Cast
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Keanu Reeves
as Bob Arctor
Robert Downey Jr.
as James Barris
Woody Harrelson
as Ernie Luckman
Winona Ryder
as Donna Hawthorne
Rory Cochrane
as Charles Freck
Mitch Baker
as Brown Bear Lodge Host
Sean Allen
as Additional Fred Scramble Suit Voice (voice)
Cliff Haby
as Voice from Headquarters (voice)
Steven Chester Prince
as Cop
Natasha Valdez
as Waitress
Mark Turner
as Additional Hank Scramble Suit Voice (voice)
Chamblee Ferguson
as Medical Deputy #2
Angela Rawna
as Medical Deputy #1
Eliza Stevens
as Arctor's Daughter #1
Sarah Menchaca
as Arctor's Daughter #2
Crew
Director
- Richard Linklater
Producer
- Erwin Stoff
- Jonah Smith
- Tommy Pallotta
- Anne Walker-McBay
- Palmer West
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, A Scanner Darkly explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Richard Linklater brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Scanner Darkly took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.7 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 33 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Scanner Darkly shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cut Off, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Scanner Darkly subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Titan A.E. and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy explore similar territory, A Scanner Darkly stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 7, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $8,700,000
- Revenue: $7,659,918
