Dark City (1998) Retrospective / Review

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  • Опубликовано: 29 окт 2024

Комментарии • 725

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  7 лет назад +30

    Get Dark City on Blu-ray here goo.gl/IjGLyB
    Get the soundtrack to Dark City here goo.gl/OWQB7j

    • @RealBadGaming52
      @RealBadGaming52 6 лет назад +1

      it looks great on a CRT TV , does the Blu Ray look any better. i alwys feel that Film Noirs loose there atmosphere when in HD

    • @tvmystery261
      @tvmystery261 6 лет назад +2

      this is Mandella effect

    • @superby1
      @superby1 5 лет назад +2

      When I first found your channel, I saw this video and it blew me away. I'd seen Dark City maybe once prior, but this Retrospective/Review gave me a new appreciation for the movie and I ended up hunting it down on Blu-Ray. Five years later I still watch this and still go back to my Blu-Ray. One of my favorites.

  • @KIRA-EL
    @KIRA-EL 9 лет назад +441

    This movie is so good but so overlooked that it hurts.

    • @nightsage217
      @nightsage217 9 лет назад +12

      Kira Lawlet all good sci-fictions suffer that a lot. They are timeless, doesn't mean block buster ensured.

    • @KIRA-EL
      @KIRA-EL 9 лет назад +8

      Johnny Cage I thought the same for the matrix and I thought this was the Matrix done well to each his own tho.

    • @KIRA-EL
      @KIRA-EL 9 лет назад +3

      Johnny Cage It could've been really good but it has not aged well and was just so up its own ass with philosophy and pretentious bullshit sad part is The Wachowskis haven't really been able to move past that.

    • @TechnologicallyTechnical
      @TechnologicallyTechnical 9 лет назад +5

      Kira Lawlet This movie would be my favorite movie if it had elements that I found it lacked. Oddly enough, The Matrix contained these missing elements but lacked elements that Dark City had. It's strange, Dark City is a runner up for my favorite movie in my head for it's unique style, story and atmosphere and the way it's done, but yet I still think of movies I like better somehow.

    • @VirginiaMoriAlejandra
      @VirginiaMoriAlejandra 9 лет назад +3

      +Kira Lawlet it doesn´t hurt much really; when you see the kind of crap that make the headlines. .nah. wait.. .on a second thought; it does hurts. It is also frightening :/.

  • @schmendrake
    @schmendrake 2 года назад +29

    Rest in Peace, William Hurt. Criminally underrated actor and movie.

    • @crazycatman5928
      @crazycatman5928 3 месяца назад +1

      Dang I had no idea. I just looked it up and sure enough..he’s gone:(
      He was great in everything he did. The Village/Mr. Brooks….everything.

  • @johnellizz
    @johnellizz 4 года назад +102

    It's CRAZY that The Matrix, The Thirteenth Floor, Dark City, Existenz and The Truman Show all came out around the same time.

    • @JM-qt5mg
      @JM-qt5mg 2 года назад +20

      They were trying to tell us something but we chose not to see what they gave us.

    • @TheGoodContent37
      @TheGoodContent37 2 года назад

      @@JM-qt5mg Nope, there's a way simpler answer. Studios copy. They spy and steal ideas from each other. That still happens today. Studios use the marketing of other studios to ride on it and push their own movies with similar themes. It's all about money and how to take it out from the public.

    • @harryshuman9637
      @harryshuman9637 2 года назад +4

      Total Recall was conceived right after Twilight Zone's Dreams for Sale episode, which probably also inspired all of the movies you listed.

    • @rclark777
      @rclark777 2 года назад +3

      Science-fiction was at an all time high as the Star Wars prequels came out and the internet exploded in popularity.

    • @johnellizz
      @johnellizz 2 года назад

      @@harryshuman9637 That was a very cool episode of The Twilight Zone. The first major influences for stories like that were Philip K. Dick's "Ubik" (1969) and "A Maze Of Death" (1970) and the German film "World On A Wire" (1973).
      The novel that the German film was based on was also the basis of "The Thirteenth Floor".

  • @JHallenbeck
    @JHallenbeck 8 лет назад +251

    I think films like 'Dark City' help to reveal a truth about quality esoteric films versus junk populist films. Esoteric films are made for smaller audiences, they have an identity and personality, they don't aim to please all or be for all. And these films are very much an endangered species due to the rise of junk populism, which is doing away with artistry and specificity, and trading those tools in for factory production-line techniques in order to reach the lowest common denominator and the highest return. But as time wears on, those populist films age and get lost in the sea of the same, because they have no identity... and ultimately no soul.
    The esoteric quality films may not be received well or even find an audience on initial release, but they cultivate an audience and build followings over time, and people grow to love and champion such stories in really passionate, literate and well-reasoned terms.Not in the same way that geek culture champions things as it's not vociferous and belligerent. The quality films become these precious experiences to people - favourite films, regularly recommended to others, accumulating new eyes and new loves as time goes by. A quality film - in whatever genre and from whatever country - stands the test of time and means something beyond simply nostalgia or visceral excitement. They have depth and ideas, and a distinct voice. 'Dark City' is one of these such precious experiences.

    • @anonamatron
      @anonamatron 8 лет назад +24

      I should just copy this for when people ask me why I look disgusted when people ask me about Transformers or Fast and the Furious.
      Well said.

