Review of I Don't Want to Sleep Alone (2006) by Richard S — 16 Dec 2007

I've often appreciated Tsai's still shots and sordid locales, but after moving to "the city", I Don't Want to Sleep Alone resonated with me in unexpected ways. I can't say if it's better or worse than his other work. It's been a while since I've watched any of it, but despite a few slow segments (far fewer than expected, really), it's full of just what one would expect from his work- gorgeously photographed alienation and awkwardness.

It's nearly wordless, but the sound design is excellent. Music ranges from Malaysian pop to more baroque bits. Even without music, the natural sounds and the characters struggles to breathe/communicate/connect in the midst of a stifling haze, are memorable.

If you've never seen his work, keep in mind that he works in largely static shots, focuses on the banality of daily life, inserts moments of sheer provocation, finds little use for plot and is often accused of being detached and boring. Maybe Goodbye Dragon Inn would be a nice place to start. That gives you a taste of his style, but is also a nice homage to cinema in general.