly one of the best genre trailers of recent memory. Delightfully revealing without giving anything away. I saw this trailer many months before the film came out and then never heard anything else about the movie, ever. I think if they would have continued advertising along these lines instead of panicking and dropping all marketing for the film, it would have done much, much better business. That trailer was a good first step, but then they stopped walking. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Scarface98.9 at August 30, 2002, 6:35 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | Great film, too bad audiences rejected it. You would think they would warm up to a film with such a COOL trailer, but of course, 98% of the moviegoing public turned it down. I guess because it didn't contain Mr. Voice or any dialogue, people might've been turned off | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Fergus at August 30, 2002, 5:50 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | 1. Do you think it is better than Blade Runner and The Matrix?
Yes. Its nearly just as stylish as Blade Runner, but it has more substance, which puts it above. Much better than the Matrix because I think Matrix lacked the ability to hold up in the coming years. Yeah, it was great when it came out, but repeat viewings have been less than spectacular for me. 2. What are your thoughts on the film-noir look of the film?
I thought it was great, and utilizes those noir aspects well. And it fits perfectly since the City stays dark, and darkness is a must in film noir. 3. Alex Proyas-a great mind for the future of film?
Ebert said in the commentary for the film that he thought Proyas' career would pan out like Kubrick's career. And it seems now that Proyas is releasing his films four and five years apart, that's about the length it took Kubrick, but as his career wore on, the time in between each film got increasingly larger. But we won't really see Proyas' potential till his next film, I'm not yet convi... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Cyclonus at August 29, 2002, 2:14 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | 1. Do you think it is better than Blade Runner and The Matrix? -I really don't like that kind of question, I'd prefer to let each film stand on its own merits. If you insist, I'd say it's the best of the three, but the other two are nearly as good. 2. What are your thoughts on the film-noir look of the film? -Love it, really cool and eerie. Notice that it could be set anywhere between 1940 and 2000--it's timeless. 3. Alex Proyas-a great mind for the future of film? -Yes. 4. What are you thoughts on the acting, the story, the effects etc? -All first rate. 5. Do you prefer this film to The Crow? -Yes, it stuck with me longer. 6. Fellas...is Jennifer Connelly the most beautiful actress in Hollywood? -Great body, but I'm not crazy about the face. 7. How do you feel about the whole idea of a changeable/floating city? In what way? -It's really cool, what else needs to be said? 8. Does the originality of the film make it better? If so, how? -Other films have the same ingredients; it shares some thematic similarites... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Maverick027 at August 29, 2002, 8:47 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Quote: Originally Posted by Mr. Orange:
I think that it is unfair to compare City of Lost Children to Dark CityThe only similarity is that they are both set in the future. I think. I liked City of Lost Children Much much more than Dark City. I think John Peirre Juenet is one of the finest filmakers of the decade. Alex Proyabas needs to do more work.</font> I think there are more similarities than just being set in the future. The cities in both movies have a very similar feel (almost as if the production designer and cinematographer were the same (don't know)). Both cities have this fantastical dark and sinister feel to the landscape. While many movies do, I agree, these two just seemed more similar to each other than most. And while I don't remember what they are called, the people who run the experiment in Dark City (those guys dressed in black) have an almost identical persona in City of Lost Children. Anyway, both are really good films. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Mr. Orange at August 28, 2002, 9:10 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Quote: Originally Posted by the movie guy:
1. (To Mr. Orange and Catania):
Would one of you mind describing the "Requiem for a Dream shot" in Dark City for me? I watched Dark City 3 months ago, and Requiem for a Dream 3 weeks ago so I think I'll be able to recall if you could just describe it a little. [This message has been edited by the movie guy (edited 08-28-2002).]</font> Well the shot has Jennifer Connelly standing at th end of a dock looking out over the water. The camera is at the other end and we can see her entire body. In Requiem Harry walks up behind her right before he falls off the dock in the dream sequence. In Dark City it's after SPOILER SPOILERS he finds shell beach and jennifer is standing at the end of the dock. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Catania at August 28, 2002, 6:35 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Ender: That doesn't neccesarily prove anything. While I'm sure it's entirely possible that Aranofsky saw Dark City and, conciously or otherwise, used the same shot for his film, it's entirely possible that the two shots just happened to be filmed the same way. That may sound unlikely, but it happens more often than you might think. Look at the repeated shot from Perfect Blue that you can also find in Requiem and you'll see what I mean.</font> I did some searching on the internet and alot of people agree about the similarities. Aronofsky however claimes that he did not even see the movie Dark City when he wrote the script or even casted Jennifer Connelly. When filming began for the dock scene in Requiem, Connelly said to Aronofsky, 'I can't do this because I've already done this.' But the camera's were all set up and they decided to shoot it anyway. