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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 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)
All the shots with the camera moving through 3D space look like ass (come on Linklater, why do you think regular animation never does that without CGI assistance?), but other than that it's decent, if not too memorable.
Given that it's based on a complicated Dick novel about drug induced paranoia, this dark comedy fares rather well. It has that brilliantly unnerving Fear and Loathing-vibe: You're never quite sure if the interacting characters are joking, or really have jumped the cliff, descenting into complete madness. The roto-scoping is a brilliant choice (if made of necessity), adding to the feeling that, if there ever was such a thing as reality, the characters in this film will never ever get near it.
Just like in 'Waking Life' I loved the rotoscoping animation. They should make more of this kind of stuff! There's also some great acting from the cast, especially Robert Downey Jr. The plot line feels a little confusing at times, but I've got the feeling that that is a little how it's supposed to make you feel. I think I'll have to watch this a second time to appreciate it better.
Visually impressive and likeable film, although I think the some of the central themes could have been explored more thoroughly. The cast worked well, and the visual style certainly suited the story. Good overall, but perhaps lacking a bit of focus.