A Scanner Darkly

Viewer Rating:spikeprint has rated A Scanner Darkly rating: 2 Star

In 1977 prolific writer Philip K Dick, who has a whopping 44 books under his belt, wrote a book called “A Scanner Darkly”. It was his response to government heavy handiness in which he felt he was being watched in an overly zealous Orwellian style state. The semi-autobiographical story was awash with sinister agents and drug use, and with a twisted narrative Dick carved a Sci-Fi diamond. 7 years into the future America has lost its war on the illicit drug substance D. Bob Arctor (Reeves) spends most of his day wasted on the stuff with his paranoid misfit friends. But he also has a day job, and this is where it starts to get slightly weird. He is also a government agent assigned to spy on himself and his drugged-up buddies, leaving him even more paranoid and confused.   Animated in a style called “rotoscope”, director Linklater used his experience with his 2001 movie Walking Life, which employed the same technique, to craft a sometimes funny, sometimes weird and always paranoid film. Each frame was painted over in a highly stylised fashion, giving the feel of a cartoon in which each actor is rendered perfectly. In a labour heavy process the movie was released a whole year after was originally planned.   With a unique plot and unusual delivery it could be said that little would be needed in the acting department. But the acting is top notch. Okay, so Mr Reeves is on autopilot in a role that suits him best, confused and stupid, with a gruff voice and a face that would put the most depressed Smashing Pumpkins fan to shame. Harrelson and Downey are on fire though as paranoid losers in a confused drug-induced state. And if ever an Oscar category is created for “I'm so messed up on drugs that I may actually be on drugs in a leading role” my vote goes straight to Rory Cochrane, to me the star of the movie.   This may not be everyone's cup of drug spiked tea, but for those who like it a little peculiar, this is above par. Even if you don't get it, at least you'll see Keanu Reeves animated for a change, even if it is literally.

Review published on the 07 February 2007 19:42