“What’s the best Matrix movie?” is a question no one asks. Because the answer seems obvious.
But it’s not.
Because what everyone misses is that the film which handles the style and themes of The Matrix better than any other isn’t an official Matrix installment at all.
In the labyrinthine depths of science fiction cinema lies a dark gem that predates the Wachowskis’ groundbreaking trilogy.
Dark City, released in 1998 and directed by Alex Proyas, dares to delve into the same philosophical territory as the Matrix films but manages to surpass them in its execution, delivering a mind-bending experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
This movie is old enough to no longer qualify for its parents’ health insurance, so be advised: Spoilers ahead.
Dark City presents a dystopian world enveloped in an eerie noir atmosphere, a stark departure from the sleekness of the Matrix universe. Its stunning visuals, reminiscent of classic film noir and German expressionism, captivate the viewer, creating a sense of unease and wonder. The film’s narrative is layered in such depth as to transcend the Matrix franchise’s action-oriented approach.
And the city itself, a maze of shifting architecture and perpetual darkness, becomes a memorable character in its own right.
The story unfolds through the eyes of John Murdoch, a man who wakes up with no memory and finds himself pursued by the police and a mysterious group known as the Strangers. As John unravels the truth about his identity and the nature of his reality, he discovers that the city is just a construct manipulated by the Strangers, who possess the ability to alter memories and shape the world to their whims.
Much like the Matrix trilogy, Dark City excels in its exploration of profound philosophical questions. It plumbs the nature of reality, free will, and the power of the mind.
But what sets Dark City apart is its intimate focus on individual identity and the importance of memories in shaping one’s self-concept. As John Murdoch pieces together fragments of his past, he grapples with the disturbing implications of memory manipulation and the essence of his existence.
That manipulation is engineered by the Strangers, enigmatic beings driven by curiosity about the human soul. Serving as the city’s architects as well as its oppressors, their presence is haunting, their motives cryptic, and their methods chillingly effective.
The Strangers’ experiments on the city’s inhabitants pose thought-provoking questions about the nature of consciousness and the fragility of personal identity. One night’s paupers become princes the next. And lovers become total strangers.
It’s no wonder, then, that Dark City also treats us to exceptional performances. Rufus Sewell delivers a gripping portrayal of John Murdoch. His journey from confusion to self-discovery is compelling, and Sewell captures the emotional weight of his character’s arc with understated intensity.
The great Jennifer Connelly likewise turns in a subdued but devastatingly effective performance. And Kiefer Sutherland steals his every scene in what might be his most against-type role. And it’s not just the headliners. The whole supporting cast adds complex narrative threads to the film’s tapestry.
Visually, Dark City boasts stunning art direction and meticulously crafted sets. The ever-shifting cityscape reflects the inner turmoil of its inhabitants. It helps that the production design, costumes, and cinematography are all masterful. These elements harmonize to create a tangible sense of unease and wonder. Every frame evokes a sense of dreamlike disorientation that matches the film’s themes.
While the Matrix trilogy revolutionized visual effects and action sequences, Dark City opts for a more restrained approach, emphasizing the psychological and emotional states of its characters. Its action sequences are stylized and intense, but they serve the narrative rather than overpowering it.
The film’s true strength lies in its ability to immerse viewers in a world where perception is reality. And it challenges their preconceived notions of reality just as well as The Matrix.
Furthermore, Dark City stands out as a triumph of storytelling and atmosphere. Its narrative unfolds like a dark symphony with intricate themes of memory, identity, and the search for truth. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the eerie world it presents.
In contrast to the Matrix trilogy, Dark City maintains a consistent tone throughout its runtime. It doesn’t deviate into convoluted subplots or unnecessary world building. Instead, it remains laser-focused on its central themes, creating a greater sense of coherence. The film’s exploration of the power of the mind and the meaning of humanity lingers long after the screen fades to black.
That tonal difference carries over into the audio realm. Dark City boasts a haunting and atmospheric score by Trevor Jones. In refreshing counterpoint to The Matrix’s Ground Zero nuMetal soundtrack, Dark City’s music is atmospheric and timeless, accentuating the film’s sense of unease and mystery. It complements the visual elements to perfection, elevating the film to a work of art that engages the intellect and the emotions.
Another aspect that makes Dark City the best Matrix movie is its conclusion. While the Matrix trilogy is saddled with a resolution more convoluted than pieces from 5 different thousand-piece jigsaw puzzles in a ticket tumbler, Dark City offers a poignant ending that satisfies thematically.
And instead of kit bashing Arthurian legend, Nietzsche, and Gnosticism, Dark City’s finale presents the victory of love over manipulation and coercion. It leaves the audience with a sense of awe that invites contemplation of the good, the true, and the beautiful. In our propagandized, micromanaged age, we need that kind of art more than ever.
In retrospect, Dark City deserves recognition as a groundbreaking film that explores similar philosophical territory to the Matrix trilogy but with greater internal consistency and a superversive ending. Its fusion of noir aesthetics, existential themes, and psychological introspection creates a thought-provoking cinematic experience that maintains the fun factor.
While the Matrix trilogy made a lasting mark on the sci fi genre, Dark City stands as an underappreciated gem that surpasses the former in terms of narrative coherence, visual artistry, and emotional resonance. It tests the boundaries of reality and prompts audiences to question the nature of their own existence It’s a cinematic masterpiece that keeps your gears turning long after the credits roll.
So if you want to see the best Matrix movie, watch Dark City. You’ll be treated to a mesmerizing blend of atmospheric visuals supporting a compelling narrative with real philosophical depth. It’s a film that deserves recognition as a masterwork of science fiction cinema.
I set out to bring a similar fun-and-philosophy balance to my epic mech saga.
