Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City?

Dhampyr
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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 26, 2009 17:13:02 GMT -5

Post by Dhampyr on Sept 26, 2009 17:13:02 GMT -5

I recently watched the 1998 film, Dark City. By the end of the movie I realized the parallel themes between it and Dollhouse were uncanny. Without giving to much away, one of the morals of the movie is that humans aren't defined by their memories or what's in their minds but by their souls. The similarity isn't quite as simple as that but I don't want to spoil.

I haven't found any official link between the two, but if anyone has, post it. If anyone else has seen it and has an opinion, post it. I urge anyone who hasn't seen it to check it out. It's a great movie on it's own and I'd love to hear what other people think.

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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 26, 2009 17:18:25 GMT -5

Post by Midnight Butterfly on Sept 26, 2009 17:18:25 GMT -5

Interesting. I havn't seen the film but will be sure to check it out.

Chances our Joss was inspired by something, so it may well be that movie. Wish I could say more but I will come back when I watch the movie

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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 26, 2009 17:29:25 GMT -5

Post by xaphania on Sept 26, 2009 17:29:25 GMT -5

I haven't seen this film... do you have a synopsis?

I've seen Dollhouse compared to a show called Joe 90 a lot, which was apparently about a puppet. Hm.

Joe McClaine is a 9-year-old boy whose adoptive father has developed a method of transferring specialist "brain patterns", and hence skills, into his son's mind. As a result, Joe is able to become a test pilot, brain surgeon, etc, as needed. Combined with his innocent appearance, he becomes an agent for the World Intelligence Network.

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●B E N Rogue Demon Hunter ♥ Goodness Gracious ♥ Crazy Echo[Mo0:4] Posts: 454	Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 26, 2009 18:11:57 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by ●B E N on Sept 26, 2009 18:11:57 GMT -5 Hmm i wanna check this movie out now... hopefully they have it online..
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Dhampyr
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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 26, 2009 22:29:57 GMT -5

Post by Dhampyr on Sept 26, 2009 22:29:57 GMT -5

I don't want to leave a synopsis because it's a thriller that unravels the truth over time and I don't want to give anything away. Also, I have no idea how to hide stuff behind a "spoiler" button. I'm sure wikipedia could tell you everything you need to know.

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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 27, 2009 18:24:29 GMT -5

Post by spurtyknowledge on Sept 27, 2009 18:24:29 GMT -5

Sept 26, 2009 17:13:02 GMT -5 Dhampyr said:

I recently watched the 1998 film, Dark City. By the end of the movie I realized the parallel themes between it and Dollhouse were uncanny. Without giving to much away, one of the morals of the movie is that humans aren't defined by their memories or what's in their minds but by their souls. The similarity isn't quite as simple as that but I don't want to spoil.

I haven't found any official link between the two, but if anyone has, post it. If anyone else has seen it and has an opinion, post it. I urge anyone who hasn't seen it to check it out. It's a great movie on it's own and I'd love to hear what other people think.

There does exist some thematic similarity between Dark City and Dollhouse, but other than that, there does not seem to be any official link between the two (if by "official" you mean that Joss or one of the writers have cited the film as an influence).

A more common comparison, in film, would be Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Otherwise, as far as I remember, the only influences actually cited by Joss Whedon are: Eliza Dushku's actual life and career (young actress being pulled into different directions by shady Hollywood executives while trying to maintain some semblance of self - "she can be anyone, except herself") as well as Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go, and Battlestar Galactica of course (post-apocalyptic goodness).

Last Edit: Sept 27, 2009 18:27:58 GMT -5 by spurtyknowledge

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Dhampyr Innocent Bystander I will make trophies of their spines.[Mo0:2] Posts: 10	Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 28, 2009 16:20:47 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Dhampyr on Sept 28, 2009 16:20:47 GMT -5 Did I just get served? Haha. Thank you spurtyknowlege.

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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 28, 2009 16:35:22 GMT -5

Post by wytchcroft on Sept 28, 2009 16:35:22 GMT -5

Well there are connections between Dark City and the first Matrix movie - and Joss has cited that film many times.

But Dark City also has a lot in common with The Truman Show and both were specifically influenced by Phil K Dick who Joss has mentioned as well.

Lastly, if you watch the end credits of Dark City you'll see a special mention of Dennis Potter, this is because of thematic links to Potter's Karaoke and Cold Lazarus (especially the latter) which i'm sure Joss will also have seen.

Last Edit: Sept 28, 2009 16:39:29 GMT -5 by wytchcroft

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Dollhouse Influenced By Dark City? Sept 28, 2009 17:56:44 GMT -5

Post by spurtyknowledge on Sept 28, 2009 17:56:44 GMT -5

Great additional information, wytchcroft. I remember Joss citing The Matrix a couple of times, although not directly in association with Dollhouse, but I figured there must be some influence of course. Same with Philip K. Dick, whom I would be surprised if Joss had not been influenced by in some way.

Not to mention he has frequently admitted to reading Wired Magazine, and that alone is a veritable source of inspiration.