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‘Scanner,’ obliquely
Movies: I’m not in the habit of embracing movies that don’t engage me emotionally. Yet “A Scanner, Darkly” packs so much artistry into two hours that I couldn’t help but admire it, despite its somber, drifting, elusive tone.
Philip K. Dick’s story about drugs, false identities and paranoid conspiracies layers his usual deceptions and misperceptions with again-timely social commentary. Graham Reynolds’ score gently massages the mood of each scene. The gooey animation contributes tremendously to the Dickian atmosphere.
As has been noted elsewhere, the casting is shrewed, putting famously troubled actors into roles that echo their public personas. Among the movie’s best moments are winking comic excesses from Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and, especially, Robert Downey, Jr., who could become the first actor Oscar-nominated for an animated performance.
But, try as I might, I could not empathize with Keanu Reeves’ detached character, doubly detached by the animation. No matter the almost shocking skills of director Richard Linklater, he cannot overcome that one obstacle.
This film will be remembered and studied. It may never be loved.
Permalink | | Categories: By Michael Barnes
