Adapted from a novel by sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick and directed by Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, Boyhood), A Scanner Darkly is set in an alternate reality where America is overrun with drug addiction. 20% of the population are dependent on a drug known as Substance D which has led to extreme measures by the government who have developed an intricate network of spies and informants to get to the root of the issue. Keanu Reeves plays the protagonist, Bob Arctor, who has been tasked with infiltrating a community of Substance D users but in the process has become an addict himself. Living with two eccentric drug enthusiasts played by Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson, Arctor struggles desperately to keep his professional obligations and growing list of personal issues on an even keel. A Scanner Darkly achieved its striking visuals by utilising a technique called interpolated rotoscope whereby animators trawl through the original footage frame by frame and trace over it. The end results speak for themselves and really set the film apart as a borderline mix of live action and animation. This distinctive look captures the performances of its star-studded cast while adding an otherworldly feel to the proceedings.
A pop culture mad writer from the North East who loves films, television and debating them with whoever will listen.
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