Greetings And Salutations, and welcome to my review of Sleepwalker; here's the breakdown of my ratings:
Story: 1.50
Direction: 1.00
Pace: 1.25
Acting: 1.25
Enjoyment: 1.25
TOTAL: 6.25 out of 10.00
Sleepwalker being a British movie, I felt obliged to give it a look-see, being an Englishman and all. And though I wasn't overly impressed, I was cordially entertained.
The story, especially the characterisations, is the main driving force behind this short film. Even though the piccy is titled, Sleepwalker, the somnambulism isn't a primary factor, it's secondary, and because it rears its sleepy head at the climax of the narrative, it has the feeling of being bolted on to produce the desired ending. The individuals, their personas, their beliefs, and their relationships create interest and drama for the viewer. Differing viewpoints infuriate and ramp up the tension between them. The toxic relationship between Brother and Sister drives the couple to near violence. And the open flirtatiousness causes unease and insecurity. But these emotions and their deadly outcome are just an Allegory for Britain in the 80s. This comparison is particularly evident in the couples' surnames. Richard and Angela Paradise and Alex and Marion Britain. The Paradise's are the yuppie nouveau-riche, happy to make their money off the backs of others and then rub it in their faces. And because they've been lucky enough to make it, they believe those that don't are lazy and feeble-minded. Brother Britain believes differently. For him, everyone is equal and should have equal opportunities and benefits. They shouldn't be only for the privileged. Sister Britain isn't bothered as she's too absorbed in her loathing and dislikes for her brother. And Mrs Paradise is a conscientious observer. It's a clever little play packed with gripping dialogue and captivating situations. And in a lot of ways, it's a mirror of the population's thoughts at the time.
Saxon Logan is an above-average director. In the main, he lets the play unfold, allowing the narrative, dialogue, and the performers to do the bulk of the work. Logan composes the scenes ideally - Capturing the principal players of the segment perfectly in the frame. When the couples retire to their beds for the night, he adds a cold blue filter to show the bitter temperature of the season and within the house.
A great cast is essential for a production relying heavily on its character-driven story. Sadly, this is not a great cast.
: The performers are good and definitely above-average, but not great. As such, a little of the drive and motivation slip. The best segment is the restaurant. It's here when we get to know more about our quartet, especially Richard Paradise. And the actors and actresses come across okay, though Bill Douglas as Alex Britain is too angry too quickly. It would've been more realistic to have simmering displeasure before the all-out nuclear fury. Joanna David as Angela Paradise is too mousy, even when she has lines. It gives an illusory feel to her performance.
All in all, Sleepwalker is now an enjoyable reminisce of what we once were. As a story in its own right - forget the allegory stuff - it isn't too bad. The conflict is still constant today, even if some of our beliefs and rights have altered. I would happily recommend Sleepwalker to everyone because it's more of a dark drama than horror or thriller. And because it's short, should you dislike it, you'll have wasted only fifty minutes - It's a flick to ponder on while supping a cuppa tea or mugga coffee.
Now, WAKE UP and check my Dramatisation Of Life list to see where I ranked Sleepwalker.
Take Care & Stay Well.
