This movie reminded me of The Matrix many times. The roof top fighting scenes for one. But even more, in fact much more, similar is the concept of the movie- that of a virtual world having been created around us, and we being programmed to believe it to be true, of creatures far superior to us doing this, and doing this in order that may study us. That aside, this is one hell of a movie. One of the best sci-fi movies I have seen ever. This movie had it all. A very interesting concept. Brilliantly conceptualised characters (the superbeings - their names, their different sizes, and not to forget the ’yessssss’... for instance will probably stay with me for a long time).
A murder mystery as a sub-plot ( with a police detective played very well by William Hurt). A beautiful heroine (Jennifer Connely). And sets that make you sit back and notice them. Ahh.. the sets. Intriguing, to say the least. Vehicles from around the twenties . A MRTS from the nineties. Costumes from some other period. And a dark and gloomy setting ( a la Blade Runner). And some nice action. This is the sort of movie that you can discuss for hours on end. Although I was a bit dissatisfied by elements of the plotline, that does not in any way demerit the movie. In fact, that is probably one more reason why this movie is great- it makes you think about the story and makes you question it. You are not just a passive viewer - you can constantly think and try to outguess the hero (or do I mean the scriptwriters?). However, unlike the Matrix which could be enjoyed even if you didn’t understand what was happening, this movie is less ’commercial’. While it explains things to a much greater extent than the Matrix, it also has less of cool special effects and mindblowing stunts and pulsating music.
Why I call it ’one of the best’ and not ’the best’ is probably because it leaves a very big question unanswered (along with a no. of other less vital ones)- how did our hero become what he became (you will notice I am trying hard not to give away anything!)? Of course, even the matrix left a hell lot of questions unanswered- but the difference was there you could figure them out (and none of them was vital to the story line), and besides they have the sequels left. Here it is very difficult to just figure out the answers- there is not enough info. It is possible of course, that when I watch the movie a second time ( and I am going to do it, believe me!) I will change my opinions. And it is also possible that I am just too dumb to figure out all the answers, and will realise that after a second viewing. But that is for then. Right now, I would give this movie 8.5+ out of 10.