The heart of the film itself is about the increasing cost of addition to one’s mind and body, the way it affects one’s relationship with others, as well as how it impacts our perception of reality itself. It was interesting to see how the film’s director Richard Linklater used a interpolated rotoscope technique to create a sense of distorted reality on behalf of the viewer, and I think he pulled it off quite effectively.

In terms of performances, Keanu Reeves delivered a basic and generic straight man performance, while Woody Harrelson was kind of forgettable. The standout was Robert Downey Jr. who completely nailed his role, understandable given the major drug use in his past. He inhabits the role of a smart but ultra-paranoid junkie and his performance was riveting. Rory Cochrane as Charles Freck also did a good job.

8/10.

Trailer is here:

youtube.com/watch?v=hkjDUERgCQw

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5604374&forum_id=2#48149685)