Dark City vs. The Matrix.

spikethebloody · 07-11-2004, 01:04 PM

I love both movies but i am a tad angry. So many people say that the Matrix "ripped off" Dark City. So let us dispel that. Dark City was released in 1998. The Matrix in 1999. So these two films were being shot almost simaltaneously. There is no way that the Wachowski Brothers could have watched Dark City and then wrote, shot a film in a few months. So no Dark City people should say that the Matrix "ripped off" Dark City.

That being said there is no way to say that Dark City is a superior film. Both movies are filled with fantastic visuals and terrific cinematography. I would give the Matrix the acting edge based on Hugo Weaving. Both have terrific themes and a well thought out story. But Dark City begins to flag at the end. John Murdoch's showdown with the strangers not only looks bad but is really anti climactic.

The Matrix is consistent throughout and gives a very satisfying ending. Dark City drops off at the end and doesn't have a competent climax.

The Matrix:10/10
Dark City:9/10

Mat · 07-11-2004, 01:09 PM

Definately Dark City... great visuals, great twists, great acting (Kiefer Sutherland and Jenifer Connelly are awesome). A great movie in my book. The Matrix is only a good one.

spikethebloody · 07-11-2004, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mat
Definately Dark City... great visuals, great twists, great acting (Kiefer Sutherland and Jenifer Connelly are awesome). A great movie in my book. The Matrix is only a good one.

Are you willing to defend the ending of Dark City? The f/x were weak and the "battle" is laughable. I mean really. I was expecting a more cerebral ending from Dark City. It hurt the movie IMHO.

beyond_th3 · 07-11-2004, 01:42 PM

actually dark city and the matrix are both ripoffs of a anime movie called MEGAZONE in which a biker finds a motorcycle with a hidden function that has a link to the true nature of his world. Everything is controlled. and nothing is real and noone believes Shogo. The movie came out in 1985, and almost twenty years later it is better than dark city and the matrix.

**Frizzo the Clown** · 07-11-2004, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spikethebloody
Are you willing to defend the ending of Dark City? The f/x were weak and the "battle" is laughable. I mean really. I was expecting a more cerebral ending from Dark City. It hurt the movie IMHO.

Unlike the Matrix, Dark City didn't totally rely on f/x and repetitive battles. It wasn't an "action" movie, like the Matrix tried to be. It was more cerebral, from beginning to end. Matrix tried to be cerbral, and nearly succeeded in the first film, but the overblown special effects, less than stellar acting, and repetivive fight scenes (Neo vs. Smith for the 63 time) of the sequels damaged the quality of the first film. Not to mention that Rufus Sewell can act circles around Keanu "Whoa" Reeves. I still thourghly enjoyed the first Matrix though. To me though, this stands up better in repeated viewings then the Matrix does. Of course, it is just a matter of opinion, so there is no point in bashing me because you disagree....

beyond_th3 · 07-11-2004, 02:57 PM

I really liked dark city. I saw it about a year ago on tnt. at first I was wtf?? but then I it got really interesting. It reminded me more of the truman show than it did the matrix(especially the ending for some reason) so I would not compare the two. Although they are different from each other they still basically have the same structure - One man can change the course of the future.

spikethebloody · 07-11-2004, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frizzo the Clown
Unlike the Matrix, Dark City didn't totally rely on f/x and repetitive battles. It wasn't an "action" movie, like the Matrix tried to be. It was more cerebral, from beginning to end. Matrix tried to be cerbral, and nearly succeeded in the first film, but the overblown special effects, less than stellar acting, and repetivive fight scenes (Neo vs. Smith for the 63 time) of the sequels damaged the quality of the first film. Not to mention that Rufus Sewell can act circles around Keanu "Whoa" Reeves. I still thourghly enjoyed the first Matrix though. To me though, this stands up better in repeated viewings then the Matrix does. Of course, it is just a matter of opinion, so there is no point in bashing me because you disagree....

Do you think the battle b/w murcoch and the strangers is not laden with f/x? Also you bring up Reloaded/Revolutions...why?

LordofKings · 07-11-2004, 05:52 PM

I haven't seen Dark City, but the Matrix Trilogy had such a horrible and weak ending IMO. But are we talking about only the first matrix when comparring to Dark City?

Anyways, how many of these vs Matrix threads are you going to create?

Boro · 07-11-2004, 05:52 PM

dark city> the matrix

Boy Wonder '04 · 07-11-2004, 06:01 PM

Agree.