    • @oldleatherhandsfriends4053
      @oldleatherhandsfriends4053 8 лет назад +3

      agree

    • @MrFredstt
      @MrFredstt 7 лет назад +3

      Well said my friend

    • @Melarancida
      @Melarancida 7 лет назад +3

      I saw this when it originally came out with my parents. We are all big sci-fi lovers and cinema buffs and we loved the movie! It still is a favorite of mine and I wish Proyas had made more movies on the level of this one. I didn't know about the director's cut... time to add another blu ray to the collection!

    • @HindiRapGuru
      @HindiRapGuru 6 лет назад +4

      So true, agreed! This is something I want to add to it, people who respect the artist's vision and try to understand their creation is the best way to appreciate art and the artist itself and thus encouraging them to create more otherwise art and the artist dies. General popular trendy culture is fun and is fine but is it special, I do not think so!

  • @joecadec4101
    @joecadec4101 7 лет назад +123

    the directors cut is a masterpiece

    • @joshuaamitai
      @joshuaamitai 5 лет назад +3

      did not know theer was a directors cut !
      dark city , enemy mine and dune r masterpieces

    • @eddysandland58
      @eddysandland58 4 года назад +1

      How Long's The DC!!?? Coz I've seen the blu ray!!!!

    • @journeyman1218
      @journeyman1218 4 года назад +1

      Didn't know there was one. I'll seek it out. Thanks!

    • @therealmovieman
      @therealmovieman 9 месяцев назад

      Crazy how they spoil the twist in the opening minutes in the theatrical cut

  • @CheapGuitarsAndMore
    @CheapGuitarsAndMore 9 лет назад +75

    Thank gawd I never saw the original, I only saw the directors cut. If there was an intro explaining what was going on it would have completely ruined the film. The great thing about this movie is how everything is a mystery and is slowly uncovered to the viewer, so there is a great sense of participation and discovery by the viewer. The build up makes the grand finale very satisfying! I haven't seen very many films of this nature that successfully did this, Memento did this also but its not a sci fi film.

    • @bernman23
      @bernman23 7 лет назад

      I heard about this movie from a buddy when I was a teen, but never got around to watching it until years later when it was on tv. I was fortunate to pick it up 5-10 minutes in, so I missed the reveal, and got to put together the pieces with Jon Murdoch himself. That's one reason I appreciated this movie so much more than the average viewer and even regard it as my favorite film to date. Also playing parts are I enjoy noir, movies that are visually stunning like this one, the rich metaphorical content, and how much it makes one think from an existentialism p.o.v. You don't have to agree with the conclusions it's making either and I think you can have numerous theories as to what it's really trying to say.

    • @RunningBlade2184
      @RunningBlade2184 5 лет назад

      Unfortunately I saw the original before the directors cut, and it ruined the movie for me. It sucks because it’s not even the fault of the movie. It’s the studio sticking their fingers into the movie because they thought audiences would be too stupid to get it.

  • @GameplayandTalk
    @GameplayandTalk 8 лет назад +76

    This is a fantastic movie. I was able to see it when it was new in theaters and it's one that has always stuck with me. I'll have to pick up the BluRay Director's Cut sometime, I have the original release on DVD.

    • @grasmereguy5116
      @grasmereguy5116 2 года назад +1

      I also saw it when it was first released (or at least shortly after it was first released, at a sadly departed discount theater in Manhattan), and I bought it on VHS as soon as I saw it for sale. Although I was a big fan of it, I haven't seen it in years.

    • @GameplayandTalk
      @GameplayandTalk 2 года назад +1

      @@grasmereguy5116 I went back and watched it last year. It still holds up incredibly well!

  • @ChrisDoesTV
    @ChrisDoesTV 8 лет назад +76

    One of the best movies I have ever seen in my life.

    • @FirstnameLastname-py3bc
      @FirstnameLastname-py3bc 5 лет назад +5

      That and Brasil, they get somewhat similar themes, probably this is better one, but Brasil is more like a comedy, but oh boy - what a movie!

  • @takethefall4782
    @takethefall4782 8 лет назад +66

    "Shell Beach."
    "Yeah we never made to Shell Beach."
    "Shell Beach."
    "Exactly, buddy, yeah. The place we never got to."
    "Shell Beach."
    "Ok, now your just starting to bum me out, Patrick."

    • @thecocktailian2091
      @thecocktailian2091 5 месяцев назад

      I was driving up the 101 from LA. It had been some years since I had seen Dark City, but Shell Beach was prominent. Somewhere along the southern coast I saw a billboard for Shell Beach. I immediately grew a giant smile and had to stop off at the real Shell Beach. Im not sure I found it, it was just a speck of a place. But that made it even better.

    • @matthewhart3423
      @matthewhart3423 5 месяцев назад

      "I'm a goofy goober yeah"

  • @reisman44
    @reisman44 9 лет назад +37

    Ho.Actually Jennifer Connelly's debut was in the mesterpiece "Once Upon a Time in America"by Sergio Leone in 1984.Then she starred in Phenomena by Dario Argento in 1985.Afterwards in "Seven minutes in Paradise" by Linda Feferma, always in 1985,and finally in Labyrinth in 1986.

    • @cosmiclino2080
      @cosmiclino2080 4 года назад +6

      I like the word "mesterpiece", it's not used nearly enough!

