Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast · David Barr Kirtley

587. Science Fiction Noir Movies

·1 hr 51 min·5 clips

Matt explains why he bounced off Dark City at first, then loved it after seeing its influence on The Matrix.

This episode of Geek's Guide to the Galaxy features host David Barr Kirtley and guests Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer analyzing five science fiction noir films. The panelists are all experienced writers and genre critics with numerous prior appearances on the show. The discussion begins with 1998's *Dark City*, where a man with amnesia discovers a nocturnal city manipulated by trench-coated beings. The group praises the film's swift pacing, intricate production design, and its exploration of artificial reality and human individuality. They note its thematic similarities to *The Matrix* and its use of the same sets. A key debate centers on whether the aliens' search for a "soul" is a metaphysical distraction or a core element about love and existential joy. Next, the panel examines 1995's *Strange Days*, directed by Kathryn Bigelow with a story by James Cameron. The film is set in a near-future Los Angeles where memories can be recorded and sold. The conversation highlights the film's intense opening sequence, its complex plot involving a murdered rap artist and a serial killer, and its dark, prescient social commentary. The panel questions why this well-cast film was a commercial failure upon release. A surprising insight is that *Dark City*'s theatrical cut included an opening monologue that spoiled major plot points, which was removed in the director's cut. Matthew Kressel shares that his initial dislike of the film transformed upon rewatch, leading him to appreciate its aesthetic and ideas. The group finds *Strange Days* remarkably relevant today, with its depiction of gas prices over three dollars and school shootings now being reality. Tom Gerencer posits that *Dark City* might be a subconscious critique of society's shift from outdoor, natural existence to a virtual, technology-dependent life. Andrea Kail defends the film's use of "love conquers all" as a timeless narrative device, while David Barr Kirtley expresses a pet peeve for this trope in sci-fi. The panel also notes the unique effectiveness of a *deus ex machina* in *Dark City*, where a character is injected with a lifetime of training. The tone is conversational and analytical, with panelists engaging in friendly debate while dissecting film techniques, themes, and cultural impact. The style is educational but relaxed, filled with personal anecdotes and specific film trivia. Science fiction fans and film students interested in genre fusion, particularly the blend of noir aesthetics with sci-fi concepts, will love this episode. Listeners who enjoy deep-dive analyses of cult classics and underappreciated 90s cinema will find it rewarding. Those who prefer spoiler-free discussions or have no interest in the specific films mentioned might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A sci-fi noir discussion that keeps returning to clear opinions about what works, what does not, and why.

The episode of Geek's Guide to the Galaxy looks at Dark City, Strange Days, The 13th Floor, Looker, and Alphaville as films where science fiction and film noir overlap, and it does so with spoilers throughout.

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Want a spoiler-filled discussion of sci-fi noir movies?

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