The Science of Sleep

Director: Michel Gondry

Starring: Gael García Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg

The Science of Sleep is a dreamy, art-house picture directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). Mexican sensation Gael García Bernal plays Stephane, a man held captive by the people in his dreams, who tries to wake himself up and take control of his own imaginings.

After its launch at the Sundance Film Festival, cinemagoers were said to be compelled by Stephane’s experiences, based on a combination of his dreams and reality, thus creating all sorts of confusion in his life. Like most of Gondry’s work, The Science of Sleep is extremely difficult to describe and has so much potential for multiple viewings. Thanks to its visual wonders, laugh-out-loud comedy moments and a fascinating performance by Bernal, this film is destined to go down in art-house picture history.

Many reviewers have described The Science of Sleep as a real film lover’s film, and I would have to go along with them. This film will not be everybody’s cup of tea. However, if you are able to detach yourself from reality and enter a realm where dreams become part of a person’s everyday life, you will not go home disappointed.

Ricky Wyatt