The Actor’s Cherished Performance in Alex Proyas’ Sci-Fi Film
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland’s favorite role is in the 1998 film Dark City.
– He described working on the film as one of his best experiences.
– Despite its box office failure, Dark City remains a cherished project for Sutherland.
Kiefer Sutherland is widely recognized for his role as Jack Bauer in the Fox drama series 24, but his contributions to cinema extend far beyond that iconic character. Early in his career, Sutherland became a versatile actor with standout performances in films like Stand by Me, The Lost Boys, and Young Guns. His diverse portfolio includes notable roles in A Few Good Men, A Time to Kill, Melancholia, and voicing Venom Snake in Metal Gear Solid V.
However, among his many acclaimed performances, one is his favorite. In 1998, Sutherland starred in the neo-noir science fiction film Dark City, directed by Alex Proyas. The actor has often cited this project as his most cherished experience in both his personal and professional life.
“Dark City, directed by Alex Proyas, was one of my most favorite experiences that I’ve ever had, as a person and as an actor,” Sutherland shared with GQ. The film, which also stars Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, and Jennifer Connelly, follows an amnesiac man who must discover his true identity while being pursued by the police and a mysterious group of people.
Sutherland highly regards director Alex Proyas, calling him “a real visionary.” While filming Dark City, Sutherland’s career was not at its peak. He recalled meeting Proyas in a hotel lobby and passionately auditioning for the role of Dr. Daniel Schreber, a character who initially appears to assist the protagonist. “I wasn’t going to let it go; I was walking out of there with that job because I really, really wanted it,” Sutherland admitted.
Playing Schreber was a complex task. The character had conflicting interests and physical traits that Sutherland worked hard to portray accurately. “All I wanted to do in creating the voice was a stutter of someone who is so scared that they couldn’t get everything out because they were terribly beaten and terribly abused and yet somehow still have a spark and a wit,” he explained.
Despite the film’s box office struggles, Sutherland fondly remembers the role. He even endured one of the “worst hairstyles of all time” for four months with pride. For Sutherland, Dark City remains a testament to his dedication and passion for acting.
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