Brilliant movie, but one thing puzzles me. - Dark City (1998) Discussion

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] cstocksters 14 years ago

But was he beat up in a way that would affect his breathing and speech patterns in such an odd way?

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[–] Rascalpup 14 years ago

Because he was forced to erase his own memories.

I think he gave himself some brain damage, which caused the problems with his eye/walking/speaking/breathing.

Personally, I found the breathing/speech very irritating.

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[–] lokis_angels 11 years ago

I thought maybe it had something to do with him being a sortof mad scientist type of character. Although he isn't the mastermind in the operation, he does use his scientific abilities in an evil way. He is not just a victim of the strangers.

I wasn't annoyed by this, nor did I feel like it lifted up the movie. The braindamage ánd the strangers beating/ torturing him could work very well as an explanation for me.

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[–] wormholeboy 8 years ago

The problem with his eye was almost caused by the torture the Strangers inflicted on him prior to him wiping his memory. In the scene where he administers the mindwipe to himself, you can see his right eye is already messed up. (His other physical problems may or may not be the result of the torture or mindwipe.)

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[–] MadSimian 14 years ago

Isn't this character supposed to be based on the White Rabbit from "Alice in Wonderland"? If so, I think the mannerisms and speech are very befitting of a rabbit-like character.

Make IMDb a better place-Put sitedecinema and BluesmanSF on your ignore lists.

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[–] denham 14 years ago

I agree, the weird way Schreber speaks is annoying and hence distracting and the film would probably be better without it, though I know Kiefer has a big fan army who'll say he's terrific in the part. And in a movie like this, character credibility isn't the number one priority. Anyway, I was wondering what it echoes. I can only call to mind Peter Lorre and Major Toht, but I've a hunch there's someone else. Any ideas? (I half wonder if Kiefer was mimicking Sutherland Senior somewhere down the line...)

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] zoi_no_miko 13 years ago

Kiefer says it's in part a tribute to Lorre, so you've got it right there.

I found it very distracting at first, but subsequent viewings it seems to fit right in with the overall eerie feel of the movie. I think it effectively helps illustrate how set apart from the rest of the world the character is.

/Sutherland Army :p

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[–] hathor008 12 years ago

another of sutherland's army here, yes his character is annoying, but he is supposed to be. his speech patterns and handicapped mannerisms really bring out the character and the movie is better for it. i think it's one of the keifer's better performances.

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Reality is subjective.

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[–] sydnee_man 13 years ago

I had never heard that, but interesting comparison...

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[–] sydnee_man 13 years ago

Maybe the handicapped boy in Malcolm in the Middle talks like Dr Schreiber..... :)

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] kylopod 10 years ago

He reminded me of Toht from Raiders of the Lost Ark, though that itself was probably inspired by Peter Lorre.

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[–] hajjid-417-825225 8 years ago

He is professor Frink from the Simpsons, that's why.

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