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A Scanner Darkly

A Scanner Darkly

A Scanner DarklySet in a not-too-distant future where America has lost its "war" on drugs, Fred, an undercover cop, is one of many people hooked on the popular drug, Substance D, which causes its users to develop split personalities. Fred is obsessed with taking down Bob, a notorious drug dealer, but due to his Substance D addiction, he does not know that he is also Bob. Based on a classic novel by Philip K. Dick. Starring Keanu Reeves ("Constantine," "The Matrix" trilogy), Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Winona Ryder ("Girl, Interupted," "Mr. Deeds"), Academy Award and Emmy-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Robert Downey Jr. ("Good Night, And Good Luck" "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang"), and Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominee and Emmy-winner Woody Harrelson ("North Country," "The People vs. Larry Flynt"). Directed by Academy Award-nominee Richard Linklater ("Before Sunset," "Dazed and Confused"). Filmed in live-action, and then animated using the same critically acclaimed process that Linklater used in his previous film, "Waking Life."

Keanu Reeves is Bruce...no wait, he's Bob...or is he Fred? Well whatever his name was, here is a movie in which his much-maligned acting ability was able to shine. Have him play a confused, drug-addicted, undercover agent and he is rock solid.

Robert Downey, Jr. is one of the most enjoyable actors to watch these days. His personality was worked expertly into his character. He was certainly the highlight of the film.

This may not be the highest praise, but Woody Harrelson was incredibly believable as the burnt out friend who crashes at your place and brings nothing to the table. He was hysterical; it was great.

This was one of the most intelligently written movies I have ever seen. From the overall plot line to the dialogue, I am still impressed by it. I give credit to both Richard Linklater for his screenplay and direction and Philip K. Dick for birthing the story in the first place.

Richard Linklater's use of the animation overlay on the live-action was so effective in this story about drugs set in the future. But please do not think this is a movie about drugs...set in the future. This is a story about one man's struggle within himself. The inner reflection by Reeve's character, as it developed and delved ever deeper, was very entertaining.

I put off watching A Scanner Darkly for a long time, hesitant. I feel silly for having done so. I really really enjoyed this movie.

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