A Scanner Darkly 4/5 reviewed by Mike

I loves me some good science fiction, and there's few Sci-Fi writers around as good or as revered as the legendary Philip K. Dick. You've heard of him, even if you don't know it. His stories got turned into movies like "Bladerunner," "Total Recall," "Minority Report," etc. This movie, "A Scanner Darkly," is based on Dick's novel of the same name. One thing that really sticks out about this film is director Richard Linklater's love of Philip K. Dick's work. This isn't hollywood turning something into a marketable Arnold action flick--this is truly a work of art that honors the original in a way that most novel-based movies never come close to.

The other thing you may notice about this film is that it's animated. Linklater uses a technique called "rotoscoping," by which he films actual actors doing scenes, and then goes back and animates over them--giving the film a beautiful animated look that captures all the nuances of the actors performances. He used this technique on his previous materwork "Waking Life," which, ironically, quotes large sections of Philip K. Dick's novels and essays.

"A Scanner Darkly" centers around Robert Arctor (Keanu Reeves) who secretly works for a government anti-drug unit, spying on his friends (Robert Downy Jr., Woody Harrelson, Wynona Ryder), all of whom are severe drug addicts, mostly to a new drug called "Substance D." Arctor himself becomes a user and falls deeper and deeper into layers of psychosis. The plot spirals into a complex story about corporate backstabbing and political intrigue--but the essence of the story is, as many Phillip Dick stories are, about lonliness, isolation, paranoia, and a complex examination and questioning of the nature of reality. None of this weighs the movie down, but if you don't like to think during your movies, be warned.

All the actors in this film do a spectacular job--Robert Downey Jr. gives perhaps one of the best performances of his life. Even Keanu Reeves fits his part well--mostly because the slow ackwardness that he's become known for is absolutely perfect for this character. Yes, he acts exactly as he does in all his films, but its just what this one needs. The film is wonderfully directed by Linklater, who I am becoming more and more enamored with as time goes on. The soundrack is also incredible. Half of the film is haunted by a small and very subtle string section, while the other half is full of Radiohead songs. No band is more perfect for creating the disjointed, fractured feeling that "Scanner" masters. Being the big Radiohead fan that I am, this was great, but the songs were so perfect, that I will have a hard time hearing them again without thinking of the accompanying scenes from this movie.

The best part about this movie, however, is the art. Seeing the animation, the subtlety involved, the layered symbolism... It's all so beautiful, I couldn't take my eyes away. The art powerfully enhances the themes of the film, drawing you in, making you feel what the characters feel, experience what they experience. Every aspect of this film is wonderfully executed--down to the moment right before the end credits start where a long and incredibly touching quote from Phillip K. Dick appears to end the film perfectly.

"A Scanner Darkly" stands out strongly from other films on the market now. It's a powerful examination of reality, relationships, and isolation. It also stands as a stong picture of America's drug culture, and gives a potent message about the true effects of drug abuse, without ever becoming preachy or dogmatic. The more I think about this film, the more I like it. I can't wait to see it again.

See this movie if:
-You appreciate the art of animation, drawing, painting, etc.
-You like movies that present you with philosophoical ideas to chew on for a long time after the movie's over.
-You have used, or thought about using, any sort of narcotics.

Don't see this movie if:
-You want some easygoing, summer escapism.
-You think all forms of animation should resemble Disney films for kids. There's lots of language and some nudity in this one.
-You are on a first date. Well, maybe it would work, depending on the person...