The Robert Downey Jr Film Guide
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The Robert Downey Jr Film Guide |
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A Scanner Darkly (2006) |
Summary |
In the near future, a group of slackers battle drug addiction and attempt to out-narc each other. |
Direction |
Richard Linklater |
Downey Factor |
High (describing both the amount and state of his screentime) |
Character |
James Barris, whacked out futuristic drug dealer |
Looks |
Short haircut, wears glasses. Also, thanks to 'rotoscoping' he (and the entire movie) were turned into a realistic-looking cartoon |
Performance |
Crazy, but in the good way. Fantastic and amusing both on his own and paired with Woody Harrelson |
Dies, Gay or Villain |
No, no, it's debatable |
Other Actors |
Woody Harrelson, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Rory Cochrane |
Connection |
Woody Harrelson in Natural Born Killers. Winona Ryder in 1969. |
Location |
Futuristic Anaheim, California |
RDJ Says |
I thought it was probably the strangest script I've ever read, but I knew Keanu was doing it and Richard was directing it, and I thought, these guys are pretty smart and know a good role ... This guy's off the hook. He reminds me of those propeller-head guys that you knew in high school who knew how to take apart a bike and put it back together and other freaky stuff ... It's the general dysfunction that happens in a house where you have three guys sharing a sink. What binds them together is this agreement to be insane and co-sign each other's demise |
Lit Reference |
A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick Richard Linklater's script is based on this 1977 novel. |
Release |
July 7, 2006 |
Availability |
Available on DVD in regions 1, 2 and 4; also on Blu-Ray. |
Rotten Tomatoes |
61% fresh | 110 reviews |
Critical View |
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: Two hyperarticulate slackers who share Bob's Anaheim abode [...] are played respectively and to the manner born by Woody Harrelson and, in the film's flashiest and most ferociously entertaining performance, Robert Downey Jr. Desson Thomson, Washington Post: Downey gives a nicely honed performance as the motormouthed, paranoid James Barris, who's obsessed with proving his questionable genius. Lou Lumenick, New York Post: Downey (who qualifies as an expert on substance abuse) steals every scene he's in with a hilarious, bravura performance |
2 Reasons to See It |
1. The dialogue between Downey and the other supporting characters is fascinating and hilarious. 2. The roto-scoping makes this film unlike any other. |
Overall |
Like a stoner, it skirts profundity without actually achieving it. But, thanks to Downey and the rest of the supporting cast, it's a surprisingly palatable movie that's as much trippy comedy as paranoid sci-fi. |
If You Like It |
You might also like Wonder Boys (2000), The Route V50 (2004), Pink Floyd |
Photos |