Darker Than Amber: The Fusion of Sleaze and Private Eye Narratives in Film - Movie Outlines - Backstage, Briefs, Movie reviews and ratings by Film Critic

Dive into the Depths: Exploring the Realm of 'Dark' Media

Ever find yourself drawn to stories that lack sunshine and rainbows? You're not alone. The allure of the 'dark' side in fiction is strong. Let's stroll through films, anime, and books that embrace the night. From gritty thrillers to supernatural anime, we will explore 'dark' media. Embrace the gloom with wit.

Darker Than Amber (1970): When Sleaze Meets Private Eye

First up is Darker Than Amber, a 1970 film that is pure pulp. Picture a private eye who drinks whiskey for every meal. That's our hero, Rod Taylor. He and his buddy, Theodore Bikel, use a woman, Suzy Kendall, as bait. The plan is to lure out killer crooks. She resembles a past victim, creating a dangerous game.

This film is not an original Hollywood screenplay. It draws from literature. Darker Than Amber (1966) is the seventh novel in John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee series. If you enjoy the film's vibe, read the book for an unfiltered McGee experience. Be ready for hardboiled prose and morally ambiguous characters. It’s all part of the charm.

Darker Than Black (2007-2010): Anime with Abilities and Anomalies

Now, we journey from 70s crime to the neon-colored anime realm. We discuss Darker Than Black, a Japanese series that premiered in 2007. Created by Tensai Okamura, it ran until 2010. The show offers plenty of dark action and intrigue. Think spies, superpowers, and spatial anomalies blended into a stylish anime.

The Genesis of Darkness: Creation and Inspiration

Great anime comes from talented teams, and Darker Than Black is no exception. Studio Bones animated this vision. If you liked the initial series, there’s more! Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor continues the saga. Most original crew returned, ensuring dark goodness persists. Explore more on its Wikipedia page.

Where did Okamura get inspiration? Character designer Yūji Iwahara significantly influenced him. Iwahara’s work on Koudelka sparked Okamura's imagination. The narrative structure drew from Japanese dramas that split stories into two-episode arcs. It’s a blend of aesthetics and episodic storytelling that gives Darker Than Black its unique flavor.

Plot Unveiled: Gates, Contractors, and Espionage

The plot of Darker Than Black is wild. Tokyo gets a mysterious anomaly called "Hell's Gate." This gate alters the landscape and births 'Contractors' with extraordinary abilities. Sounds exciting? There’s a catch. After 'Heaven's War,' the United States loses its top status to a shadowy group called the Syndicate.

Enter Hei, our protagonist. He's a Chinese Contractor, known as "Hei" or "Black" in Japanese. He’s a super-powered spy and assassin for the Syndicate in Tokyo. The series follows him through espionage and assassination missions directed by his handlers. If you wish to learn more about the first season, visit the Wikipedia page for Darker than Black season 1.

But wait! Hei takes on a protégé, Suo Pavlichenko, training her to defend herself. She becomes a Contractor too! Things complicate when Hei and his comrades search for Shion and Yin, who has taken a dark turn. The stakes are high, shrouded in shadows. When these Gates appeared, the real sky vanished, replaced by a false one. It's quite dramatic.

In a climactic showdown, Hei stops Izanami from harming Suo described as self-defense. Yet in this world of Contractors and shadowy groups, can anything be self-defense? This questioning is a theme Darker Than Black explores.

Meet the Players: Characters in the Shadows

Let’s look at key players in this dark anime drama.

Hei (Li Shenshun): Our main man, referred to as Hei or Li Shenshun. He’s the Contractor performing tasks for the Syndicate. "Hei" means "Black" in Japanese, fitting his shadowy nature. For more on Hei, visit the Wikipedia page about Hei.
Amber (February): Don't let the name fool you; Amber is cold. Codenamed February, she’s the first confirmed Contractor and a former MI-6 agent turned Syndicate member. After 'Heaven's War,' she forms an organization named Evening Primrose. Talk about a complicated backstory.
Bai: Bai's name is mysterious but has importance for Hei. Hei initially joined the Syndicate for Bai's sake. What does that mean? That mystery adds depth.
Mao: Mao is a unique Contractor. He lost his original body and now lives in a black cat’s body. Yes, you read that right; he is a Contractor in cat form. It's anime; anything is possible.
Suo Pavlichenko: This young Eurasian girl from Vladivostok enters the Contractor world when Hei mentors her. She lives with her father, Dr. Mikhail Pavliche. Her life dramatically shifts as she becomes a Contractor.
Misaki Kirihara: Misaki sparks romantic speculation with Hei. Yet romance isn’t central; their relationship hints at a 'what if' scenario in dimly lit rooms.

