From “AKIRA” and “Dome” to German Expressionism! What influenced the worldview of the science fiction masterpiece Dark City?

"Dark City" synopsis

John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) wakes up at the scene of a gruesome murder with no memory, and soon learns that he is being chased by various people, including the police and a woman who claims to be his wife. . Among them is a group of pale, mysterious men who seem to control the entire town - and its inhabitants.

Index

• Similarities with “The matrix” that made fans nervous
• What is the chaotic state of memory depicted in "Dark City"?
• What the masterpieces of German Expressionism brought to us
• What are the influences of comics, animation, and science fiction novels?

Similarities with “The matrix” that made fans nervous

`` The matrix '', released in 1999, was a striking movie that overturned the conventional wisdom of movies even now. In mainstream Hollywood, blockbusters such as `` Titanic '' in 1997 and `` Armageddon '' in 1998 dominated the box office, and just when it seemed that there was no room for any further growth in movies, ``The matrix'' became revolutionary. With this unique idea, he has overcome his limitations.

However, some movie fans viewed this sensation with mixed feelings. There was only one reason why their hearts were confused. It's like, ``The matrix is ​​certainly interesting, but the story is very similar to a certain movie that was released a year ago.'' Of course, the pending work is none other than ``Dark City.''

"Dark City" © Photofest / Getty Images

Indeed, both are ``Why don't you notice?'' type of movies, and their plots, which expose the fictions of the everyday world we live in, are very similar. Furthermore, some have pointed out similarities in the dark world view, set art, and camera work.

Why are the two works so similar? Is it a coincidence or intentional? The underlying cause is still not well understood. However, both films were filmed at the newly opened Fox Studios in Australia, and one theory is that some of the sets from Dark City were also used in The matrix. .

There is also the fact that multiple staff members, including producer Andrew Mason, work on both films within this narrow industry. In that sense, the two may be said to have a somewhat "distant relative" relationship.

By the way, according to an interview article (Reference 1) with special effects expert and colorist Peter Doyle, directors Andy and Larry Wachowski (formerly their names) worked together on the film Dark City before it was released. It seems that you have previewed the movie. But that doesn't mean he was influenced by this film, and the Wachowskis have always denied the possibility that it influenced them.

What is the chaotic state of memory depicted in "Dark City"?