Valerie’s Weblog

The science fiction and psychological novel A Scanner Darkly published in 1977 depicts drug culture in a near dystopian future and the extremities of humanity. The success of the novel attracted cult-like followers hailing the book as a sort of masterpiece. In 2006, a modern adaptation of the novel was created starring Keanu Reeves who portrays Arctor, an undercover cop posing as a druguser to infiltrate the drug supply chain. The movie was digitally animated using a technique called interpolated rotoscope in which animators trace over live-action film movement, frame by frame. The animated “comic-like” adaptation of the novel was a ingenious approach to convey not only the over all surrealism of the novel, but also giving reference to sort of underground subculture. Not only do I recommend watching the movie, but I recommend visiting the website dedicated to the artists who animated the film because the site provides thier biographical information, and, links to thier websites. www.ascannerdarklyartists.com/