The Matrix is widely regarded as one of the most iconic science fiction films of all time, but its innovative concept was beaten to the punch a year earlier, praised by Robert Ebert as the better version. Released in 1999, The Matrix is something of a pop culture staple, inspiring an entire series of Matrix films.
Directed by the enigmatic Wachowski sisters, The Matrix takes place in a dystopian future in which humanity has been subjugated by intelligent machines. To keep the human race in line, the machines keep the population trapped within the Matrix, an artificial reality closely monitored by sentient programs.
From there, the young hacker Neo is sought out by the resistance, a small cabal of humans who learn of the Matrix and escape to the real world, periodically going back in to fight back against the machines. As the series unfolds, Neo begins to step into the shoes of a prophesied hero, and learns some disturbing truths about the reality of the Matrix.
The Matrix put the films of the Wachowski sisters on the map while changing the landscape of science fiction forever. That being said, the concept of the Matrix wasn’t as original as some may think, as another film that came out a mere year earlier did the concept better according to famed movie critic Robert Ebert.
Roger Ebert Said Dark City Did What The Matrix Wanted To Do, But With More Feeling
Ebert Held No Reservations About Calling Dark City Superior
Dark City is a 1998 neo-noir film that features heavy science fiction elements that slowly grow more apparent as the film continues. The film centers on an amnesiac man waking up with no memories, only to learn that he’s been accused of murder. As he attempts to clear his name, he has several run-ins with a mysterious group of figures called “The Strangers”.
Without spoiling the brilliant twist that makes the тιтle of Dark City especially apt, the film ends up taking place in a similarly fabricated reality to The Matrix‘s setting. Famed film critic Robert Ebert praised Dark City‘s take on the idea in a retroactive 2005 review, calling it a stronger film than The Matrix.
[Dark City] “did what ‘The Matrix’ wanted to do, earlier and with more feeling.
According to Ebert, Dark City “did what ‘The Matrix’ wanted to do, earlier and with more feeling“, leveling special praise at the film’s more accentuated sense of humanity. Ebert makes special mention that Dark City preceded The Matrix by a year and even filmed on some of the same locations, subtly implying that the Washowskis’ magnum opus isn’t as original as it seems.
Which Is Really Better, Dark City Or The Matrix?
Both Films Have Their Own Unique Appeal
In truth, there are some things Dark City does do better than The Matrix. The performances are far superior, with the sweaty, nervous inhabitants of the тιтular city squirming their way through the gorgeous set design, all driven by the terrifying and enigmatic Strangers, who serve as a far more compelling villain than Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith.
That being said, it’s easy to see why The Matrix went on to become an iconic film while Dark City languished in obscurity, with somehow a less bleak tone, a more compelling science fiction world, and one of the тιԍнтest cinematic hero’s journeys ever conceived.
Personally, I agree with Ebert’s ᴀssessment that Dark City is the stronger of the two, being a far richer tapestry laden with meaning and poignant questions on human nature that came up with the false reality idea first. However, there’s no denying that The Matrix has a powerful appeal as a blockbuster action masterpiece that dips its toes into similar philosophical waters.
