Review - The Science of Sleep

French director Michael Gondry, who has graduated from music videos to feature films, tackles another unusual take on a classic love story, much like his previous feature “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Stéphane Miroux (Gael García Bernal) has moved from Mexico to Paris at the insistence of his widowed mother. He finds a dreary job at a calendar publisher, where his sexist, pigish boss Guy (Alain Chabat) constantly chides him, but is also oddly supportive and friendly towards him. Stéphane's rather humdrum life is made more exciting when Stéphanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) moves in to the apartment opposite. Stéphane initially has an eye for Stéphanie's room mate but soon falls in love with Stéphanie herself, and desperately tries to woo her.

As we follow Stéphane's attempts to romance Stéphanie we learn a lot about both characters. Stéphane's father has passed away and this haunts Stéphane greatly. His over-active imagination leads to vivid dreams where his fears and hopes are brought to life in surreal ways. Amongst the themes explored in his dreams are his relationships with his family, including his deceased father, his co-workers and with Stéphanie. These are tackled well and although they are fantasy sequences there's truth and realism to them. Stéphanie also appears to have a vivid imagination, putting it to practical use creating whimsical and inventive art. She is also somewhat withdrawn and introverted like Stéphane, but as the film goes on she seems more willing to come out of her shell unlike Stéphane who frequently retreats to his dream world.

Stéphane's highly stylised dream sequences are a highlight of the film. Using a mixture of live action and stop motion they are witty and really bring across the unique other worldly feel that dreams have, where the extraordinary seems ordinary and everything is not quite what it seems. Outside of the dreams the film is amusing and entertaining, and Stéphane's and Stéphanie's tale is a charming one. At least until the last half hour, where Stéphane, his romantic advances repeatedly rejected by Stéphanie, becomes more self centered, difficult and arrogant (Stéphanie just calls him “creepy”.) The final act will divide viewers and some will be annoyed by Stéphane acting like a spoiled child – stamping his feet until he gets his own way. Other viewers (including myself) will recognise that's just how people behave sometimes – they may not realise how annoying they're being.

Despite the polarising final thirty minutes, Science of Sleep has a lot going for it. As well as excellent leading performances from Bernal and Gainsbourg, there's a colourful supporting cast, a pleasant soundtrack and lovely French scenery. All of this combines to make The Science of Sleep an enjoyably arty movie.