While many films stand the test of time, others fade into obscurity. Whether this happens over a period of years or almost instantly upon a film’s release, one thing is clear: The 6th Day has slipped through the cracks of our collective memory to join the ranks of the Films That Time Forgot.
Exactly what constitutes a forgotten film isn’t easy to define., but in The 6th Day‘s case, it’s pretty clear. Despite an intriguing premise and a star-studded cast, it simply isn’t a major part of our collective cultural lexicon. In all truth, it’s hard to understand why, because it’s got all the makings of a sci-fi classic.
The 6th Day follows Adam Gibson, a charter pilot suspicious of the cloning technology that has become commonplace in the near future. Though human cloning is expressly forbidden by the “Sixth Day” law, he returns home one day to find another version of himself with his family. Upon uncovering a corporate conspiracy involving cloning technology, Gibson finds himself (and himself) up against some of the world’s most powerful – and dangerous – people.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Adam Gibson (and his clone), but the film also has an outstanding supporting cast. Alongside Arnie, Tony Goldwyn, RObert Duvall, Michael Rappaport, Michael Rooker, Wendy Crewson, and Sarah Wynter all appear. Terry Crews also features in his feature film debut. So with an impressive cast and an interesting story, why did it fail to find a foothold in movie history?
The 6th Day Is A Solid Sci-Fi Story That Only Lacks In Originality
From a narrative perspective, The 6th Day‘s plot is surprisingly solid. There are very few plot holes (which many sci-fi stories of its ilk are usually rife with) and its central premise is remarkably plausible (well, within its own sci-fi bubble, at least). The film’s hook lies within its central ethical dilemma: the complex issue of cloning and identity.
The 6th Day makes its opinions on these issues clear by way of Adam’s own aversion to technological advancements. He’s a technophobe in almost every sense, persistently lamenting society’s progress and insisting on doing everything “the old fashioned way“. It’s a role that Schwarzenegger plays incredibly well, matching up conceptually with his macho persona.
Ironically, one of The 6th Day‘s major failings is in its lack of innovation. The points it seeks to make are interesting, but ultimately they say nothing that hadn’t already been said dozens of times by the beloved sci-fi writers who clearly inspired its plot. It’s a shame, because it’s a fun film with interesting ideas. Still, the main themes aren’t dissimilar to those of Blade Runner or even Multiplicity.
The 6th Day’s Appropriately Nightmarish Visuals
Considering the film was made in 2000, it faced limitations in regard to bringing its futuristic technology to life. There are moments where this is truly horrifying (Cindy), but ultimately this works in the The 6th Day‘s favor. It’s a visual representation of the horrifying nature of the film’s cloning industry, and it provides some haunting images.
Though The 6th Day has aged well and remains an entertaining sci-fi thriller, the reasons for it being forgotten are clear. It doesn’t offer enough substance or enough style to fully capture the imagination, and that’s a genuine shame. It’s an interesting piece of sci-fi movie history, but it just isn’t substantial enough to have fully stood the test of time.
Rating: 70%
Summary: An imaginative, well-crafted sci-fi thriller, The 6th Day only falls down on its lack of genuine originality.
Highlight: The chase scene in which the disturbing Cindy doll repeatedly talks to the villains is unexpectedly hilarious, as is the abrupt demise of the doll moments later.