As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours poring over films spanning from the golden age of Hollywood to today’s blockbuster extravaganzas, I can confidently say that Dark City is a hidden gem that deserves a place in any discerning movie lover’s collection. This underrated masterpiece has been unjustly overlooked since its release, but thanks to streaming platforms like Tubi, it’s now more accessible than ever.
Despite Tubi boasting the broadest selection of ad-supported streaming content, sifting through the multitude of movies added each month can be challenging – from blockbuster Hollywood films to lesser-known passion projects. But occasionally, a true gem emerges that warrants genuine enthusiasm. The latest movie to join the platform is an underappreciated sci-fi masterpiece. Although it didn’t receive much attention upon its initial release, it has since developed a devoted fanbase.
Let’s delve into the intriguing blend of neo-noir, sci-fi, and film noir elements known as “Dark City“. Despite its visual style that outshone many contemporary films, it failed to capture audiences at the box office. However, over time, it has evolved into a must-see cinematic classic.
Dark City Plot and Cast
Waking up in a bathtub, John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) finds himself confronted with two startling realities: he’s accused of a murder and is being pursued by enigmatic figures who have the power to alter cityscapes and manipulate memories. Guided by Inspector Bumstead (William Hurt) and Dr. Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland), a scientist struggling with his compulsion to aid these strange entities, Murdoch embarks on a journey to gradually unravel the mysteries surrounding these creatures and their sinister experiments on humankind.
Initially, they took things from us, preserved our knowledge, blended it together like colors on a palette, then replaced our recollections with ones of their own design. Yet, even after doing this, they found themselves requiring an artist’s aid. (Kiefer Sutherland as Dr. Shreber in Dark City)
As the main character, John Murdoch played by Rufus Sewell, might not be the most familiar face in the ensemble, but audiences may recognize him from his portrayal of John Smith in “The Man in the High Castle” or more recently as Charles in M. Night Shyamalan’s film “Old”. Joining him are acting veterans William Hurt and Kiefer Sutherland, who play John Murdoch’s associates in their mission to combat an unusual menace plaguing their city; both actors have made significant impacts on the silver screen. Completing the cast is Jennifer Connelly, delivering one of her finest performances as Emma, John Murdoch’s wife, who finds herself entangled in the continuous reality shifts. The mysterious figures include Ian Richardson as Mr. Book, Richard O’Brien as Mr. Hand, and Bruce Spence as Mr. Wall.
Alex Proyas, a director currently generating buzz due to his opinions on the remake of The Crow, directed the film titled Dark City. Proyas is a captivating figure in the world of cinema, having directed music videos for various bands that eventually became modest box office successes, gaining more recognition later as cult classics; among these are The Crow (1994), I Robot (2004), and Knowing (2009).
Why Dark City Was a Box Office Disappointment
The film titled Dark City had an unfortunate release, going head-to-head with James Cameron’s record-breaking Titanic. Consequently, the box office returns for Dark City were predictably underwhelming. On a production budget of roughly $27 million, the movie managed to gross just $14,378,331 domestically and $12,821,985 internationally, resulting in earnings barely exceeding its production cost of approximately $27.2 million. In addition to box office rivalry, the film was poorly promoted to viewers, leading many to assume it was a horror movie rather than the neo-noir, sci-fi thriller/mystery that it truly was.
The movie didn’t completely fly under the radar at the box office, but garnered a moderate response. Critics generally liked it, with a score of 79% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes based on 89 reviews. Notably, Roger Ebert singled out the film as a “great visionary achievement” and even called it a “masterpiece.” Over time, the audience’s appreciation for the movie has grown, as indicated by its ratings: an 85% Popcorn Meter on RT, 7.6/10 on IMDB, and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd.
The Well-Deserved Cult Following of Dark City
Reflecting on Dark City years following its premiere, it’s clear why it has achieved cult status and remains highly regarded. Although its visual style may seem dated now, for the ’90s, it was an exceptionally unique blend of neo-noir and sci-fi horror. Some even consider it a precursor to The Matrix in terms of its visual style and mind-bending narrative. Its deep thematic content, exploring philosophical ideas such as free will and human nature, has also led many viewers to reevaluate its themes over time. The 2008 release of the director’s cut, specifically, sparked renewed appreciation for the film after seeing it as Alex Proyas originally envisioned.
Dark City is a quintessential cult film. Gone vastly underappreciated on release beyond some vocal critics singing its praises, the movie has found an appreciative fan base that holds it in high regard as the masterpiece that it is. The movie remains just as relevant and stunning today as it was on release. Dark City is a welcome addition to the Tubi catalog. Make sure you catch it while it is still available on the platform.
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2024-09-01 00:01