Marginal thriller-manqué “In My Sleep” has one of those unfortunate titles just right for those with ripe tomatoes at the ready: it’s one of those phrases like “in bed” or “in my pants” that take the piss out of any sentence or title. Sleepwalking is the gimmick in writer-director Allen Wolf’s “In My Sleep,” about Marcus (Philip Winchester), a man with “parasomnia” who awakes one morning in a strange bed daubed in blood and a knife at his side. Conversations ensue. In bed. In my sleep. The attempt to construct a thriller without an overt antagonist is worthy: the beasts that lie within are uneasy ones. Wolf cites painter Giorgio de Chirico as an influence, and a couple of images are memorable, especially Marcus’ buff form in canary-yellow briefs contorted in fetal repose and the distorting character of water. The Bernard Herrmann-esque score amuses. With Philip Winchester, Tim Draxl and the toothy, cheery Lacey Chabert as his neighbor-cum-sounding board. 105m. (Ray Pride)
“In My Sleep” opens Friday at Facets. Wolf will appear after Friday and Saturday’s 7pm and 9pm shows.
Ray Pride is Newcity’s Senior Editor and Film Critic. He is a contributing editor of Filmmaker magazine.
Ray’s history of Chicago Ghost Signs is planned for publication next year. Previews of the project are on Twitter and on Instagram. More photography on Instagram.
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Marginal thriller-manqué “In My Sleep” has one of those unfortunate titles just right for those with ripe tomatoes at the ready: it’s one of those phrases like “in bed” or “in my pants” that take the piss out of any sentence or title. Sleepwalking is the gimmick in writer-director Allen Wolf’s “In My Sleep,” about Marcus (Philip Winchester), a man with “parasomnia” who awakes one morning in a strange bed daubed in blood and a knife at his side. Conversations ensue. In bed. In my sleep. The attempt to construct a thriller without an overt antagonist is worthy: the beasts that lie within are uneasy ones. Wolf cites painter Giorgio de Chirico as an influence, and a couple of images are memorable, especially Marcus’ buff form in canary-yellow briefs contorted in fetal repose and the distorting character of water. The Bernard Herrmann-esque score amuses. With Philip Winchester, Tim Draxl and the toothy, cheery Lacey Chabert as his neighbor-cum-sounding board. 105m. (Ray Pride)