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +8

    yes I still need to cover the first Crow film which I will do. I did watch the sequel when it came out..man that film stunk!. lol

  • @MaximumMadnessStixon
    @MaximumMadnessStixon 5 лет назад +6

    This trailers for this film haunted me as a child. I remember being 10-years-old, and being petrified by the music and the images of the Strangers floating above the streets. I finally worked up the courage to see it when I was in High School six or seven years later, and I'm glad I did. It's a phenomenal film, and one of the best sci-fi movies of the 90's. Truly an underrated masterpiece. Just watched it again on Blu-Ray last night, and it's remarkable how well it holds up.

  • @RobinsTaste
    @RobinsTaste 10 лет назад +14

    Dark City is one of my favorite movies just for that reason! You can rewatch it and discover something new all the time. I just love the film-noir balance aswell.

  • @wrestleforce1861
    @wrestleforce1861 9 лет назад +27

    I did see this, but was too young and action orientated to appreciate it. I'll definitely give it another watch now.
    It reminds me of The 13th Floor, another movie I really enjoyed. I'd love to see you do a review of that film.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +1

    With all my reviews you have to remember these are retrospectives as well so spoilers will be revealed. With this review I don't spoil the ending but other parts are discussed that could spoil it for you. With my channel I always upload a preview a week before the review is posted for viewers to try and catch the film so they don't feel left out. :)

  • @66cuda
    @66cuda 8 лет назад +46

    A great deep film, one of my favorites, I vaguely remember the trailer I have original and white box DVD, my 10 year old gets it my ex wife does not go figure

    • @danielwilliamson6180
      @danielwilliamson6180 5 лет назад +1

      I watched Dark City for the first time in 2000. A real classic. I am beginning to think it's not just a science fiction mystery thriller but it is also a psychological thriller. As the film explores reality, what makes us tick and what makes us human.

  • @jediarco
    @jediarco 9 лет назад +43

    Absolutely one of my all time favorite movies! So glad you covered this. I remember seeing it in the theater and telling everyone at school how awesome it was, and they all looked at me like I was nuts. :) Good times. Awesome freaking movie! Keep up the awesome vids sir.

    • @TheKeyser94
      @TheKeyser94 9 лет назад

      jediarco I known that feeling, I had seen this movie for the first time in HBO; and I see it everytime that it passed in TV, even it passed beyond the two of the morning, I had passed the last fifteen years searching for the DVD of this movie, and now I finally found it.

    • @lakerstekkenn
      @lakerstekkenn 9 лет назад +2

      jediarco Dark city is so underrated brilliant film

    • @lakerstekkenn
      @lakerstekkenn 8 лет назад

      Maxx Kroes
      love what?

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +3

    I will start putting them in future. With my channel I always put up a preview to give the viewers time to view the film before I upload the Retrospective. :)

  • @cjgonzilla7676
    @cjgonzilla7676 9 лет назад +15

    One of my most beloved films...EVER!!!

  • @MarkHyde
    @MarkHyde 9 лет назад +9

    The very definition of a sleeper classic. I love this movie on so many levels.
    I'm so glad to hear your retrospective and views on this exceptional film. One of my sci-fi favourites.

    • @Vaporvice84
      @Vaporvice84 Год назад

      "Sleeper" lol.

    • @MarkHyde
      @MarkHyde Год назад

      @@Vaporvice84 HUH? 'Sleeper classic' -why I used it -
      "In the entertainment industry, a sleeper hit is generally considered to be a film, television series, music release, video game, or some other entertainment product that was initially unsuccessful on release but became a success later on. A sleeper hit may have little promotion or lack a successful launch but gradually develops a fan following that garners it media attention, which in turn increases its public exposure and public interest in the product.[1] Another definition of a sleeper hit is given by Variety: "A 'sleeper hit' can be defined as the kind of show that catches us by surprise - programs whose popularity grows over time and can ultimately outshine the preordained hits."[2] While some sleeper hits are genuine surprises that tip toe into the theatres and perform greatly at the box-office. These films may not boast of superstars or great production values. They create history on the strength of the story, the novelty of the theme, the pride of performances and presentation. At times, the makers themselves don’t come in with great expectations and are left pleasantly surprised by the wide acceptance of the audience."
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeper_hit#:~:text=In%20the%20entertainment%20industry%2C%20a,became%20a%20success%20later%20on.

    • @MarkHyde
      @MarkHyde Год назад

      Dark City (1099) release box office versus budget - on release -
      "During its four-week theatrical run, the film earned $14,378,331 domestically. Internationally, it took in an additional $12,821,985, for a combined worldwide box office total of $27,200,316. The film's cumulative gross was the 105th-highest of 1998.:
      Budget for the film -
      "Budget $27 million"
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_City_(1998_film)#:~:text=Box%20office,-Its%20opening%20weekend&text=During%20its%20four%2Dweek%20theatrical,the%20105th%2Dhighest%20of%201998.

  • @maplebob23
    @maplebob23 9 лет назад +13

    I also thought that Rufus Sewell looked like Marvel's The Beyonder character from the 1980s. I never read the whole series but the likeness did add to my enjoyment of the film.

  • @xxczerxx
    @xxczerxx 8 лет назад +126

    It's certainly aged far better than the Matrix, this film almost has Blade Runner-level timelessness.

