A Scanner Darkly

'A Dizzying Head Trip'

'A Scanner Darkly' produces one thought as the lights turn on; WOW! It is, put simply, a masterpiece. A masterpiece of writing, directing, acting and ultimately, film.

In a world where 2 out of 10 people are recruited to spy on the other 8, Bob Arctor (Codename: Fred) is one of the 2 recruited. His latest job is to infiltrate a drug ring. This isn't just Dope or Coke or H it's a new more addictive drug called Substance D. Arctor manages to get hooked on the D and becomes dependent. This splits the two hemispheres of the brain causing Bob to forget his law man alter ego, Fred.

This presents a problem. Eventually, Fred is assigned to spy or scan the house of... Bob Arctor. WHAT? How can they ask him to spy on himself. (Here's a hint, all agents have to wear scramble suits. Suits which take all characteristics, like looks and voice, and alter them. In physical characteristics, the suit rotates between different male and female looks.) This happens regularly, the novel tells us, just try to convince the boss you are not wrapped up in too much. The problem, the split brain hemispheres sometimes make Fred forget he's really Bob.

Living with Bob are Barris and Luckman, a D dealer and D user. The chain of events also involves Donna a dealer and object of Bob's lust and Charles Freck, a addict feeling more than momentary insanity.

'Scanner' is a marvel to look at. Using the technique of rotoscoping Linklater throws you into the middle of Substance D freak outs and the effect is jarring.

The Supporting cast is wonderful with nods going to Downey Jr., Harrelson, Ryder and Cochrane. All present throughly convincing people through the animation. Reeves believe it or not is improving and is solid in this role. Especially when the third act take a darker turn (No bad pun intended.)

In the end 'A Scanner Darkly' raises arguments for and against both sides of the war on drugs. Linklater makes all points brilliantly.

With 'Waking Life' Linklater experimented with rotoscoping, with 'A Scanner Darkly', he perfects it.

Overall: A

MovieDude

Nominated for 1 MovieDude Alternitive Oscars:

Best Adapted Screenplay