I am not a movie academic, but I do love movies, particularly independent releases. Just today I saw Science of Sleep. I didn't go into the movie with the highest of expectations, but I had a pleasant time with this very eccentric, visual movie. This creative piece offers us a psychedelic lens to view the eternal, cross-cultural dilemma of the terror of falling in love, particularly for the shy and insecure. Many humans go to great lengths (like the main characters, Stephane and Stephanie) to push love away - saying insensitive things, starting fights, and more tangibly, leaving the scene completely). Stephane, gloriously played by Gael Garcia Bernal, is on the extreme wing of insecurity and imagination. Like so many of us, he is frightened to death of finding someone who can relate to his highly creative self, and moreover, someone who might actually be good for him. Charlotte Gainsborough is perfection as the modern Parisian girl who is dubious about relationships and doubts her attractiveness, yet still exudes an aura of someone who is authentic and knows herself (and others)rather well.
Science of Sleep was a nice break from movies that reflect the pathos of unrequited love in more serious tones. This movie combines profound themes with the humor of the ridiculous, in a wildly textured setting.
Science of Sleep was a nice break from movies that reflect the pathos of unrequited love in more serious tones. This movie combines profound themes with the humor of the ridiculous, in a wildly textured setting.