A Scanner Darkly

Name: A Scanner Darkly
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Released: July 7, 2006
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 73
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Winona Ryder

2006

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 33 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 261 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	Your Score
7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 261 Ratings

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A Scanner Darkly

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Independent Pictures (WIP) | Release Date: July 7, 2006 | R

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Winona Ryder

Summary: Based on legendary science-fiction author Philip K. Dick’s own experiences, A Scanner Darkly tells the darkly comedic, caustic, but deeply tragic tale of drug use in the modern world. The film plays like a graphic novel come to life with live-action photography overlaid with an advanced animation process -- a method known as interpolatedBased on legendary science-fiction author Philip K. Dick’s own experiences, A Scanner Darkly tells the darkly comedic, caustic, but deeply tragic tale of drug use in the modern world. The film plays like a graphic novel come to life with live-action photography overlaid with an advanced animation process -- a method known as interpolated rotoscoping, first employed in writer/director Richard Linklater’s 2001 film "Waking Life" -- to create a haunting version of America, seven years from now. [Warner Independent Pictures]… Expand

Director: Richard Linklater

Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Animation

Rating: R

Runtime: 100 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Premiere Glenn Kenny

The most impressive thing about the film's technical wizardry is, finally, how unimpressive it is. One doesn't leave the movie with a mind blown by visual bedazzlement but with a soul shattered by the profound sense of tragedy Linklater and company so beautifully put across. Read full review

Dallas Observer Rob Nelson

What a breath of fresh air this stifling, claustrophobic, boldly uningratiating vision of an American subculture's last gasp imparts to its contrarian core audience. (Call me a hopeless addict: I've seen it three times.) Read full review

Christopher Orr

As they (Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson) bicker and banter, threaten one another with small household objects, and try (unsuccessfully) to determine the number of gears on a bicycle, they display a combination of irritability and incompetence that is the soul of comedy. Read full review

Ty Burr

There's conspiracy here, as there is in all of Dick's books, and it wraps the film up with a moving but somewhat neat bowtie. Read full review

Manohla Dargis

Rotoscoping makes certain sense for a film about cognitive dissonance and alternative realities, though both the vocal and gestural performances by Mr. Reeves, Mr. Harrelson and, in particular, the wonderful Mr. Downey make me wish that we were watching them in live action. Read full review

Claudia Puig

Definitely not for everyone. It's a very bleak story with uneven pacing and a narrative whose jumps in time are confusing and occasionally infuriating. But the post-apocalyptic mood blends well with its uniquely stylized look and surreal story. Read full review

Duane Byrge

Audiences will have to seek out their own peculiar diversions in order to last the whole course of this demi-dud. Read full review

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User Reviews

JavierR.

Jul 22, 2006

To start off, C.P.'s review of this movie may be the most arrogant and unbelievably disgusting reviews i have ever seen on this site. He dares to call the professional reviewers confused, and suggest that they misinterpreted it. With that aside, he is allowed his own opinion about theTo start off, C.P.'s review of this movie may be the most arrogant and unbelievably disgusting reviews i have ever seen on this site. He dares to call the professional reviewers confused, and suggest that they misinterpreted it. With that aside, he is allowed his own opinion about the movie, although it is clear that he is one of few that hated it. It was an astonishingly true-life movie, showing us, through an unharmful apparatus such as a comic book, that the system is building off of itself and becoming all powerful. Truly remarkable filmaking and acting alike.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful

OriginalDanger

Jul 18, 2020

A Scanner Darkly made in 2006.... All star cast including Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Woody Harrelson, Robert Downey Jr and Rory Cochrane.... Whether it was about drugs or whatever I didn't really take note but some of the film at least was drug related if not most... The animation side ofA Scanner Darkly made in 2006.... All star cast including Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Woody Harrelson, Robert Downey Jr and Rory Cochrane.... Whether it was about drugs or whatever I didn't really take note but some of the film at least was drug related if not most... The animation side of things was clever, some parts humourous and some strange. The only parts I hated were them suits or whatever they wore that changed their image over and over, very annoying but besides that a great animated film... Cleverly done. Contains sex and nudity.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

GatsbyDane

Jun 7, 2011

It feels like the Matrix before Neo finds out it exists.
A lot of Keanu Reeves going around having a 'splinter in his mind'.
Dark, depressing, sinister yet funny and artistic. I love it

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

Alex

Jul 18, 2006

A little tough to follow at points, but overall a very good film. The animation was great. The story was amazing and the acting was right on. This is one movie I will be seeing again, not just because it is good, but because there is so much to take in on one showing.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

OliverC.

Jul 16, 2006

This movie is a little tough to get through, but you gotta stick with it. Parts are boring, parts are sad, and some parts are hilarious (I see a sheep, what does that mean?) But in the end with the final twists it really comes together. Great portrayal of drug addiction.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

Spangle

Jun 9, 2016

Though incredibly interesting, A Scanner Darkly is never as good as I wished it was. Using really unique animation and an off-beat tone courtesy of director Richard Linklater, A Scanner Darkly is an interestingly put together film that just feels...off. Aside from the aforementioned tone, itThough incredibly interesting, A Scanner Darkly is never as good as I wished it was. Using really unique animation and an off-beat tone courtesy of director Richard Linklater, A Scanner Darkly is an interestingly put together film that just feels...off. Aside from the aforementioned tone, it feels somehow unsatisfactory like a meal that tastes pretty good, but is not filling. In addition, its plotting can be a little convoluted at times that creates problems when trying to follow the plot of the film. While far from perfect, A Scanner Darkly is too interestingly put together to ignore thanks to Linklater's typically stellar writing and direction, plus the unique approach to Philip K. Dick's source material. Overall, A Scanner Darkly is pretty good to ok and works well in terms of messages and themes, but is just too off-putting and average to really excel.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

PeterL.

Jul 5, 2006

i've never wanted a movie to END so soon as this bore.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

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78	#78 Best Movie of 2006
67	#67 Most Discussed Movie of 2006