Dark City

Name: Dark City
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Released: February 20, 1998
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 66
Cast: Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland, Rufus Sewell

1998

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critics

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 181 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 181 Ratings

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DARK CITY

Movie Details & Credits

Not Rated

New Line Cinema | Release Date: February 20, 1998

Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland, Rufus Sewell

Summary: Alex Proyas directs this futuristic thriller about a man (Sewell) waking up to find he is wanted for brutal murders he doesn't remember. Haunted by mysterious beings who stop time and alter reality, he seeks to unravel the riddle of his identity. [New Line]

Director: Alex Proyas

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

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 100 min

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Awards & Rankings

50	#50 Best Movie of 1998
16	#16 Most Discussed Movie of 1998
26	#26 Most Shared Movie of 1998

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Stephen Hunter

If you don't fall in love with it, you've probably never fallen in love with a movie, and never will. Read full review

100

Richard Corliss

It is as cool and distant as the planet the Strangers come from. But, Lord, is Dark City a wonder to see. [2 March 1998]

New Times (L.A.) Andy Klein

Full of provocative concepts, but, like most films that attack such metaphysical concerns head-on, things have become a tad too jumbled by the end to be altogether satisfying. It's a problem built into the subject matter...This all said, Dark City is immensely entertaining, as well as visually dazzling. Read full review

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey

An almost really good movie...risks leaving the viewer feeling like one of the bewildered automatons that move through the plots. Read full review

L.A. Weekly Manohla Dargis

[Proyas] hasn't yet learned how to enliven his characters as fully as his sets. Part of this is structural (somnolence is built into the script), but the greater fault lies with Proyas' direction of his performers, most of whom deliver their lines in a strangulated whisper. Read full review

Film Threat Anthony Miele

Hurt and Sewell are both quite believable as their respective characters, while Sutherland's performance is lacking in more than a few catagories. Read full review

Chicago Reader Lisa Alspector

One reason this production-design vehicle is so incredibly boring is that the characters keep having to explain the plot to one another. Read full review

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User Reviews

pinattar

Jan 14, 2012

great sc-fi film, really interesting. the plot isnt too complex, and they tell you wants happening. the acting is good, although i didnt like Kiefer Sutherland character at first but he grew on me. (spoiler ahead) [[a nice twist, that i wasnt expecting.]] i highly recommend it, can think ofgreat sc-fi film, really interesting. the plot isnt too complex, and they tell you wants happening. the acting is good, although i didnt like Kiefer Sutherland character at first but he grew on me. (spoiler ahead) [[a nice twist, that i wasnt expecting.]] i highly recommend it, can think of anything wrong with.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

johne.

Oct 5, 2008

Fantastic visuals that still look good even compared to todays standards. I Have no complaints it is what it is, a piece of good inspired artwork. What more could you want?

1 of 1 users found this helpful

DasBaronne

Jan 28, 2013

The Atmosphere is incredible. The characters are out of this world.
The storyline is OUT-WORLDLY! This review is going to sound like an 80's movie trailer isn't it? (Just kidding).
If you're a fan of Hell-Raiser (or even film-noir) , you'd really enjoy this.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

RobertBrogan

Sep 28, 2015

Dark City is fascinating for those who can enjoy a good nature documentary or travelogue. The sets, shooting, and effects are all well-done and it is refreshing to see something from the pre-CG era. Dark City is not particularly dark or scary but has a rather curious (a la Alice inDark City is fascinating for those who can enjoy a good nature documentary or travelogue. The sets, shooting, and effects are all well-done and it is refreshing to see something from the pre-CG era. Dark City is not particularly dark or scary but has a rather curious (a la Alice in Wonderland) and, at times, campy vibe. The style is noir, the city looks European, Jennifer Connelly is stunning, William Hurt lends a bit of gravitas -- all this makes for a very odd mix that is very interesting and dream-like. The ending is quite silly and the film does have many of the flaws other reviewers point out, but these are all outweighed by the things Dark City does right.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

XavierBlaq

Jan 9, 2014

Though Dark City starts off terribly with poor acting and a disorienting pace, the movie improves vastly as it goes along, and eventually becomes a deep, engrossing film (with amazing acting) that was entertaining and thought-provoking. However, do not think this means the film spares anyThough Dark City starts off terribly with poor acting and a disorienting pace, the movie improves vastly as it goes along, and eventually becomes a deep, engrossing film (with amazing acting) that was entertaining and thought-provoking. However, do not think this means the film spares any expense to deliver thrilling action and graphics that, despite looking terrible now, were amazing at the time of release and do not throw off the movie even now. Overall, I recommend it to science fiction fans, particularly those who loved the themes and cinematic elements of The Matrix Trilogy, as this movie is very similar in both (though slightly poorer with the graphics since it was released before The Matrix).… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

KovacsBowman

Jun 15, 2014

*Dark city will take you on a very weird ride...*

I've seen this film several times now and the same conclusion arises at the end "Odd". The story itself is very good and you are never really sure where its going next, set in a dark, gothic metropolis city it is sure to have your skin*Dark city will take you on a very weird ride...*

I've seen this film several times now and the same conclusion arises at the end "Odd". The story itself is very good and you are never really sure where its going next, set in a dark, gothic metropolis city it is sure to have your skin crawl at the depressing atmosphere. It certainty takes more than a sprinkling of 1920/30 detective films with it, although that where the similarity's end.

But that is not a negative, you will find this film quite indulgent always wanting to see where the next turn takes you. Have I mentioned this is a dark, gothic film already? Yes, well I thought I better mention it again as you will need the curtains drawn to watch this film.

The characters are played well with the villains making you feel less than comfortable. A worth while gothic adventure for them lonely nights.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Compi24

Nov 28, 2012

Although some of the thematic elements are pretty intriguing, "Dark City" is significantly held down by its rather silly stylistic elements and some hit or miss writing.

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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