Science of Sleep or La Science des rêves as it is beautifully called in french is the new film written and directed by Michael Gondry, who also directed (and co-wrote) the original Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Now both Eternal Sunshine and The Science of Sleep are different and original. Don’t let this scare you, Eternal Sunshine might be a bit confusing, but see it one more time and feel things falling in place and you’ll see what a brilliant film it is. And it will make you think. Would you want to erase some memories from your mind? I think I have some that I wouldn’t miss.
The Science of Sleep is an equally interesting and original film. Stephan, played by the always watchable Gael Garcia Bernal, is a man who has difficulties to distinguish between dreams and real life. Stephan work at a small printer office as a calender designer, but is really an inventor. He invents things like communicating devices, 3-D glasses through which you can see life in 3-D (Stephanie : Isn’t life already in 3-D?
Stephane: Yeah but, come on.), and the best thing – a time machine, which wouldn’t be out of place in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy film.
The film successfully and beautifully mixes animation (stop motion – when we are in Stephane’s head) and “real life”. He is a bit of a weird guy for people who don’t understand him (I completely understand him) and falls in love with the girl next door, in a way so adorable and clumsy that you wish he was living next door to you. The beautiful thing is that this girl understands him very well and she has no problem whatsoever to accompany him in his world. Of course they have to conquer some obstacles, but when they drive off to the artificial horizon in the end, on the most beautiful horse I have ever seen on film, you feel like a better person.
I absolutely recommend you to see this film, with a good friend or your partner if you are lucky enough to have one, because this is a rom-com you wouldn’t want to miss. Give it a chance to settle in your head the first 10 minutes, as things seems weird in the beginning, but it will all fall in place. Everything in it’s right place. And love is all you need.
Stephane: Will you marry me when you are seventy and have nothing to lose?
I bought the DVD of Science of Sleep over two weeks ago, yet still haven’t watched it. That is SO unlike me! Perhaps this weekend.
I’ve been a great fan of time travel movies since I was a little girl, seeing Rod Taylor in The Time Machine, made in 1960. The concept is fascinating.
(Ingrid’s awesome voyage begins soon, and we should all leave our good wishes here for her, as she travels through time herself.)
Have a wonderful trip, Ingrid, be open to new experiences (the unusual food should be surprising) and be safe and trouble-free.
i’ve not heard of this movie, but i’ll keep a lookout! prob hav not reached singapore shores yet :)
i stumbled upon your blog.. i like your writing style! all the best
I agree with Michele. So, Ingrid, while you are packing your belongings (don’t forget the motion sickness pills for Davy, he might not be used to long distance train riding), I am sending my best wishes for your exciting journey. Take good care of yourself, collect as many impressions as you can, gain new experiences, get wiser, and – above all – enjoy your trip.
Yes, have a wonderful trip, take lots of your marvellous photos and return safely with tales to tell.
Thank you so very much for all the kind words! I’ll do my best to come back with some interesting stories to tell. Can’t guarantee anything though! :)
And yes I have pills for Davy :-)
Take care!
I’ve seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and loved it so I will definately be checking that out!