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: APzombie at August 28, 2002, 4:19 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | speaking of comparisons to the matrix, the roof scene at the begining of the matrix was an old set piece for dark city... | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Ender at August 28, 2002, 2:46 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Catania: He had to of, because it’s too much of a coincidence especially since Jennifer Connelly was in both films. </font> That doesn't neccesarily prove anything. While I'm sure it's entirely possible that Aranofsky saw Dark City and, conciously or otherwise, used the same shot for his film, it's entirely possible that the two shots just happened to be filmed the same way. That may sound unlikely, but it happens more often than you might think. Look at the repeated shot from Perfect Blue that you can also find in Requiem and you'll see what I mean. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: the movie guy at August 28, 2002, 1:43 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | 1. Do you think it is better than Blade Runner and The Matrix? Hell fucking yes. Blade Runner was a load of crap to me, with ONLY the visuals going for it (4/10). The Matrix (6/10) was good the first time I saw it but it soon became boring and silly during certain parts upon multiple viewings. The style is good, but it ain't up to par with Blade Runner or Dark City. 2. What are your thoughts on the film-noir look of the film? I liked it more than Blade Runner, maybe. I should probably watch both of them on the same day to decide for sure. The look of this movie though is a 10. 3. Alex Proyas-a great mind for the future of film? Well, he's a slow movie-maker but all his movies are great, even his short films, which I HIGHLY recommend you take a look at ( www.mysteryclock.com ). 4. What are you thoughts on the acting, the story, the effects etc? Some people seem to have a problem with Kiefer's choice in acting, but I thought he was great, and so was everyone else. The story is clever and original and never bor... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: The Heart Collector at August 28, 2002, 12:02 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | Dark City, one of the movies that got me into movies. For a while, this was my favorite one. Now it's slowly fading from the list, but it still holds a place in this guy's heart. 1. Do you think it is better than Blade Runner and The Matrix? Better than both. Dark City, unlike Blade Runner, got me fully into the story, whereas BR was mostly a visual fest, and not that entertaining. The Matrix... was not a very good movie. 2. What are your thoughts on the film-noir look of the film? Rocks. Reminds me of Burton's first Batman. 3. Alex Proyas-a great mind for the future of film? I have my doubts. Judging from his new movie, you'd think he's making different stuff now 'cos there's no $$$ for other Dark Cities. 4. What are you thoughts on the acting, the story, the effects etc? Acting was good. Rufus Sewell kicks damn ass, just acting by his face. The other people were O.K. 5. Do you prefer this film to The Crow? Hell yeah. The Crow's good, but I dunno... The tone of The Crow can get a little.. silly. 6. Fellas..... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: jetblac at August 28, 2002, 11:55 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Is a movie only as good as it's ending??
I mean, it had a strong impressionable ending, But... better than the Matrix? Better than Blade Runner? It wasn't even better than the 13th floor. But I did like it. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Mr. Orange at August 28, 2002, 8:59 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | I think that it is unfair to compare City of Lost Children to Dark CityThe only similarity is that they are both set in the future. I think. I liked City of Lost Children Much much more than Dark City. I think John Peirre Juenet is one of the finest filmakers of the decade. Alex Proyabas needs to do more work. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: LordKaruku at August 28, 2002, 12:10 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | I haven't been posting around here much lately, but thought I'd chime in on what I agree is one of the best sci-fi films of the '90s. 1. First of all, all the "Matrix-ripped-it-off" comparisons are bunk by simple virtue of the fact that The Matrix was already filming when Dark City was released. The script had obviously already been written, the visuals already planned out, etc. And as people have pointed out, there really isn't all that much similarity between the two other than both posing some general questions of the nature of existence... although "City of Lost Children" might very well have been an inspiration to Proyas. As to whether Dark City is better or not, I really can't say. All three films fired my imagination tremendously on first and subsequent viewings, and would make a great triple feature somewhere. 2 & 4) I'm combining these two questions because they are very much related in the context of this film. What Dark City does so brilliantly is use the old bag of cinema ... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: ghostworldfan at August 27, 2002, 11:57 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | DARK CITY (9/10). 1. I liked this film better than The Matrix (8/10), but I don't think it's fair to compare it to Blade Runner (9.5/10). They are just different in my mind. Neither one if better than the other, even though Blade Runner got a higher rating. 2. I loved the look of this film. It fit the whole fiulm perfectly. My two favorite scenes are the ones that show Jennifer Connely singing at a jazz-type might club. They were just great. 3. Alex Proyas is a good director, but he needs to work more. 4. The acting is pretty decent. All the acteors played their parts well. The story is original and intriguing. The effects were excellent as well. 5. Dark City is a MUCH better film than The Crow. While The Crow was more gothic and poetic, this film was just an all-around better film. 6. Jennifer Connely is pretty good looking, but her eye brows in this film were a bit of a turn off for me. 7. I liked it. I don't know what else to say. 8. No. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Maverick027 at August 27, 2002, 3:01 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | In order to suggest a reason why Dark City might not be too well known in France is because they put out a somewhat similar but much better film three years earlier called "City of Lost Children." While not EXACTLY the same, the sets and a lot of the characters are very similar in feel and appearance. And while I still really like "Dark City" and think it is a great movie (the stories are pretty different from each other), I think "City of Lost Children" had the idea first and made an even better film. To answer the thought questions:
1) No, I don't think it's better than Blade Runner or Matrix.
