Review of A Scanner Darkly (2006) by Greg D — 07 Jun 2012

It's sort of strange to see that the type of animation used in Richard Linklater's drug-addled psychosis story hasn't been seen again. Then again, that may be a good think for Linklater because the animation qualifies as a unique experience and one that I certainly enjoyed.

Besides every character looking like their actual self, the most interesting aspect of the animation came in camera movements moving through certain rooms. It created an optical illusion-like visual, a visual that pairs nicely with drug world the film story deals with.

The controversial drug, called Substance D, causes split personalities. There are visual metaphors scattered throughout the film to indicate this, but none are more obvious than the very cool suit capable of disguising any person.

The suit changes every second or so into different parts of random people's bodies making it impossible for anyone to know who is wearing the suit. This is only one element of the plot that makes the film successful, and plot, along with the animation, is the most impressive aspects.

The casting for the film was also spot on, though. The always monotone Keanu Reeves stars and finds a part that he is definitely worthy of. The extremely gregarious Robert Downey Jr. also stars in a role reminiscent of his performance in Ironman (though he is a much bigger jackass in this film).

Then their is the real world controversial Winona Ryder whose looks alone make her a good fit. Where I believe the film falters is in the storytelling. Yes, the story is unique and has a pretty good twist in the end, however, at times it is difficult to tell where in the story we are.

Keanu Reeves is a cop but not a cop, then he is working in a basement and watching his own house. It is very fuddled. It could be argued that Linklater wanted viewers to experience a split personality just as his characters do and therefore made the storytelling slightly confusing.

Yet, I think he could have structured the film into giving viewers this feeling while making the story more straightforward. Besides this, the film is worth a watch, if not only to just see the animation.