    • @Pacifica17
      @Pacifica17 7 лет назад +11

      seriously? this movie didn't age nearly as well as the matrix...common....

    • @xxczerxx
      @xxczerxx 7 лет назад +27

      Yoav Gruper That's fair enough, but think it does -- the Matrix is very late-90s stylistically. Dark City has this weird art-deco dystopian nightmare thing going on. Of course, the Matrix has higher production values but still!

    • @DrGregoryHouseIT
      @DrGregoryHouseIT 7 лет назад +7

      The Matrix didn't age well AT ALL.

    • @chooky4626
      @chooky4626 7 лет назад +14

      The main reason The Matrix didn't "age well' is because every unique
      aspect of it was copied to death by every other movie at the time.

    • @omnom3488
      @omnom3488 7 лет назад +9

      You must be high. Matrix is timeless

  • @andrewtaylor940
    @andrewtaylor940 9 лет назад +12

    One of those all time great yet largely unknown SciFi movies. Everything about it is wonderful. In terms of mixing story, thought, tone, art direction and world design it is getting close to Blade Runner. I way prefer this over the Matrix.
    Oh and one other comparison worth noting. Once you strip out the Giant Robots, the hybrid Japanese/American animated show "The Big O" is playing around in some very very similar territories as this. The inspiration is rather transparent.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад

    I had to re-upload the video to avoid an audio flag, it should play fine now in every Country. Thanks to the following RUclips members who shared their feedback on the previous upload - Shade Draws, Joebg100,Xenu,qu7aker1,Raptor Bandito and TheWarriorBatReturns.

  • @andresisthename
    @andresisthename 8 лет назад +15

    What a brilliant film, I need to revisit it.

  • @Bejmo75
    @Bejmo75 5 лет назад +12

    Lol I remember tiling that bathroom set with my boss. The damn tiles were the cheapest dust pressed super thin glaze which the art dept then painted with shitty green acrylic. This made the whole process long and shitty. We made all the lines in the room line up and were applying them to plywood which flexed and caused cracking and crazing. When we were done we were like ok good job it all looks great. Then the set designer comes in and says good job fellas and promptly takes a hammer and starts to break and crack tiles and ......yeah we were like ok.... Later someone told us it was going to be shitty run down hotel. Lessons learned ?......................not really but it was fun ; )

    • @jameslyddall
      @jameslyddall 2 года назад +1

      That’s pretty cool, I’ve just this last hour finished watching it and it was awesome, I can see how it inspired inception. I love set designs and my favourite is the blade runner 2049 miniatures.

    • @reezlaw
      @reezlaw 2 года назад +1

      @@jameslyddall I think it's more interesting how it "inspired" The Matrix... actually the Wachowskis simply stole from it

    • @AwakenedAvocado
      @AwakenedAvocado Год назад

      @@reezlaw there are green tiles quite a bit in the matrix. The room where neo and trinity are backflioping off the pillars in shootout. The pillars i think were covered in the green tiles.

  • @ChristianSchonbergerMusic
    @ChristianSchonbergerMusic 9 лет назад +6

    Well I recently watched the extended version (with Jennifer Connelly's real singing voice and no voice over narration) it does have a slower pace and needs some patience. This move isn't easily "accessible" to some people who prefer more mainstream flicks. I love this movie (which was recommended to me a long time ago, I didn't know about it either when it was released) for the atmosphere and set design alone. I am a huge fan of both film noir and German expressionism (such as "Metropolis") - and 20th century anachronisms well mixed together. I also love the "Truman Show" aspect, where there is no "outside world". The run down, seedy, creepy unreal yet familiar interiors (not unlike those in "Barton Fink") add a lot to the "dream logic" feel. I do have a slight problem with Kiefer Sutherland who seems uneasy with his role here. I always thought that the late Philip Seymour Hoffman would have been a much better choice. Perhaps he was considered but too expensive? Anyway: thanks, Oliver for another great review with a lot of insight!

    • @ChristianSchonbergerMusic
      @ChristianSchonbergerMusic 8 лет назад +1

      Yes, the role and direction (as in:by the movie's director) of Kiefer is a large part of that movie, no doubt! I just feel him a little uncomfortable in this role (but that's just me - it's subjective as you stated). For some reason I always imagined FSHoffman here, because he played similar, weasel-like roles - to perfection. But, of course, that's just me. Awesome movie anyway!

  • @Bonez0r
    @Bonez0r 6 лет назад +4

    For some reason 'Dark City (1998)' and 'The thirteenth floor (1999)' almost merge into one in my memory. They have a similar feel to them, similar moody music, night time shots and feeling of inescapability. In both films the protagonist yearns to escape and finds a barrier that he can't cross, revealing a big plot point. I'm new to this channel, but if there isn't a retrospective of 'The thirteenth floor' yet, i would love it if you made one.

  • @saigokun
    @saigokun 8 лет назад +32

    This looks like a great movie that I defenitely should see. Thanks for posting this.

    • @FreakieFan
      @FreakieFan 8 лет назад +4

      it's great!

    • @saigokun
      @saigokun 7 лет назад +4

      I saw it and you were right, it is a great movie.

    • @cashbonanza963
      @cashbonanza963 7 лет назад +4

      Saigokun Have you seen The Thirteenth Foor? it's equally awesome. Highly recommend it

  • @finefilth
    @finefilth 9 лет назад +5

    This movie was awesome going where no one else dared to go ..Probably one of the most underrated movie ive ever seen....stumbled on it by complete accident.

