Taking a break from the AFI project for a smidge (or at least while I procured the next entry, Apocalypse Now, from another's video collection), Netflix sent me my second Michel Gondry film, The Science of Sleep. I was looking forward to watching this one; the fantastical premise was highly attractive, as I am a fantasy lover (see The Imagination of Fantasy Spout group and join up!). Also, I am one of those people that really kind of love Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, even if it is ridiculously stereotypically suburban of me to do so. Therefore, the Science of Sleep had a lot of potential - and it didn't completely disappoint. Not completely.
Shy, introverted, socially and emotionally awkward Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal) has difficulty separating his dreams from reality, even when he's awake, and he sorts through several issues, such as the recent death of his father, through the tangled web of colorful images in his dreams. His mother gets him a job at a calendar company, even though he wants to be a graphic artist, and his quirky co-workers become primary players in his dream worlds. His complicated perspective complicates further when Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) moves into the apartment next door. Stephane is drawn to her and decides to unleash the dream world and expose Stephanie to his fanciful visions, to mixed results.
I liked this film, but I didn't love it. I liked the creative visual imagery using low-tech graphics and various creative properties through a stunning, visionary art direction that lent itself very well to the premise. If nothing else, the images presented in the film were engaging, amusing and quite innovative. I liked how the movie cameras in Stephane's dream talk show were made out of cardboard boxes, and that the water for the forest in the boat was made out of different colored bits of cellophane, and stuffed animals were patched together velveteen things that became stars of the dreams and the real-life play (theatrical and romantic) between Stephane and Stephanie. I also generally liked Gondry's vision for the piece (he also wrote it).
I further concede that the story and the film itself were quite original, even unique. Yet, it was hard to sympathize with Stephane, who had a tangible creepy factor about him, no matter how involuntary. Stephanie even calls him a creep at one point, and yet he never outgrows these tendencies. On the one hand, his ingrained awkwardness is pitiful and pitiable, for he's clearly trying to succeed in the real life situations that differ so dramatically from his dreamed-up scenarios, to the point that he actually cries from frustration. On the other hand, his lack of touch with reality is hard to connect with, at least for me, and I'm an experienced escapist. I just couldn't help thinking that if I were Stephanie, I would think Stephane too much of a project to be worth the trouble, and his inappropriate verbalizations, such as some of his more sexist and perverted jokes, would only be icing on that crazy cake.
It was hard to feel compelled by what was ultimately something of the tragic love story between these two similarly-named folk, especially since the performances by the two leads were lacking in consistency. Bernal had more of the challenge, but his performance was as erratic as Stephane's waking moods. He made some odd choices that served to alienate me from Stephane more than endear me to him. Gainsbourg's performance was decidedly distant, even cold, and it was hard to be remotely convinced as to why she would suffer Stephane's unusual personality to begin with, platonically or otherwise.
When all is said and done, though, The Science of Sleep is a pleasurable movie-watching experience, and its inventive story and charming arts-and-craftsy art direction are the heart and soul of that experience. I think the film deserves a 7.5, between shaky/entertaining and minor flaws/very good, since the film has its flaws but left me feeling entertained enough. As for the test, the jury's out. I don't feel as if I want to own this one, but I wouldn't mind watching it again. If nothing else, it's a wonderful film to watch before bedtime, since there's not much science to be had.