Review of The Science of Sleep (2006) by Kylie P — 21 Feb 2010

From September 23, 2008:

The Science of Sleep had a lot of potential - and it didn't completely disappoint. Likable were the creative visual imagery using low-tech graphics and various creative properties through a stunning, visionary art direction that lent itself very well to the premise. If nothing else, the images presented in the film were engaging, amusing and quite innovative. It was almost adorable to behold how the movie cameras in Stephane's dream talk show were made out of cardboard boxes, and that the water for the forest in the boat was made out of different colored bits of cellophane, and stuffed animals were patched together velveteen things that became stars of the dreams and the real-life play (theatrical and romantic) between Stephane and Stephanie. Also likable was Gondry's vision for the piece (he also wrote it).

The story and the film itself were quite original, even unique. Yet, it was hard to sympathize with Stephane, who had a tangible creepy factor about him, no matter how involuntary. Stephanie even calls him a creep at one point, and yet he never outgrows these tendencies. On the one hand, his ingrained awkwardness is pitiful and pitiable, for he's clearly trying to succeed in the real life situations that differ so dramatically from his dreamed-up scenarios, to the point that he actually cries from frustration. On the other hand, his lack of touch with reality is hard to connect with.

It was hard to feel compelled by what was ultimately something of the tragic love story between these two similarly-named folk, especially since the performances by the two leads were lacking in consistency. Bernal had more of the challenge, but his performance was as erratic as Stephane's waking moods. He made some odd choices that served to alienate the viewer from Stephane more than endear him. Gainsbourg's performance was decidedly distant, even cold, and it was hard to be remotely convinced as to why she would suffer Stephane's unusual personality to begin with, platonically or otherwise. When all is said and done, though, The Science of Sleep is a pleasurable movie-watching experience, and its inventive story and charming arts-and-craftsy art direction are the heart and soul of that experience.