  • @ripoutyourprejudice
    @ripoutyourprejudice 11 лет назад +12

    Underrated as hell, and I completely owe my appreciation for film noir to Dark City and The Terminator. Though I have to say, that as intriguing the story is, the writters just pulled out a "deus ex machina" at the end, with the machine that changes everything the protagonist wants it.

    • @itsj0eyhere
      @itsj0eyhere 10 лет назад +6

      Just watched this film for the first time today. I don't think i'd call the ending a deus ex machina as the film had already established that the aliens use that machine to alter the city with their "tuning" ability, and we'd seen john gradually develop his tuning power through movie and then had it supercharged by the doctors inserted memories. I did however think it was convenient that he could use the machine to completely change the city's landscape instantly when the aliens needed all of them working together to make any changes.

    • @Azatarot75
      @Azatarot75 10 лет назад +2

      Don't agree about the "deus ex machina" as you likely meant it. You do that it literally translates as "god from the machine", yes? That was also the literal truth about that ending, but it was one that fit. All through the film, John Murdoch had been exhibiting abilities like the Strangers and, with them all dead and himself now educated in his powers, he's the only one who can run the machines.
      I encourage to also check out the German Expressionist movement of film, which was a precursor for film noir and a more direct inspiration for "Dark City".

    • @Azatarot75
      @Azatarot75 10 лет назад +3

      itsj0eyhere Not convenient...hard-won. Murdoch spent most of the film getting the odd flash of ability until Schraeber gave him a crash course in how to work it. It's very likely that the good doctor had studied those machines far more closely than his masters ever imagined, enough so that he knew how to make it all work for John.
      As to all of the Strangers needing to work the machines, remember that they function as a hive mind and were likely incomplete beings on their own in terms of psionic power. John Murdoch's human physiology may therefore have made all the difference.

    • @Bfdidc
      @Bfdidc 10 лет назад

      Azatarot75 Good explanation.

  • @jmm1233
    @jmm1233 9 лет назад +11

    Definitely has that matrix feel with a bit of lovecraft mythos , can think of it as a being in Arkham , Providence Rhode Island

    • @reezlaw
      @reezlaw 2 года назад

      It is The Matrix that has that Dark City feel

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +1

    Yes I still want to cover that film!. It will be in the next series of retrospectives!.

  • @Elnont
    @Elnont 4 года назад +7

    Rufus Sewell is such an underrated actor.

  • @bighuge1060
    @bighuge1060 9 лет назад +9

    This is such a great movie and I am loving this and all your other retrospectives and commentaries. Thank you!

  • @rogersjgregory
    @rogersjgregory Год назад +1

    I saw this in the cinema when it first came out, and was blown away. It was so original, it took people a while to warm up to it. It has an ageless quality to it, because it’s not set in any particular time or place, it’s its own world.

  • @pferreira1983
    @pferreira1983 9 лет назад +8

    The film passed me by. I ended up seeing it for the first time during Film Studies A-Level back in 2001. I loved the movie but 90% thought the film was ridiculous. Oh well...As for the opening narration I actually didn't catch the exposition narration first time I watched it so the thankfully the whole film wasn't spoiled and I knew as much as John Murdoch did. Great review Oliver as always.

    • @James69813
      @James69813 2 года назад

      90%? 100% of people in these comments love the movie, except for me. Maybe I'm .0001.

  • @Keyser666
    @Keyser666 8 лет назад +10

    I remember seeing this in the cinema (it was virtually empty). The only reason I did was that it was made by the guy who directed The Crow. It looks amazing on Blu-Ray. As much as I like Proyas's work, these two films are the highpoint of his career, he's never been this good since.

    • @BggProductions
      @BggProductions 8 лет назад +2

      +Keyser Soze Both times I saw this at a cinema it was virtually empty. One guy even walked out after the first "SHUT IT DOWN" scene lol

    • @ZyxthePest
      @ZyxthePest 3 года назад

      I like Garage Days, it's a very different film for him and I appreciate his attempt to do something completely off the beaten path, but with a lot of the same visual gusto, but it is sad how after that he definitely got eaten up by the Hollywood system. I, Robot and Knowing are very pedestrian compared to his best work and Gods Of Egypt...yikes.

  • @1406Pictures
    @1406Pictures 9 лет назад +3

    Such a touching review, particularly your last words; you summed up how I feel about this film.

  • @bravothreeninesixeight6663
    @bravothreeninesixeight6663 10 лет назад +2

    I remember seeing this film in '98; I had just finished my phase 1 training with the Army, and I desperately needed some mental stimulation. I saw it in a little dingy theatre near New Milton somewhere, and was absolutely blown away. One of the most truly original films ever made IMHO, for me it was easily as provocative as any Tarkovsky, but so much more accessible, and bearing in mind I was an uncultured teenager at the time. In fact it is probably not an exaggeration to say that had I not seen it, I would never have developed any kind of appreciation of cinema as art. I am not lying when I say that I try to convince everyone I meet who has not seen this film to see it.