2) The look of the film is straight out of "City of Lost Children" and while maybe not a ripoff, I still love the set and feel of this movie.
3) Jean-Pierre Jeunet a great mind for the future of film.
4) Acting excellent, story and effects: see above.
5) I prefer this film above "The Crow"
6) She's good looking but I still have my preferences f... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Catania at August 27, 2002, 2:25 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | I saw the film last night for the second time and I did notice the exact same shot from Requiem; it was very weird. Did Aronofsky do this intentionally? He had to of, because it’s too much of a coincidence especially since Jennifer Connelly was in both films. The film Dark City is very original with a lot of great moments through out. I especially like the scene with the enclosing building that compresses a Stranger between two towers. The ending, when Dr. Schreber inputs himself into Murdoch’s memories is also great. I love futuristic films, and Dark City is one of the best of the bunch. Blade Runner looks great, but is too depressing for me, and the Matrix had a lot of scenes that I didn’t care for. Dark City is obviously dark, but not to the point where it’s depressing. It has solid acting and inventive effects. Dark City is visual trip through imagination. 9/10 | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Catania at August 27, 2002, 2:23 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Quote: Originally Posted by Mr. Orange:
Welly Welly Welly Well I think that Dark City is better than te Matrix for one, becuase I think it is more original meaning that Dark City did it first. I also think that the film noir feel of the movie is excellent. Almost as good as Blade Runner in that department. Alex Proyas whoever he is did a great job with this movie. By the way what else did he do? I would have to say that I enjoyed this film more than I enjoyed Blade Runner. But that will probably change in about an hour. And did anyone notice the same axact shot from Requiem For a Dream? It even has the same actress!</font> | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Ender at August 27, 2002, 2:02 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | One of those movies I just can't talk enough about. 1.Better on what level? There's no doubt that Dark City is a much "deeper" movie than The Matrix and has more style than Blade Runner, but personally, I'm tired of those comparisons at this point. I don't think The Matrix borrowed nearly as much from Dark City as most people claim. 2.I dug the entire neo-gothic setting, right down to the Stranger's creepy outfits. I like how they threw out all of the old sci-fi cliches and went with a more brooding look. I often refer to this movie as the Anti-Star Trek because of the dark and dingy atmosphere. 3.I would have to say yes. But has he done any movies since Dark City? Maybe I just haven't heard of any, but it seems as though this was his last project. I can't help but think that in four years he should have come up with something. Well, odds he's done a movie or two and I'm just not aware of it. Anyhow, I think Proyas has loads of potential and a definate visionary aspect. 4.I can't help but think tha... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: James Logan at August 27, 2002, 1:52 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | One thing I noticed recently is that DARK CITY isn't all that known overseas...in France it isn't, anyways. Most people I've talked to never heard of it, and the people at my video rental store don't have it and only "vaguely remember" something sounding like that. Odd... | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Cyclonus at August 27, 2002, 12:05 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | This is one of the best science fiction films I've ever seen, in the tradition of Metropolis and Blade Runner. Great set design, atmospheric cinematography, overall gothic feel. I really liked Jennfier Connelly, she was perfect for the part. Where is Alex Proyas these days? Anyone else notice that the aliens look like Pinhead from Hellraiser? 8/10. [This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 08-27-2002).] | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Puck Bond at August 26, 2002, 9:44 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Dark City(1998)
Director: Alex Proyas
Screenplay: Alex Proyas
