Let’s travel back to the late 1990s. Think of a sci-fi thriller that expertly wraps big ideas like the nature of reality, identity and human nature into a hyper-stylized environment heavily influenced by film noir. Now set aside your love for The Matrix because this episode we’re talking all about Dark City.

The 1998 film from director Alex Proyas (The Crow, I, Robot) — which shares some aesthetic and, in fact, production elements with the Wachowskis’ release — may have been a box office underperformer, but in the years since its theatrical run, the film has emerged as a critical darling and achieved cult classic status.

So who better to talk about a bonafide cult film than one of the hosts of CF3: Cult Fans, Films & Finds? Jeff Johnson joins the show to delve into what makes Dark City such a compelling film to watch and re-watch, speculate about why it failed to connect with audiences and unravel the mysteries behind Proyas’ intricate storytelling.

Tag along as we break down the film Roger Ebert called “a great visionary achievement.” Sleep later. Listen now.

SYNOPSIS (courtesy of Warner Bros.)

Separated from his wife Emma, amnesiac John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens alone in a strange hotel to learn he is wanted for a series of brutal killings.

They built the city to see what makes us tick. Last night one of us went off. What if you woke one morning to realize that every memory, every emotion, every fact you believed true about your life had been manufactured by someone else and placed in your mind?

In this fascinating and provocative science fiction tale, John Murdoch—wanted for a series of brutal murders—realizes that everything he believes about himself is a lie. Murdoch’s bittersweet childhood, his love for his estranged wife (Jennifer Connelly) and the hideous series of murders are the creation of a group of shadowy creatures known only as “The Strangers,” who manipulate minds for their own ends.

Alone, with his newfound awareness, Murdoch begins to fight back. William Hurt is the evil Detective hunting him down, and Kiefer Sutherland is the doctor helping him stay one step ahead of his adversaries.

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