    • @Azatarot75
      @Azatarot75 10 лет назад +1

      I do the same, Bravo. I first came upon a long time ago as a VHS rental. During a really bad period that was the tail end of my time working for Wal-Mart, I watched the film on tape religiously, always timing it to end right with the dawn. If you haven't already, I'd encourage you into the films that inspired this one: "Metropolis", "M", "Cabinet of Dr. Caligari", "Nosferatu". These were all part of the German Expressionist movement, which has influenced everything from sci-fi and horror to film noir.

  • @booyahboyuk
    @booyahboyuk 10 лет назад +11

    Jennifer Connelly was in Once Upon A Time In America before Labyrinth.

  • @PaladinHero
    @PaladinHero 11 лет назад

    I think this may be my favorite series on RUclips. It is the most consistently well done and covers more or less every movie I've loved in my 30 years.

  • @tdelamont
    @tdelamont 9 лет назад +2

    The only DVD I've ever seen where Roger Ebert did a commentary track. There is no higher praise than that. Brilliant film.

  • @RedWolf316sega
    @RedWolf316sega 8 лет назад +6

    At first I though it was gonna be another B horror flick, but I actually ended up really enjoying this this movie. It's one of my favorite gothic movies out there.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +1

    Thank you Amadeus!. Remember to watch the Director's Cut. :)

  • @GamerWizz21
    @GamerWizz21 8 лет назад +7

    An extremely underrated, influential cult classic!

  • @Assisi4
    @Assisi4 4 года назад +1

    I'm happy to say I saw this in the movie theaters. I listened to Roger Eberts commentary more than once. This is defintiely on my top 10 favorite movies and it still ages awesomely over the years. Alex Proyas hasn't matched a success like Dark City so far but I still cross my fingers and toes for him.

  • @HoustonSoto
    @HoustonSoto 11 лет назад

    Excellent review! This belongs on a special list of "the best films you've never seen". And your closing vignette is probably one of your best edits yet, Olly!

  • @k.t.1641
    @k.t.1641 10 лет назад +6

    Dammit Oliver. Every time I watch your stuff I feel like watching all the movies. Your killing me here. ;p

  • @chuckguam
    @chuckguam 10 лет назад +6

    Good stuff on your reviews Oliver. Any chance you will dabble in Jacob's Ladder one of these days?

  • @Iamgoldygramz
    @Iamgoldygramz 7 лет назад +1

    I Feel like I have found a Time Capsule LOADED with treasure! This channel is Unbelievably Amazing!
    Thank You Oliver!

  • @elonmusksellssnakeoil1744
    @elonmusksellssnakeoil1744 Год назад +1

    Jennifer Connelly actually made her debut in Once Upon a Time in American in 1984, was in Phenomena after that, then a movie called Seven Minutes in Heaven, and then appeared in Labyrinth.

  • @spawncampe
    @spawncampe 2 года назад +1

    I'm so glad I saw the director's cut first. It fleshes out the side characters more and doesn't have that narration in the beginning.

  • @robynn144
    @robynn144 8 лет назад +10

    Thanks a lot for another great review, Oliver. I just watched "Dark City" after your recommendation. It is truly a great movie. Way better than "The Matrix". Especially Kiefer Sutherland gives one of his best performances in "Dark City".

    • @OliverHarper
      @OliverHarper  8 лет назад +3

      Good to hear from another fan of Dark City!

    • @robynn144
      @robynn144 8 лет назад

      Oliver Harper You are welcome. Thanks a lot for the recommendation and review. I've watched several movies after having seen your reviews of them. Such as "Mouth of Madness", "Prince of Darkness", "Leviathan" and, off course, "Dark City".
      I really enjoy your discussions of these older films, and the film media altogether.

    • @paulstaker8861
      @paulstaker8861 5 лет назад

      Better than the Matrix? Wow you're way cool, dude.

    • @John_Nada_
      @John_Nada_ 4 года назад +1

      @@paulstaker8861 lmao they are comparable in many ways, for most people they'd only care about the action which is why the Matrix would win out for most. I'd prefer dark city for the atmosphere alone.

  • @fullmetalpoitato5190
    @fullmetalpoitato5190 4 года назад

    Oliver Harper you have a remarkable effect of causing me to continually drag my dvd player out of the closet to revisit old favorites. I can't believe I ever forgot about this movie.

  • @thestomp1647
    @thestomp1647 8 лет назад +2

    I saw Dark City when it was released in cinemas back in 1998. I remember being interested in seeing it because it was from the director of The Crow. My whole family went to watch it on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I loved the film but for some strange reason i haven't watched it since. Time to revisit it.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад

    Yes I will cover it in the next series of reviews. :)

  • @kevinmajorca
    @kevinmajorca 3 года назад +1

    I was quite surprised when I saw this years ago. Found it on those lists of underappreciated scifis. Amazing visuals and overall enthralling movie.

  • @Yubl10
    @Yubl10 Год назад +1

    This is one of my personal favorite movies. The directors cut specifically.

  • @munstrumridcully
    @munstrumridcully 8 лет назад +2

    Like with the Crow, I saw this movie on its video release and fell in love. Rufus Sewel, who plays a villain usually, did a good job in the lead.

    • @nathansmith4529
      @nathansmith4529 7 лет назад +1

      munstrumridcully agreed, when I first saw it I loved his performance and take on the character, but I had the feeling he wouldn't be well received as the main character, glad to see so many people share the same opinion

  • @DeletedMediaYoutube
    @DeletedMediaYoutube 5 лет назад

    one interesting thing about this movie and its soundtrack is that it's trailer music was so incredible and was also included on the soundtrack for a change. It was also used in one of the riddick trailers and matches perfectly with the visuals in the crow trailer.

