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 film critic and a contributing editor to Filmmaker magazine.
His history of Chicago “Ghost Signs” in words and images is in the works. Previews on Twitter (twitter.com/chighostsigns) as well as photography on Instagram: instagram.com/raypride.
Twitter: twitter.com/RayPride.
I rarely rave about movies, but without exaggeration it’s truly one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. The movie is a well-written edge-of-your-seat thriller, interlaced with incredible suspense, Hitchcockian elements, a fantastic plot, great intensity, wonderful musical score, and even humor along the way. If you like movies like Memento and the Usual Suspects, and appreciate movies with twists and turns that keep you guessing the entire time, you’ll love this movie. After I saw this movie, I couldn’t stop talking or thinking about it. It’s one of those movies that stays in your mind… Read more »