**Frizzo the Clown** · 07-11-2004, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spikethebloody
Do you think the battle b/w murcoch and the strangers is not laden with f/x? Also you bring up Reloaded/Revolutions...why?

I never said there weren't any effects. I don't remember saying that at all..I just said that Dark City didn't rely on it so entirely. And why did I bring up Revolutions and Reloaded? Because they're meant to be considered with the Matrix when you talk about story, effects..the total package, right? I mean...thats the point. So, I think its very valid to bring them up.

spikethebloody · 07-11-2004, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frizzo the Clown
I never said there weren't any effects. I don't remember saying that at all..I just said that Dark City didn't rely on it so entirely. And why did I bring up Revolutions and Reloaded? Because they're meant to be considered with the Matrix when you talk about story, effects..the total package, right? I mean...thats the point. So, I think its very valid to bring them up.

The Matrix was a great film in it's own right. I was comparing Dark City to the FIRST matrix. The battle scene with murdoch in Dark City is some pretty bad f/x. I love the movie but the ending was lame IMHO.

PS: Why did you lock my Christopher Reeves thread?

beyond_th3 · 07-11-2004, 09:45 PM

yeah if dark city was a trilogy, then the matrix trilogy would be mentioned but clearly its not. the matrix dealt with being a slave as did dark city, the other matrix movies dealt with what happens after the savior of the slaves has been revealed. dark city could have never been a trilogy because the story went nowhere after it went off.

**Frizzo the Clown** · 07-11-2004, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spikethebloody
The Matrix was a great film in it's own right. I was comparing Dark City to the FIRST matrix. The battle scene with murdoch in Dark City is some pretty bad f/x. I love the movie but the ending was lame IMHO.

PS: Why did you lock my Christopher Reeves thread?

I locked a Christopher Reeves thread? I lock so many..the all become a blur...

spikethebloody · 07-11-2004, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frizzo the Clown
I locked a Christopher Reeves thread? I lock so many..the all become a blur...

The ROTK/Christopher Reeves thread. It is still on the front page.

**Frizzo the Clown** · 07-11-2004, 09:54 PM

Ah...I don't think that was my doing...

spiderman_2k · 07-11-2004, 09:55 PM

Whoever did it did a good job though....

Boro · 07-11-2004, 10:19 PM

yeah they did. i wish i could lock threads that crappy.

Malitos_Sahkir · 07-11-2004, 10:26 PM

Dark City.

spikethebloody · 07-11-2004, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frizzo the Clown
Ah...I don't think that was my doing...

Who did it then? That thread wasn't in need of a lock.

**Frizzo the Clown** · 07-11-2004, 10:39 PM

I have no idea. And apparently someone thought it was in need.....get over it.

hei1spawn1 · 07-12-2004, 01:14 AM

I love them both but theres that tingly feeling you get when you watch the lobby shootout in the matrix. I also think that the ending of dark city was not up to par. They are both great movie though.

spikethebloody · 07-12-2004, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hei1spawn1
I love them both but theres that tingly feeling you get when you watch the lobby shootout in the matrix. I also think that the ending of dark city was not up to par. They are both great movie though.

What about Neo's resurrection? I loved it when he saw the matrix in code for the first time. Then stopped the bullets. It was great!

rosncranz · 07-12-2004, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beyond_th3
actually dark city and the matrix are both ripoffs of a anime movie called MEGAZONE in which a biker finds a motorcycle with a hidden function that has a link to the true nature of his world. Everything is controlled. and nothing is real and noone believes Shogo. The movie came out in 1985, and almost twenty years later it is better than dark city and the matrix.

wow that is not ripping it off, and if it was both movies would have been horrible. what you just described sounds like ****!

WuTical · 07-12-2004, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spikethebloody
Are you willing to defend the ending of Dark City? The f/x were weak and the "battle" is laughable. I mean really. I was expecting a more cerebral ending from Dark City. It hurt the movie IMHO.

Are you willing to accept his opinion?

Your opinion is not a fact.

07-11-2004, 01:04 PM	#1
spikethebloody Executive Producer Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 312	Dark City vs. The Matrix. I love both movies but i am a tad angry. So many people say that the Matrix "ripped off" Dark City. So let us dispel that. Dark City was released in 1998. The Matrix in 1999. So these two films were being shot almost simaltaneously. There is no way that the Wachowski Brothers could have watched Dark City and then wrote, shot a film in a few months. So no Dark City people should say that the Matrix "ripped off" Dark City. That being said there is no way to say that Dark City is a superior film. Both movies are filled with fantastic visuals and terrific cinematography. I would give the Matrix the acting edge based on Hugo Weaving. Both have terrific themes and a well thought out story. But Dark City begins to flag at the end. John Murdoch's showdown with the strangers not only looks bad but is really anti climactic. The Matrix is consistent throughout and gives a very satisfying ending. Dark City drops off at the end and doesn't have a competent climax. The Matrix:10/10 Dark City:9/10 __________________ Death is the only great adventure i have left.

