A Scanner Darkly

R

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1h 40m

Action

Drama

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

Animation

List

68%

188 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the near future, as America virtually loses the war on drugs, Robert Arctor, a narcotics cop in Orange County, Calif., becomes an addict when he goes under cover. He is wooing Donna, a dealer, to ferret out her supplier. At the same time, he receives orders to spy on his housemates, one of whom is suspected of being Donna's biggest customer.

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Critics Consensus

A faithful adaptation of Philip K. Dick's novel, A Scanner Darkly takes the viewer on a visual and mind-blowing journey into the author's conception of a drug-addled and politically unstable world.

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Doro B

A Scanner Darkly holds both a microscope and outstretched hand towards drug addiction. It is also a masterful use of this particular style of rotoscoping --- probably one of the best to this day. It's ability to blend fantasy and reality perfectly fits the film, in both plot and theme. Richard Linklater has proven he is a talent in multiple genres.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/24

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John P

I mean... this is what a boring version of trainspotting would be. Rather slow, doesn't really seem to go anywhere, and the ending is entirely predictable. The only saving grace is the 'art' overlay. Just wish that could have been used on a better done movie.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

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Steve D

Visually interesting but lacking a story to match.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/01/24

Full Review

Jackson87

"A Scanner Darkly" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that expertly explores the complexities of addiction, identity, and government surveillance. Directed by Richard Linklater and based on the novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, the film employs a unique animation technique called rotoscoping, which gives the characters a dreamlike quality and emphasizes the surreal nature of the story. The film's cast, including Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., and Woody Harrelson, deliver powerful performances that capture the desperation and confusion of their characters. The story follows Reeves' character, an undercover police officer, as he becomes increasingly entangled in a dangerous drug culture while struggling with his own addiction. "A Scanner Darkly" is more than just a cautionary tale about drug use; it's a commentary on the dangers of living in a surveillance state, and the toll it takes on our individuality and freedom. The film's themes are particularly relevant in today's world, where privacy and personal freedom are constantly being threatened. Overall, "A Scanner Darkly" is a remarkable film that challenges its viewers to think deeply about important social issues while also providing a visually stunning and

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

gregor k

Did anybody ever wonder why it is called "Orwellian", when it should be "Dickian"? Linklater adapted Dicks narrative (fueled by Dicks drug-culture experiences) with passionate preciseness and visual splendor. I find it odd, that this flick moves below the radar of culture industry. Did nobody out there recognize the ingenious perfomances of the paranoia-triangle Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson?

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

disappointing format

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

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Richard Linklater

Director

Keanu Reeves

Fred

Robert Downey Jr.

Barris

Woody Harrelson

Luckman

Winona Ryder

Donna

Rory Cochrane

Freck

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Bob Mondello

NPR.org

The coolest thing about the movie version of A Scanner Darkly is how very literally it takes the scanner part of that title.

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

UGO

Linklater never pretends that he has all the answers, but he asks the questions in such an interesting, elegant fashion that you'll be glad you came along for the ride.

Mar 24, 2007

Full Review

Dana Stevens

Slate

As A Scanner Darkly proves, Keanu is the Coolness -- passive blankness, leaden line delivery, and all. Let's hear it for the vague blur.

Sep 23, 2006

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

A Scanner Darkly beautifully, and chillingly, considers Dicks persistent theme that our culture has destroyed its own ability to perceive objective reality.

Rated: 4/4

Mar 21, 2022

Full Review

Taylor Baker

Drink in the Movies

Episode 34: Relaxer / A Scanner Darkly / The Beach Bum / Holy Motors

Rated: 86/100

Sep 14, 2021

Full Review

David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

The hostility toward the Bush administration and its police-state ambitions is legitimate and no doubt deeply felt, but it is not particularly well developed.

Feb 14, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the near future, as America virtually loses the war on drugs, Robert Arctor, a narcotics cop in Orange County, Calif., becomes an addict when he goes under cover. He is wooing Donna, a dealer, to ferret out her supplier. At the same time, he receives orders to spy on his housemates, one of whom is suspected of being Donna's biggest customer.

Director: Richard Linklater
Producer: Mark Gill, George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Cosgrove, Jennifer Fox
Screenwriter: Richard Linklater
Distributor: Warner Independent
Production Co: Detour Filmproduction, Thousand Words, Warner Independent Pictures, Section Eight Ltd., 3 Arts Entertainment
Rating: R (Drug and Sexual Content|A Brief Violent Image|Language)
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 7, 2006, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.5M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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