Alex Proya's Dark City - Science Fiction Noir
Alex Proyas the director of Dark City takes ideas and ambience from many movies and integrates them all neatly in his visually amazing film. A cross between science fiction, film noir, dark comics, classic horror and early German films, Dark City fails to belong to any one category. This mixture is what makes the film creative and different along with its multi-layered symbolism. Mostly a science fiction story, Dark City deals with a man, John Murdock, struggling to overcome a great mystery as aliens interfere with his life. The aliens are known as "Strangers," and do not wish to destroy the human race, but learn from it to survive. Proyas has created a very unique movie based on his use of "signs" to detail scenes. His film is dark physically and psychologically. In this film, Proyas creates a dark city similar to Gotham City in the original "Batman". There is nothing futuristic or imaginary about the city. Everything in it is a mix of different decades. This amazes the audience because we aren't use to observing structures seen in the movie. The intentional mixture of culture throughout the different eras really contributed to the m
The accurate semiotics Proyas assigned to "the Strangers" and city definitely aided in creating this dark themed film. The camera angles look strange and twisted, which adds to the effect of the movie. The look and characteristics Proyas gave "the Strangers" helped develop the evil surrounding them. During the final and visually stunning showdown, "The Strangers" send laser beams and bolts of lightning around. As the film moves along the atmosphere builds up. Their sickly color and intimidating, razor-sharp teeth added to the horror aspect of this film. Additionally "the Strangers" speak in British accents suggesting the film had British influence. Edward Scissorhands, Cenobites (from Hellraiser), the Emperor (from Star Wars), Borgs (from Star Trek), and Nosferatu were likely influences on Alex Proyas when developing "the Strangers" appearance. I like a lot of others look forward to seeing Proyas next film. Dark City contains many signs, symbols and codes that bring this unique, original film to life. Their dress consists of long black trench coats, gloves and homburg hats. "The Strangers" are very, very similar to Nosferatu, because both are extremely pale, have sharp teeth, balled, and dress in black. Many will find this film very dark both physically and psychologically. The most of the movie is dark and shadowy living up to its title. .
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Acceptance Essays
