A lot of people will tell you that there are a lot of things that go wrong with Linklater’s adaptation of this disturbing Philip K. Dick novel. The general consensus of critics seems to be that there was “too much dialogue” in the film and that the dialogue “didn’t make sense” and as a result the film wasn’t as engaging or audience-involved as it could have been.

But here’s the catch: neither the book nor the movie are dumbed-down plastic-coated easy-to-swallow modules intended for the intellect of an average twelve year old. Though based on some of the responses I’ve seen I think that some twelve year olds might get more enjoyment out of this film than some adults because children don’t demand mediocrity from their culture nearly as often in order to have a good time.

So instead of me warning you about the confusing dialogue and the really challenging (not really) plot twists as a means of deterring you from the film, let me instead tell you what to look for that will draw you to it:

-Watch Robert Downey Jr. work. His performance as a brain-addled Substance D addict is right on, and while he is obnoxious as can be, he brings a humor and energy to his character that are strangely intoxicating. I echo similar sentiments for Cochrane and Harrelson who approach their addicted characters in very different ways.
-Enjoy the rotoscoping for what it is. The film is meant to unbalance our senses and help us travel into a fictional reality that is ruled largely by drug use. Not only is it an original way to achieve the fluid surreality of an addict’s world, but it took a lot of effort and skill to make it happen.
-Try listening to the dialogue instead of waiting for it to be over to see what happens next. The dialogue happens to be the prose of a brilliant science fiction author, and chances are the film crew didn’t just include it in the film because it sounded nice. There are lots of dark, hilarious, tragic and profound things happening discreetly throughout if you just take the time to listen. Yes, I admit it does take patience.
-Use the film as a conduit for the consideration of your own culture. Dick intended the novel to be set in 1994 when he wrote it in 1977, and while we are well beyond the 90s, we still face very real drug abuse issues all the time. Much of the novel was supposedly based on Dick’s own struggles and losses during a period of addiction, but I assure you the message of this work goes so much deeper than “just say no”...

A Scanner Darkly isn’t my favorite movie, and I’m not a superfan. I watched it for the first time last night. I was just so sorely disappointed to sign on and see such pointless negative comments here because they are so empty and clearly…uninformed. So thank you “people who have consumed this”. You inspired me this morning.

When I left the theater after seeing this film with one of my best girlfriends, there was only one way I could describe how I felt: victimized. All parties involved in the production of this film should be ashamed of themselves for knowingly creating a mainstream film which embraces such a flamboyant and irresponsible exploitation of extremely attractive, sensitive, bracelet-wearing male Irish musicians.

I never stood a chance against the combined powers of Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan in their stupidly charming roles, and was led down a romantic path of idealism paved with sentimentalism like a doomed, sobbing rat following the sexiest pied piper(s) to ever walk the planet.

American female population, you have been warned.

I don’t like beards on guys. Really, it’s not something I’m in to.

But I was literally dreaming of Edward Norton’s beard for days on end after watching this film. Absolutely loved it, absolutely loved him.

A little romance, a few tricks, nothing to change the world but fun and pretty to look at, I’d say. Enjoy!

I watched this tonight with a group of friends, all of whom are very different individuals with unique tastes in film and literature. We were all impressed with the film for its enteratinment value on a variety of levels, including (but not limited to): special effects, choreography, genre blending (action/comedy/drama), and sheer originality of presentation.

We all laughed, oohed-and-ahhed, winced and cheered throughout. Lots of fun to watch.

The name of the web-footed female character in this lovely novel is also a poetic form, based in French tradition.

I first read this novel as an undergraduate, and during our study of the novel we also engaged with villanelles from throughout English and French tradition, eventually composing our own poems as a part of one of our many writing assignments. I know that the work we did with villanelles in class helped me to look at and understand the beauty of Winterson’s prose in a new way, I would recommend the same to anyone who plans on reading this book.

Part of what made this film-watching experience so enjoyable for me was watching Steve Martin take such an active role in producing his own creative vision. Knowing ahead of time that the film was an adaptation of Martin’s own novella, I was almost more interested in how Martin envisioned and enacted his own role in making this film than his actual dramatic performance. Steve Martin was a childhood favorite in our house, and I think this film showcases a very different and much more mature side of this actor than I was expecting to find. Martin creating his own voice through his portrayal of Ray Porter and as narrator of the film were just a lot of fun for me to see.

Danes and Schwarzman were also a lot of fun—the metamorphosis of their relationship from exceedingly awkward to refined and eloquent was brilliantly executed! Really, really just a pleasure to watch.

I generally classify “movies I’d recommend” into two categories: (1)the films that are just a blast to watch, and during which I find myself completely engrossed/enthralled/terrified etc. (2) the films I find myself thinking about and questioning for a while after the film-watching experience. This film falls into the latter category.

One scene that was particularly memorable and mentioned in the previous write-up was a scene where “Reese” drowns a small orange kitten in a duffel bag. For several days afterward, I couldn’t get the imagery of this scene out of my head. Its brutality and honesty were haunting in a very refreshing way… I think that you’ll find the rest of the film follows suit in presenting very real, very true characters full of flaws and tender fallibilities that are so much a part of the world around us. Great cast, great meditation on life and family.

Not a feel-good film. :)