FAQ for
A Scanner Darkly (2006)

"Teen Angst" by M83.

It is unclear what exactly happened to them -- whether Arctor murdered them, the government took them away, or something else entirely. Bob says in one of his earlier monologues, "It had to end... and it did" which seems to hint at the possibility of murder. Yet near the end of the film, after Fred (Bob) says that he has two kids, his boss replies, "I don't believe you do. You're not supposed to," siding with the idea that they were taken away. It is also speculated that Bob actually never had a family; that his "memories" of a past life were simply delusions brought on by his growing addiction to substance D. Then again, perhaps there is no solid answer and the conclusion is best left to the viewer's imagination.

PRO:

The most impressive thing about the film's technical wizardry is, finally, how unimpressive it is. One doesn't leave the movie with a mind blown by visual bedazzlement but with a soul shattered by the profound sense of tragedy Linklater and company so beautifully put across.

-- Glenn Kenny, Premiere

MIXED:

Rotoscoping makes certain sense for a film about cognitive dissonance and alternative realities, though both the vocal and gestural performances by Mr. Reeves, Mr. Harrelson and, in particular, the wonderful Mr. Downey make me wish that we were watching them in live action.

-- Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

CON:

A rambling depiction of a junkie's descent into zombitude.

-- David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer