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 The
Science of Sleep
Science des rêves, La
Starring: Gael García
Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Alain Chabat (as you've never seen him
if you know him)
Directed (written) by: Michel Gondry
Bluntly
speaking? Michel Gondry is to visual art as Van Gogh
is to post-impressionism; vivid bold and fearless, the seam of
reality is present but still, you’re never quite sure where
they will lead your emotions while taking an established art form
to a different level. The Science of Sleep is a beaux
arts masterpiece of celluloid, while being an almost pedestrian
film. The scenario is generic and I felt like Gondry was more
interested in veering off into animated cerebral wizardry then
sticking to some silly tired script; even though he wrote it.
And, I mean that in a nice way. If you’re a fan of Gondry’s
work run; others may sit RCA dogged towards the end… ce
qui jamais est il pour ceux qui savent de toute façon.
Story goes,
Stephane (Gael García Bernal) has moved back to Paris to live with
his mum after the untimely death of his father in Mexico. The new world
is hard to brave. He’s even thrown into a room creepy-same as when
he was a boy residing on the same flat.
He
meets his neighbor, Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and her friend
Zoë (Emma de Caunes). An awkward relationship blooms, in
that "tormented feelings" realm films love to explore.
But, as his affection blossoms, so does Stephane‘s dreamstate
imagination. Seems timid little Stephane has a bit of a narcoleptic
problem. His dreams often intrude into his everyday - he sleepwalks
- frequently; which you can imagine makes trouble with those not
in a slumber state around him, and in the hands of a mind like
Gondry's invites us into to this fantasmalically electric pronged
dreamland - complete with Naked Lunchy typewriters!
What
ever. The film’s not about the plot here. It’s about
writer director Michel
Gondry’s ability to transform film into moving art –
literally. Cleverisms collide with strokes of brilliance. Gondry
had free reign here and it showed. It’s very much like his
musical videos in long format, though sans a Jon
Brion soundtrack. The beauty of the film is so remarkable
you’ll forgive some of the expansive lulls, and relish in
the manipulation of film abounding around you. I imagine it’s
akin to seeing a creative brouhaha like Yellow Submarine
new – before CGI ripped manual skill from a boy and his
camera. The Science of Sleep also has a biographic sway
as well; Gondry dips into his own life for some of this magic
for sure. Viola!
Snack
recommendation:
Poussin with Foie Gras
Zip over to
you tube and watch David Cross and Gondry do a little le poop de video->
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lrZU-hZVfBM
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