Dark City (1998)

1998 • 111 minutes
4.5
543 reviews
76%
Tomatometer
R
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Separated from his wife, Emma (Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Jennifer Connelly -- "A Beautiful Mind," "Requiem for a Dream"), amnesiac John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell -- TV's "The Eleventh Hour," "The Illusionist") awakens alone in a strange hotel to learn he is wanted for a series of brutal murders, but he can't remember if he committed them or not. Indeed, most of his memories have completely vanished, and he becomes the focus of interest for both "mad genius" Dr. Schreber (Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winner Kiefer Sutherland -- TV's "24," "Phone Booth") and sympathetic detective Frank Bumstead (Academy Award-winner William Hurt -- "The Incredible Hulk," "Broadcast News"). Attempting to unravel the twisted riddle of his identity, Murdoch encounters a group of ominous beings known as the "Strangers," shadow-like figures who have collective memory and posses the ability to stop time and alter physical reality through a process called "The Tuning."
Rating
R

Ratings and reviews

4.5
543 reviews
Sam Rothermel
April 2, 2014
Alex Proyas is one of the underestimated geniuses of our time concerning film. Dark City, to me, is his breakout piece that showcases his eye for style, candy, and cinematic beauty. While there are moments that don't fit with the overall arc of the movie, it is nevertheless filmic brilliance throughout. If there were a genre of Sci-Fi noir, this movie would be the flagship. Wonderfully understated performances, a superb atmosphere of both bleakness and radiance at the same time, and a well told story of the human soul as it perseveres despite its surroundings.
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joshualemli
October 27, 2015
A passionate, intriguing, and ultimately surreal film noir set in a dystopian... setting [avoiding spoilers]. The science-fiction element, coupled with neat and atmospheric special effects, helps make this movie 'pop' visually. Excellently scripted and well acted (although also totally zany at times) this movie deals with the intricate themes of love, loss, purpose, and choice. Some other adjectives I would like to throw at this movie: dark, thoughtful, romantic, and sentimental. All of the above work well for the film, helping to draw us into the world of "Dark City" as we follow a twisting plot. John Murdoch, the main character, awakes without memory and is now a potential murder suspect. People are after him. He meets a beautiful woman. Nothing is what it seems. Then the plot twists start. If you need further convincing to watch this odd gem, let me give you four reasons: Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland, and William Hurt. Nailed it.
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Joachim Jupiter
December 4, 2013
This movie is boss. A modern noir set in...I won't spoil it if you haven't seen it. Along with The Lost Boys, this is one of my favorite Kiefer Sutherland flicks. This is an excellent sci-fi film. I highly recommend it. My only question is what took it so long to reach Google Play? Note to Google: I'm looking to purchase Bound, Strange Days, and An American Werewolf in London. Can you arrange that for me?
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