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Screening Log, July 2006

A Scanner Darkly
USA / 2006

The consensus is that Richard Linklater’s innovative rotoscoping is better serviced by Philip K. Dick’s source, but this film lacks the totally imaginative lapses in logic and digressions that characterize Waking Life. It also lacks the lapses in logic and digressions that characterize Linklater’s Austin-hipster universe. If Linklater’s influence (which I consider inextricable) may be excepted, this is a fine Philip Dick adaptation, and is much more compelling than Minority Report.

by Rumsey Taylor | Source: Warner Independent Pictures 35mm print
10 Jul 2006 11:20 AM | Comments (2)

Comments / 2 total / Submit Comment

1. Rumsey
   10 July 2006
   8:27 AM
   Website

   This is tangential to the film, but A Scanner Darkly reminded me directly of Rise of the Dragon, an old videogame evocative of Blade Runner. Both concern the attempt to ban (or illegally modulate) the production of a popular and fatal illicit drug. Think Sam & Max, but with a dark, morbid atmosphere supplanting the latter’s cartoonish humor.

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2. Digital Snowman
   19 July 2006
   10:45 AM

   I think those who aren’t familiar with Philip K. Dick’s original work have a harder time connecting with the story in general. What may have helped the movie out a bit beyond what little life we got to see out of Bob’s dragging feet, is a less minimalistic soundtrack that lulled the movie onward. I found myself completely enthralled one minute and almost nodding off the next.

   As far as the visuals in the film, Wonderful. The rotoscoping was executed with far more precision this time around which made Waking Life a bit tedious to watch.

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