Key Elements: Contractors, Dolls, and Gates

To grasp Darker Than Black, you need to know key concepts.

Contractors: They aren’t friendly superheroes. Contractors possess powers but pay a price. Each has an involuntary compulsion they must fulfill after using abilities, adding to their psychological complexity.
Dolls: Dolls are emotionless beings mimicking humans. They function mainly as reconnaissance using "observer spirits." Think emotionless spies gathering intel without feelings.
Heaven's War: This pivotal event altered the Darker Than Black universe. When Heaven's Gate vanished, Bai's power transferred to Hei. According to Amber, Bai exists within Hei, adding mystery to his abilities.
The Syndicate: This shadowy group plays a major role after 'Heaven's War.' They rise as the US loses its superpower status. Their motives drive the series' overarching plot.

Themes of Darkness: Stars, Tone, and Shadows

The name Darker Than Black signifies the series' embrace of darkness.

Stars Disappearing: The vanishing stars after the Gates appear is a motif. Hei's star number is BK201 (BK for Black). It symbolizes the loss of the real sky replaced by an artificial dark cover.
Dark Tone: The series embodies darkness with its serious themes and aesthetic.
tone. Espionage, assassination, moral ambiguity, and characters dealing with their powers. This is the essence. If you seek something light and fluffy, look elsewhere. This anime does not fit that bill.

Streaming in the Shadows: Where to Watch

Want to enter the dark realm of Contractors and Gates? You have choices! Darker Than Black streams on many platforms.

Prime Video: You can watch Darker Than Black on Amazon Prime Video.
Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll carries Darker Than Black in its catalog.
Google Play: Find Darker Than Black: Season 1 on Google Play.
Fandango at Home (Vudu): For purchasing options, Fandango at Home (Vudu) has Darker Than Black: Season 1.

The Dark (Films): Folk Horror and Undead Teenagers

Switching from anime to film, we consider The Dark. There are multiple films with this title, so let's clarify.

The Dark (2005): Folk Horror on the Isle of Man

First, we examine The Dark from 2005. It fits the folk horror genre. Stars include Sean Bean and Maria Bello. Directed by John Fawcett, it is based on Simon Maginn's 1994 novel, Sheep. Filmed on the eerie Isle of Man, the location enhances the spooky tone. If folklore and chilling scenery entice you, this may suit your taste.

The Dark (2018): Austrian Horror with a Twist

Fast forward to 2018. Another film called The Dark appears. This Austrian horror film was penned and directed by Justin P. Lange. Cast members are Nadia Alexander, Toby Nichols, and Karl Markovics. This version brings a more modern angle to horror.

The story involves an undead teen who forms a bond with a blind boy suffering abuse. Intriguing, isn't it? Mina protects Alex from threats, transforming into a guardian for him. Their relationship explores trauma, survival, and perhaps even flickers of humanity amidst darkness. This film may change your perception of "monster movie" night.

In the Dark (2013): TV Movie of Adjustment and Care

Now, we delve into In the Dark, a 2013 TV movie. This narrative leans towards psychological themes. It revolves around a woman who, after an accident, hires a caretaker for her transition into blindness. "In the dark" takes on a new meaning, examining the struggles of living without sight and how they affect the caretaker's role. It's a unique take on 'dark,' showcasing internal challenges and adjustment.

Darken (Movie): Mazes and Bloody Battles

For the fantastical, consider Darken (movie). It immerses viewers in a parallel universe with maze-like chambers. A benevolent overseer called Mother Darken protects its residents. However, an outsider disrupts this peace, joining a violent revolution. Mazes and battles await. If you crave complicated worlds and high-stakes action, Darken could be for you.