  • @mathieuvanleeuwen7127
    @mathieuvanleeuwen7127 8 лет назад +3

    Little mistake there, Oliver.
    Jennifer Connelly made her first film appearance in Leone's "Once upon a time in America".

  • @ferd1572
    @ferd1572 3 года назад +4

    "Everybody loves Jennifer Connelly" Yeah, who doesn't?

  • @kylemundy8871
    @kylemundy8871 7 лет назад +1

    This is why I love your channel, you got great taste in cinema, I've never heard of this, but I'm buying it tonight, really excited

    • @OliverHarper
      @OliverHarper  7 лет назад

      Thanks Kyle! I hope you enjoy the film!

  • @BentHeWiLdER
    @BentHeWiLdER Год назад +1

    I saw this movie when I was 8 when it came out on VHS and I love this movie. Sleep Now is a chilling song.

  • @at3479
    @at3479 11 лет назад

    Great review, Oliver. This film has really grown on me over the years and I never get tired. I do own the blu-ray and the original theatrical and extended cut versions on DVD so that should tell you I can't get enough of this film. I remember watching trailers and while I didn't understand what it was about, the visuals got to me. Once I saw it [the theatrical version], i was amazed but like you mentioned, it felt too easy to understand. I've made it a point to just watch the DC version always.

  • @KarstensCreationsKC
    @KarstensCreationsKC 8 лет назад +31

    Best film of '98, IMHO...saw it in a theater, and by the finale, my heart was racing faster than it ever had seeing a film...I walked out of the cinema feeling almost as if I was on drugs, smiling and gushing non stop with my friends about how brilliantly original and gorgeous the entire production was, from top to bottom...oh, and Jennifer Connelly. LOVELY, stunning Jennifer Connelly...;)
    Truly an unappreciated gem, I am very happy to see you give it some more deserved recognition...many thanks to you, Mr.Harper, an amazing review and insights, as always.

    • @coyotefever105
      @coyotefever105 8 лет назад +1

      How do you feel about the Matrix controversy?

    • @StevenErnest
      @StevenErnest 8 лет назад +3

      By "controversy" do you mean that the sequels weren't very good?

    • @Gizaalkemy
      @Gizaalkemy 7 лет назад

      You mean how the original writer of the Matrix was Sophia Stewart?

    • @williambeck6364
      @williambeck6364 Год назад

      I felt EVERYTHING you stated my friend. I was buzzing and overwhelmed when I left the theater. Great comment!

  • @Rbutler835
    @Rbutler835 9 лет назад +1

    I'm probably one of the few that saw this firm when it was released in theaters. I had to go out of my way to find a theater that was showing it. But I did, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Still do in fact.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад

    Thanks John, yeah I wanted to go with something different for the ending montage. What to get across the confusion and questions the people have in that world concerning reality. :)

  • @Esco5555
    @Esco5555 11 лет назад

    you keep hitting them out of the park with these reviews!

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +1

    haha I know, I tried contacting Machinema and Channelflip for support but they only support people if they have over 20,000 subscribers!. haha I wouldn't even contact them if I had those numbers.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад

    I will look into it buddy.

  • @gorillapancake
    @gorillapancake 11 лет назад

    I think you need to understand that Ollie's reviews are retrospectives, for many of us that have already seen these movies.
    I for one, greatly enjoy looking back through Ollie's eyes.
    I saw Dark City in the cinema when it first came out. I think it went over my head a little. Will definitely give it another look.

  • @stewmurray47
    @stewmurray47 11 лет назад

    Another fantastic retrospective for one of my favourite movies Ollie. I remember being blown away when the story starting coming together and the finale was brilliant. My imagination was racing at the possibilities that lay before John at the end. He could practically make anything he wanted, go anywhere etc. would they go back to Earth? How long had it been?? Thanks for sharing as always buddy, I really enjoyed this

  • @maplebob23
    @maplebob23 9 лет назад

    I just watched my DVD of this again last night and didn't know until watching your video there was a director's cut! Cannot wait to see it!

  • @antitroll890
    @antitroll890 11 лет назад

    this was a great review Oliver, Dark City is fast becoming one of my favorite movies of all time and your review made me want to go back and watch it again

  • @Lagash
    @Lagash 5 лет назад

    You my friend, are magnificent at doing this reviews. The intro and outro gets me speechless.

  • @seanbrazell6147
    @seanbrazell6147 3 года назад +1

    This is hands down one of the best works of science fiction ever made in any medium. It's crying out for a sequel or continuation.

  • @harveybirdman74
    @harveybirdman74 8 лет назад +4

    I'm wondering that one of the reasons why it was not successful on its release was because Dark City did not have a well-known "star" to shoe-horn the general public into its unusual narrative? William Hurt, Rufus Sewell and Jennifer Connolly are all fine actors but they probably didn't have the blockbuster clout that Keanu Reeves had for the Matrix.

  • @zerofusion2012
    @zerofusion2012 10 лет назад

    I saw this film in 2012 as part of my high school film class, and I have to say I was rather intrigued by the films style, and acting. I highly recommend watching this anyone who loves films as much as I.

