Review: Sleeper

Year: 1973

Genre: Sci-Fi Comedy

Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, John Beck, Mary Gregory & Don Keefer

Director: Woody Allen

Overview: After being frozen for 200 years Miles Monroe (Allen) is awakened to find a dystopian future run by an oppressive dictator. The scientists (Gregory and Keefer) who thawed him are part of an underground movement that wants to use him to infiltrate "The Aries Project" a top secret government operation that has been kept under wraps. After eluding authorities Miles disguises himself as a robot and becomes a butler for socialite Luna Schlosser (Keaton). After being discovered Miles take Luna hostage and both go out to contact the underground and uncover the truth behind The Aries Project.

Writing: Being penned by Woody Allen one can assume the script will at least have a few clever lines. Two years before his mainstream success with Annie Hall, Sleeper still remains Allen's most accessible comedy. Though there are a few slapstick moments and broad humor, the script is far from the disposable scatological messes that come out of Lorne Michael's workshop. Loosely based on H.G. Wells and George Orwell's dystopian manuscripts, Sleeper has all the sophistication of classic sci-fi but told in a much lighter tone than the average Jules Verne novel.

Directing: Definitely shot during the 70's Sleeper suffers from the softer lenses and "groovy" style of the time. The future in this movie isn't displayed with the gray and dreary tints of say Minority Report or I Robot nor the sheer awe of Back to the Future Part II, instead it looks just like what passed as contemporary at the time. The only addition are the bizarre machines that, though may be interesting to fathom are never given their due. Take the orgazmatron which does exactly what you'd expect. People enter and exit a moment later with a goofy smile on their face which is met with mixed results depending on the person. That being said there are still some very absurdest glee in this movie including giant fruit and livestock to a robot confessional. This movie brings wackiness to its logical limit.

Acting: Like the Bing Crosby/Bob Hope "Road" movies, this film is essentially a two person show. Sure there are other actors in the film but only Allen and Keaton really matter. What surprises me about this movie is how un-verbose Allen's character is in comparison to his other roles. Famous for playing insecure semi-intellectuals expelling quasi-psychological babel, Woody seems to not have honed in his talents instead focusing on broader humor with some very funny results. Though I appreciate Allen's later roles and films, sometimes a goofy face can have more comedic effect than self-deprecation. Keaton likewise does a commendable job as a socialite who is unwittingly kidnapped by madcap Allen but unlike her stronger role in Annie Hall, she is stuck playing the straight man to Allen's schtick.

Bankability: Though there are many priceless moments in this flick, Sleeper does suffer from the mid-plot doldrums. A few scenes during the second act seem unnecessary and only serve as an attempt to make Miles more three-dimensional (Not a good idea in a scatological comedy). In its defense however the humor is not as worn as Woody Allen's Bananas or a dismal as Curse of the Jade Scorpion.

ALL-Factor: Does it make you chuckle, yes absolutely. But the characters are unsympathetic and occasionally dull, the set design and cinematography have faded with time and unlike most classic science fiction, nothing stays with you after the credits roll.

Conclusion: Sleeper is a must see for Woody Allen fans. Filled with amusing one liners and hilarious sight gags Sleeper is a clear testament to Allen's comedy skills. That being said, the average viewer might find this film a little lackluster at times. Ultimately it is worth taking a look at for those looking for something to watch on a Saturday night.