Cast: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Suthrland, Jennier Connelly and William Hurt... Dark City is a visionary, mystery, sci-fi thriller from writer/director Alex Proyas about a man who wakes up dillusional and confused in a hotel. Rufus Sewell plays John Murdoch a man who may or may not be guilty of murder...he is unable to remember anything about his past, his life, his wife...only a few visions of a beautiful beach and a distant childhood. Unfortunately Murdoch is part of an experiment. An experiment by strange beings called The Strangers who have created a city that changes...an ability called "tuning" that gives them the power to shift and shape buildings, streets and human beings. Kiefer Sutherland plays a snivelling, creepy doctor who helps the Strangers conduct their experiments...we learn that they are a declining race and they want to know what we do to survive, what makes us human. Jennifer Connelly lends some support as Murd... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: James Logan at August 26, 2002, 9:31 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | You know, you guys are really making me feel like seeing this movie. I think I should check if they got it at my shitty local video rental store. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Scarface98.9 at August 26, 2002, 1:51 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | 1) I never saw Blade Runner, but I do think Dark City is better than the Matrix. The Matrix had a good story, but it was all reduced to the usual action movie. Dark City depended on it's characters, script, etc. and didn't depend on it's special effects (though the SFX were excellent). 2) The film-noir look was excellent to me, almost reminding me of the Batman comics/movies. 3) Alex Proyas certainly has a good chance at becoming a great director, but needs to be prolific. He's made one film since DC, Garage Days, but hasn't been picked up. 4) The acting was good for this material, with Sewell and Sutherland standing out. The story and effects were quite good, and if this film didn't flop, I always though there'd be a small chance at getting soem Oscar noms for it's effects. 5) Yes, I prefer it to The Crow. 6) Yes, Connelly is the most beautiful woman in H-wood. 7) it was an odd plot element, but I think it worked. 8) I hadn't seen a movie quite like this before, so the originality was accepted by me. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: urbanlegend23 at August 26, 2002, 5:30 am | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | Oh dear. I must be the only person who didn't like this movie. It had some good ideas and atmosphere, but I found it kinda laughable and it didn't intrigue me on many levels. The story felt quite dull to me really. Some of this movie was really quite engrossing and clever though. But overall DARK CITY just didn't impress me on the level I hoped it would. RATING
** (out of 5) | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Mr. Orange at August 25, 2002, 10:50 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | Welly Welly Welly Well I think that Dark City is better than te Matrix for one, becuase I think it is more original meaning that Dark City did it first. I also think that the film noir feel of the movie is excellent. Almost as good as Blade Runner in that department. Alex Proyas whoever he is did a great job with this movie. By the way what else did he do? I would have to say that I enjoyed this film more than I enjoyed Blade Runner. But that will probably change in about an hour. And did anyone notice the same axact shot from Requiem For a Dream? It even has the same actress! | | Static Link |
| Posted by: James Logan at August 25, 2002, 7:15 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | | I never saw this flick but I can tell you one thing: 6) Yeah, Jennifer Connelly is a very, very hot babe. Not the hottest in Hollywood, but hot hot hot! I hear this is the movie from which the "very original" THE MATRIX took most of its ideas (with Hong-Kong cinema). It sounds good, but I still doubt it's better than BLADE RUNNER, which is the best sci-fi flick ever for me. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Puck Bond at August 19, 2002, 4:41 pm | | Topic: Dark City (Aug 25th-Aug31st) Forum: JoBlo | "They built the city to see what makes us tick. Last night one of us went off..." Myself and notchreturns have decided on the new movie for the next week... Dark City(1998)
Written and Directed by Alex Proyas
Cast: Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly... Plot Outline-A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun and run by beings with telekineic powers who seek the souls of humans. Here are some questions to think about while watching this film. 1. Do you think it is better than Blade Runner and The Matrix?
2. What are your thoughts on the film-noir look of the film?
3. Alex Proyas-a great mind for the future of film?
4. What are you thoughts on the acting, the story, the effects etc?
5. Do you prefer this film to The Crow?
6. Fellas...is Jennifer Connelly the most beautiful actress in Hollywood?
7. How do you feel about the whole idea of a changeable/floating city? In wh... | | Read Entire Entry |
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