Perchance to dream

You'll probably remember Michel Gondry for his quirky film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which was co-written by Charlie Kaufman. His latest work The Science of Sleep is the first feature film he has directed from his own script.

This is a wacky romantic comedy which seemingly takes place mostly in the brain of incessant dreamer Stephane Miroux (Gael Garcia Bernal) whose dreams rather interfere with his real life. When sleeping he is the host of "Stephane TV" in a fantasy studio made out of egg cartons, bits of cardboard boxes and a shower curtain. Here he runs shows about cooking up dreams and other fanciful flights of imagination.

After the death of his father in Mexico Stephane returns to his childhood home in Paris, where his mother (Miou-Miou) arranges a job with a calender publisher. He is guided in his new position by Guy (Alain Chabat) who becomes his boisterous friend. Stephane finds the work menial and tries to interest the company is his "disaster calender" naturally without much success.

Meantime across the hall from his apartment Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) has moved in, complete with a piano that causes a major problem on the stairs. Stephane soon falls for the new neighbour, but Stephanie while she likes Stephane is totally bemused by his uncertain hold on reality. Stephane tries to win her interest with some of his extraordinary inventions like a time machine and a galloping toy horse. Asleep he designs vast cities made from cardboard tubes, and writes a crazy best selling novel as he searches in his dreams for the way to win Stephanie's heart.

Its all very whimsical having backgrounds that are reminiscent of 1960's Euro stop motion cartoons commanding as much of your attention as the actors themselves. There is a touch of Terry Gilliam at times in the more enchanting moments. Both Gael Garcia Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg are sufficiently fey to have a subtle charm however the lack of plot doesn't hold it together for me at least. Bernal (Babel, The Motorcycle Diaries) manages to give the childlike Stephane some credibility, while Gainsbourg (21 Grams, Lemming) adds sensitivity to the modest feminine attraction of her character.

As imaginative as Gondry's flights of fancy can be the best parts of the movie are anchored in reality, the piano crashing down the stars, or the comedy exchanges provided by Alain Chabat and other nutty workers at the publishing house. It's the sort of movie that will either charm you to bits or irritate you depending on your temperament with its quirky surrealism. If you are in the mood for a light romantic fantasy with stylish oddball visuals then it's not a bad nights entertainment.

John Bale

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Scince of Sleep

Our rating:

Director: Michel Gondry
Cast: Gael Garcia Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alain Chabat
Release: 3 May, 2007
Rated: M

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