A Scanner Darkly (Blu-ray Disc)

Richard Linklater`s adaptation of Philip K. Dick`s classic novel is a challenging, mind-bending experience that cautions about the dangers of excessive drug use as well as the government`s capacity to abuse and manipulate power. Using the same interpolated rotoscoping technique that Linklater employed in 2001`s WAKING LIFE, the film is an animated, trippy descent into one man`s unraveling mind. Set in the not-too-distant future where a new drug, substance D, has created an epidemic, A SCANNER DARKLY charts the mental unraveling of Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves). Arctor is an undercover cop who has been assigned to track a group of individuals who include the druggily verbose Barris (Robert Downey Jr.), the hyper-intense Luckman (Woody Harrelson), the ultra-paranoid Freck (Rory Cochrane), and the beautiful Donna (Winona Ryder). As the film unfolds and Arctor finds himself abusing substance D in order to maintain his facade, his mind begins to spin out of control, to the point where he doesn`t know what`s real and what isn`t. Eventually, the truth comes out, leaving Arctor even more numbed. Linklater`s surprisingly faithful adaptation of Dick`s novel blends humor, drama, and Bob Sabiston`s striking animation to deliver a thought-provoking film that will leave viewers as dazed as the film`s protagonist. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.