It’s a chilly fall evening in 1999. You head to your local video store in search of The Matrix because it’s all anyone is talking about and you’re kicking yourself for not catching it in the theater. But what if you accidentally find something better?
Much like you I discovered this gem in my local store. Fantastic film, have recommended it to many people who I know can wrap their heads around it. Usually, I ask them if they like the Twilight Zone, then go from there. On the list of under appreciated movies I would just like to add in the horror section, Trick R Treat. Great use of light, mood, camera angles, humour and interwoven stories, I so wanted a sequel to this, but instead got Krampus.
Great movie. The big deal at the time was that is used special effects as part of its storytelling, and was critically lauded for not just being another effects vehicle with no substance. Funny, I never associated it with The Matrix, since it came out a year previously, but I can see how it paved the way.
That’s interesting! You should check out The Thirteenth Floor if you haven’t seen it. It’s another one that came out around the same time with similar themes.
Thanks! Yeah, that's a good one too. If I recall correctly, it was generally disregarded as a Matrix clone and didn't get much attention. Haven't seen that in years, though! I'll go find it again.
While we're exchanging recommendations on the theme , check out the pre-Matrix Keanu vehicle, Johnny Mnemonic.
Much like you I discovered this gem in my local store. Fantastic film, have recommended it to many people who I know can wrap their heads around it. Usually, I ask them if they like the Twilight Zone, then go from there. On the list of under appreciated movies I would just like to add in the horror section, Trick R Treat. Great use of light, mood, camera angles, humour and interwoven stories, I so wanted a sequel to this, but instead got Krampus.
I love Trick R Treat! Great rec!
Good piece. I didnt know there was a director's cut!
Thank you! It’s the superior cut, imo.
Great movie. The big deal at the time was that is used special effects as part of its storytelling, and was critically lauded for not just being another effects vehicle with no substance. Funny, I never associated it with The Matrix, since it came out a year previously, but I can see how it paved the way.
That’s interesting! You should check out The Thirteenth Floor if you haven’t seen it. It’s another one that came out around the same time with similar themes.
Let's not forget that eXistenZ is right there too! https://dustonthevcr.substack.com/p/existenz
Oh, yeah, one of Cronenberg's most interesting films!
Haven’t seen that one!
I don't know if you'd LOVE it, but it's definitely interesting as a Matrix/Dark City parallel from the same two-year span.
Thanks! Yeah, that's a good one too. If I recall correctly, it was generally disregarded as a Matrix clone and didn't get much attention. Haven't seen that in years, though! I'll go find it again.
While we're exchanging recommendations on the theme , check out the pre-Matrix Keanu vehicle, Johnny Mnemonic.
Will do! Thanks for the rec.
NOIR. Not usually my jam but I love this movie
You’re good people, Melissa.
"nightmare noir inside an Edward Hopper painting" is SUCH a good way to put it
Saw this at the Regal Dimond Center multiplex theater (it’s in a big mall) in Anchorage, Alaska.
There were maybe 10 (quiet) people there, which was perfect for this movie.
Loved it.
Thank you, Abigail!