A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Netflix Synopsis: Keanu Reeves shoulders another futuristic role in director Richard Linklater’s sci-fi thriller based on Philip K. Dick’s novel. Working as an undercover cop in a world where almost everyone is addicted to Substance D — which produces split personalities in its users — Fred Arctor (Reeves) sets up an elaborate sting to nab a notorious drug runner named Bob. But little does Fred know that “Bob” is … his alter ego.

Review: OH-MY-GAWSH. I could not stand A Scanner Darkly. I did manage to finish the movie but ended up with a headache from the twitchy and repulsive animation. I have seen this effect in the Charles Schwab ads on TV and a similar effect known as “vectoring” is used within the graphic arts communities I frequent online so I am not unfamiliar with the style. I just find it extraordinarily creepy when animated. I had no idea this movie was animated in the first place so if I had realized they used this technique, I would have avoided this movie at all costs. The mere seconds of a Charles Schwab ad are enough to cause my head to throb and an entire movie was sure to give me a killer headache, and it did. As for the story itself, it was actually pretty boring. I don’t even know if the actors were good or not, except for Woody Harrelson’s character, Luckman. Luckman was definitely good for a few laughs although I felt rather guilty for finding humor in a guy who was “tweaking” due to drugs. I suppose the animation made it easier to laugh at what would normally be morose at best. On the other end of the spectrum, Robert Downey Jr’s character was extremely annoying, I just wanted him to SHUT UP already. I now know why A Scanner Darkly was on the lists of Worst Movies of 2006, I am adding it to my personal “Worst Movies Ever” list.

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Submitted by: Brandy 12/29/06