07-11-2004, 01:09 PM	#2
Mat The Ugly Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 6,163	Definately Dark City... great visuals, great twists, great acting (Kiefer Sutherland and Jenifer Connelly are awesome). A great movie in my book. The Matrix is only a good one. __________________ "You're a brave man. Go and break through the lines. And remember, while you're out there risking you're life and limb through shot and shell, we'll be in here thinking what a sucker you are." - Duck Soup

07-11-2004, 01:42 PM	#4
beyond_th3 I Created The Battle Of LOTR Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1,257	actually dark city and the matrix are both ripoffs of a anime movie called MEGAZONE in which a biker finds a motorcycle with a hidden function that has a link to the true nature of his world. Everything is controlled. and nothing is real and noone believes Shogo. The movie came out in 1985, and almost twenty years later it is better than dark city and the matrix. __________________ Consistency Is The Hobgoblin Of Small Minds

07-11-2004, 02:57 PM	#6
beyond_th3 I Created The Battle Of LOTR Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1,257	I really liked dark city. I saw it about a year ago on tnt. at first I was wtf?? but then I it got really interesting. It reminded me more of the truman show than it did the matrix(especially the ending for some reason) so I would not compare the two. Although they are different from each other they still basically have the same structure - One man can change the course of the future. __________________ Consistency Is The Hobgoblin Of Small Minds Last edited by beyond_th3; 07-11-2004 at 02:59 PM.

07-11-2004, 05:52 PM	#8
LordofKings King of Kings Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Land of Myth and Shadow Posts: 7,098	I haven't seen Dark City, but the Matrix Trilogy had such a horrible and weak ending IMO. But are we talking about only the first matrix when comparring to Dark City? Anyways, how many of these vs Matrix threads are you going to create? __________________ "I've been around enough terror, enough horror I have seen, to know greatness when greatness is around me. And you my friend... Will be great. They will deam you the King of all Kings; and forever shall that title be spoken in honor of your name."

07-11-2004, 05:52 PM	#9
Boro Not a Robot, but a Ghost Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Serenity Posts: 9,081	dark city> the matrix __________________ Can't you feel the warmth of my sincerity?

07-11-2004, 06:01 PM	#10
Boy Wonder '04 Banned Status Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bat-Cave, Gotham Posts: 1,988	Agree.

07-11-2004, 09:45 PM	#13
beyond_th3 I Created The Battle Of LOTR Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1,257	yeah if dark city was a trilogy, then the matrix trilogy would be mentioned but clearly its not. the matrix dealt with being a slave as did dark city, the other matrix movies dealt with what happens after the savior of the slaves has been revealed. dark city could have never been a trilogy because the story went nowhere after it went off. __________________ Consistency Is The Hobgoblin Of Small Minds Last edited by beyond_th3; 07-11-2004 at 09:48 PM.

07-11-2004, 09:54 PM	#16
Frizzo the Clown Tastes Like Chicken! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Mining for nose goblins Posts: 35,826	Ah...I don't think that was my doing...

07-11-2004, 09:55 PM	#17
spiderman_2k Hey Mods! Moderate This!!! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: In Exile Posts: 37,331	Whoever did it did a good job though....

07-11-2004, 10:19 PM	#18
Boro Not a Robot, but a Ghost Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Serenity Posts: 9,081	yeah they did. i wish i could lock threads that crappy. __________________ Can't you feel the warmth of my sincerity?

07-11-2004, 10:26 PM	#19
Malitos_Sahkir Leisure Suit Larry Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The Belafonte Posts: 2,445	Dark City.

07-11-2004, 10:39 PM	#21
Frizzo the Clown Tastes Like Chicken! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Mining for nose goblins Posts: 35,826	I have no idea. And apparently someone thought it was in need.....get over it.

07-12-2004, 01:14 AM	#22
hei1spawn1 Shamelessly Promoting R* Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Playing The Warriors Posts: 3,648	I love them both but theres that tingly feeling you get when you watch the lobby shootout in the matrix. I also think that the ending of dark city was not up to par. They are both great movie though.