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Cypher (2002)
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Reviews Counted:16
Fresh:9
Rotten:7
Average Rating:6.1/10
Synopsis: Directed by Vincenzo Natali (CUBE), CYPHER is a paranoid sci-fi thriller that some have compared to the work of Philip K. Dick. Jeremy Northam stars as Morgan Sullivan, a computer programmer who... Directed by Vincenzo Natali (CUBE), CYPHER is a paranoid sci-fi thriller that some have compared to the work of Philip K. Dick. Jeremy Northam stars as Morgan Sullivan, a computer programmer who gets a new job at Digicorp, hoping that it will alleviate the boredom of his existence. Digicorp has hired him to join their corporate espionage division, sending him on assignments to investigate the activities of rival companies. As he goes about his duties, he meets another corporate agent, Rita (Lucy Liu), whose revelations cause him to question the nature of his new job. As uncertainties continually arise, Morgan finds himself caught in a spiral where even his own identity becomes in doubt. Presenting a future of sleek surfaces and high technology, CYPHER envisions a world where the power of capital can invade people's minds. [More]
Starring: Jeremy Northam, Lucy Liu, Nigel Bennett, Timothy Webber
Starring: Jeremy Northam, Lucy Liu, Nigel Bennett, Timothy Webber, David Hewlett, Kari Matchett
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Director: Vincenzo Natali
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Release:
Aug 2, 2005
Reviews for Cypher
High style and noirish overtones about mind control and brainwashing in corporate America. Nothing new there, so nothing new here.
Just like the spies' mission as they hunt for secrets and significance inside massive corporate databanks, [Cypher's] point is unclear.
...it declines into high-tech gizmos, whizbang hardware, and hairbreadth escapes, leaving the brain behind for the sake of sheer, overinflated thrills.
It might be just another "DTV dump" title for Miramax, but I'd call Cypher (easily) one of the best direct-to-video titles I've seen all year.
Natali can’t be bothered to fashion an actual human story around the perpetually buzzing toys and non-stop backstabbing and double-crossing.
combines industrial espionage with alternative reality in a satisfyingly mind-bending plot reminiscent of Philip K. Dick at his best.
I liked it during the scenes when something "cool" was being revealed on screen, but the moment that "cool" ended, my interest waned.
Kind of like a whole season of Alias boiled down to a 100-minute film.
Northam is perfectly cast — with every swill of scotch he transforms from shy and retiring to the debonair sophisticate he has always wanted to be.
Natali has crafted a clever, futuristic mind-bender that's both beautiful to look at...and cerebrally challenging with its questions about reality and identity. Not bad for a film made for the cost of The Matrix's opening credits.
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