"Dark City" is rated R because it's "weird"! ? Fantastic science fiction noir celebrating its 20th anniversary

One of the attractions of this work is that it allows for a wide range of interpretations.

Of course, that's not all. Depending on how you look at it, this film may be possible to interpret it from many different angles, as if reflected in an eight-way mirror. For example, the presence of the Stranger, who injects memories into humans and transforms them into different people, is, in a sense, like a movie director or screenwriter. Every work starts by implanting unique memories into each character, but we often hear behind-the-scenes stories about how a character that was supposed to be completely under the control of the creator reaches a certain point and begins to move freely, detached from any creator's will.

The same can be said about the relationship between director and actors. The job of an actor is to become each character by embodying the lines, personality, and memories that each actor is given. From the director's point of view, the most important point is "what kind of chemical reaction will be created" in front of the camera when the actor fully immerses himself in the role. In closely observing this and watching the development of events, the director's perspective may be very similar to that of the Stranger. It is also very interesting that this film takes on an allegorical quality that seems to touch on the truth of "filmmaking" itself, or "expression."

There are no rules about what is the correct answer here. There is as much room for interpretation as there are stars, and the fact that each person can interpret it freely is also one of the brilliant charms of this work.

Incidentally, this film was released in theaters in Japan on November 28, 1998. This means that the film will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary. Since this is a special turning point, I hope many people will revisit this "strange world." There must be something that will be noticed now that 20 years have passed.

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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"Dark City"

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