  • @Skywalker3248
    @Skywalker3248 11 лет назад

    Dark City is such an underrated film, I first saw it on tv late at night as was just flicking through the channels bored, and I loved it. So glad to see it being promoted more :)

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад +1

    yeah its a big shame Dark City bombed but I'm glad I've encouraged you to seek the film out and Leviathan!.

  • @ChocolatierRob
    @ChocolatierRob 7 лет назад

    There was one thing I preferred in the original (assuming I'm remembering correctly, I need to watch both versions again), Dr Schrieber's line as he injects Murdoch at the end, I just loved his delivery of "But I have _other_ plans." I believe it was cut or changed for the Director's cut.

  • @maskedcadaver
    @maskedcadaver 7 лет назад

    First off, love channel and a subscriber. I didn't know you had done a video for Dark City, back in 2013. I was surprised I hadn't come across it before. I'm sure you've been told this by now or know yourself, but I noticed you said Jennifer Connelly made her film debut in 'Labyrinth.' I believe it was actually in 'Once Upon A Time In America.'

  • @b3films
    @b3films 9 лет назад +1

    I made sure to see this movie on opening weekend. It was a shame the theater was empty. I had seen the trailer which sold me into seeing it. It's one of my favorite trailers. It features no dialogue whatsoever. Just awesome imagery and music.

  • @Futuresolidsnake
    @Futuresolidsnake 4 года назад

    I bought this movie right after it came out on dvd. And I was blown away with the unique mysterious tone of this story. It became one of my favorite movies instantly. I tried to get my friends and family on board but only my best friend and my Dad appreciated the movie for the masterpiece I thought it was. It is sad that it never got the attention and recognition it deserves as a truly deep psychological and iconic science fiction classic that it is.

  • @AdrianMendoza23
    @AdrianMendoza23 7 лет назад +1

    I love this movie. I will def. watch the directors cut. I knew about this movie when I was in high school, there was a comic book store across the street from my high school and the owner put up a poster to promote the flick. That was the only promotion I saw for the film. As soon as it came out on video I rented it at my local blockbuster.

  • @tbrasc0
    @tbrasc0 10 лет назад +1

    I went to see this on release and really enjoyed it at the time, I haven't thought about it for years though but i'm definitely going to seek it out for a re-watch.
    Thanks for the review.

  • @josullivan5604
    @josullivan5604 2 года назад

    just got the directors cut! my BFF and I saw the dark crystal in a little theater last week and stayed up late talking about scores and trevor jones. Had to sit them down with this film! It’s still a great mystery! Now that i am older, I really see some links to City of Lost Children, especially with the light palate.

  • @Hoju3942
    @Hoju3942 Год назад

    Finally watched this! Loved it! But the score was basically The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky dialed up to 11 and played at different tempos. Doesn't make it any less amazing, I love Trevor Jones' work but he was clearly told "Use the Rite of Spring as the structure of this". Like how the Hudsucker Proxy score is a reworking of Aram Khachaturian's "Spartacus" suite. Really great stuff! Just a bit of trivia you might want to include if you ever do a second pass on this movie!

  • @Curien247
    @Curien247 8 лет назад +1

    I dont know if you take suggestions but go check out "The Thirteenth Floor" from 1999 starring Craig Bierko, Vincent D'Onofrio and Gretchen Mol. it deals with similar themes and was overshadowed by the Matrix hype too.

  • @DarthUmbra
    @DarthUmbra 8 лет назад

    What perked my intrest in Dark City was NC's review of Matrix Revolutions, where he compared the two. Your excellent review sold me on borrowing it from my library. They even had the Director's Cut there, so that was my first viewing of this. It really was a great film.

  • @stephanwatson7902
    @stephanwatson7902 Год назад

    I'm glad when I heard about this movie that I saw the director's cut, this movie works way better when you don't know what's going on and you unravel the mystery along with the protagonist. That scene where the detective's last moments were realizing that they're not even on Earth anymore, was actually pretty unsettling in a good way

  • @nenabunena
    @nenabunena 11 лет назад

    I can't believe you reviewed one of my favorite scifi films, I saw this in the theaters back then.

  • @janb.281
    @janb.281 8 лет назад +3

    Very to the point review of a real hidden gem. I always like Oliver Harper reviews much more when you skip the video-games section (what's the point? It's a movie review!!) and provide more of your opinion on why a film is good/bad/brilliant or absolute rubbish

    • @OliverHarper
      @OliverHarper  8 лет назад +14

      +J.F. Braun Its a retrospective with a review element thats why the tie in video games are covered.

  • @Xenu
    @Xenu 11 лет назад

    I really hate YT audioflags. Last week I made a little video I uploaded 'unlisted' just to share with family members. I got an audioflag anyway! The video wasn't even public. YT goes a little overboard with these things. Thank you for re-posting this so quickly. Another great review of a great film. For improvement your review only needed more Jennifer Connelly. :-)

  • @salocin911
    @salocin911 7 лет назад +1

    One of my personal favorites... thanks for the nostalgia.

  • @OliverHarper
    @OliverHarper  11 лет назад

    Thanks very much!

  • @windi1982
    @windi1982 4 года назад

    Never liked the „revised“ version with the opening narration! It takes away the big surprises. Without the narration you really believe it’s just a strange murder-story and you get totally blown away by the deeper alien plot later! But another great review about a great movie! 👌🏻