Every so often, a science fiction film comes along which doesn't scream "blockbuster". Take futuristic Canadian film Cypher for example. Last week, as I was out with friends in Leicester Square, we found ourselves wandering around looking for something decent to watch on the big screen. We hadn't seen any advertising or heard anything about the film until we spotted a poster on the window of the Odeon around the corner from the centre of the Square. Intrigued, we stepped inside and bought tickets. A few hours later, we emerged.
Cypher, directed by Vincenzo Natali (The Cube), demonstrated intelligence in its entirety. It was thought provoking, stimulating and stylish. The package was that of a mix between film noir, The Matrix, and an older sci-fi movie.
This classy thriller stars Jeremy Northam (The Net, Emma) as Morgan Sullivan, a seemingly plain individual who applies for a position at the paranoid organisation - Digicorp. They send him through a rigorous testing procedure to ensure he is not a spy for opposition, Sunways, before recruiting him under the name Jack Thursby and given the task of attending numerous brain-numbing sales/product conventions (luckily for us, science-fiction conventions are nothing like this! -ed.)
At first, Cypher gives the impression of being a humourless tale of corporate espionage that seems to subtly poke futuristic fun at Microsoft and Sun Microsystems (for those who are in the industry). Though it takes, perhaps, a little too long to move into the "suspicion" stage of the film, it does become apparent that there is more to Digicorp than meets the eye. On the way, he meets Rita, played by Lucy Liu (Ally McBeal, Charlie's Angels), a mysterious and beautiful woman, who, too, is more than she appears. Her motivations, except one - her loyalty to an individual, are left open to interpretation until the end.
The plot unfolds somewhat surreally and is best viewed sober. I have pretty much only given you the bare bones. Too much more would give away its clever twist. Needless to say, the real motive for Morgan Sullivan/Jack Thursby's endurance will leave you satisfied, despite the drop in the film's stylistic continuity and its rapid realisation as the film concludes.
Cypher is clever. If you want a science fiction movie for the Indie audience - then this is it.
Stargate SG-1 readers might also recognise David Hewlett playing Vergil Dunn. You may recall his character, Rodney Mackay in the Season Six episodes Redemption parts 1 and 2, always wanting to be a "Pinist". The phallic travel elevator that erects from the ground, in which his character emerges in this film, should give you a private chuckle (I did! - ed.)
The film requires some patience if, in particular, you enjoy fast-paced action thrillers. Plus, there are moments of very rapid flashing - epilepsy warning here.
Summary: If you're a fan of science fiction, you will enjoy Cypher. I guarantee - it's Unisex! |
