Sleepwalking – DVD Review

I have a weakness for small independent films. More specifically, I have a strong curiosity for the even lesser known ones with established Hollywood actors. There’s just something very enticing about seeing high paid actors doing a project that must have spoken to them in some personal way, enough to where it was worth the pay cut. Sadly, this fascination of mine has lead to many a disappointing movie nights. After a few dozen of these unfortunate experiences, you’d think I’d have learned my lesson by now.

Alas…

Sleepwalking is a story about a group of actors who should seriously consider firing their agents small town guy by the name of James Reedy. James is the type of guy that’s simply trying to make it through life with as few problems as possible. When his sister, Joleen, suddenly invites him into her life problems after her latest boyfriend was caught growing pot, he’s suddenly now housing both her and her 13-year-old daughter, Tara. Ultimately, James finds himself in the charge of young Tara and begins to question his ability to take care of someone other than himself. With the threat of Social Services taking young Tara away, he makes the sudden decision to go on the lam with her. What follows is your typical “finding something within yourself” story.

As much as I would like to give Sleepwalking the benefit of the doubt and see it for the well meaning movie that it’s trying to be, it relies so heavily on cliches from years gone by that it’s almost impossible to over look how slapped together everything was. Add on top of that the practically insulting sub plot of a woman who’s only means of taking care of herself and young daughter is by another man’s good graces, and it becomes hard to lay off the story. One thing in films like this that always manage to rub me the wrong way is when a writer will opt to tell the audience why something is important rather than show us. It’s a cheap, predictable and, worst of all, easy way out.

Sleepwalking is a constant barrage of these moments, with only a spattering of scenes that actually show us — due to a series of unfortunate events that got them there in the first place — the hardship the characters are forced to endue.

What’s most depressing while watching this movie is seeing the compelling story under the surface that is constantly screaming to be seen and heard. Instead, the story constantly relies of cliche advancements and character arcs with predictable turns. Playing out like a series of self righteous diatribes, talking about how hard life can be without actually showing us their struggles. The final act in the film also follows an annoying trend of late, where we see our main characters transplanted to an entirely new surrounding; introducing yet another character that is never properly fleshed out in the beginning enough for us to have the slightest bit of emotional connection. Which then fails to properly pay off any of the set-ups from the films first two acts.

Nick Stahl and AnnaSophia Robb are talented actors who keep the sappiness of the screenplay to a minimum and even at times rise it above any level the story actually deserves. Whereas both Charlize Theron and Dennis Hopper are the polar opposite. The former spends the majority of the film teary-eyed, and the latter hams up his performance to levels rarely seen on screen. The only other performance of note is Woody Harrelson, who appears to be having a ball with the minor amount of screen time he shares compared to the rest of the cast.

Sleepwalking might very well be the film by which to measure all overly melodramatic indie fare for the foreseeable future. The performance by the two leads certainly make it tolerable, and there are more than enough minor moments here that keep the story watchable, but overall it’s just another movie that tries too hard while taking the easy road. It isn’t a movie about characters or events, it’s a series of speeches.

Sleepwalking is presented on DVD in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. Apart from a few scenes with some very minor haloing and pixilation, the transfer on this DVD is relatively spotless. It perfectly captures the depressing and bleak cinematography which matches the depressing and bleak story. Also available on the disc is the fullscreen version of the film.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is equally satisfactory, with some fine usage of rear speakers to emphasize the harsh weather environments. Other than that, it keeps the dialogue track crisp and clear with only a few instances of the score feeling a bit overpowering.

A Mother’s Shame, A Family’s Pain: The Making of Sleepwalking (16:12) – As with most behind the scenes featurettes, this one has a healthy dose of back slapping. Thankfully, most of that is washed away once the cast and crew are finished praying at the alter of Charlize. What follows is a nicely edited together piece with the cast discussing their individual roles, their co-stars and what brought them to the project. Also talked about is the weather conditions during the shoot, all inter cut with on set footage.

You’ll also find the film’s Theatrical Trailer on the DVD.

Like I said, Sleepwalking might very well be the film by which to measure all overly melodramatic indie fare for the foreseeable future. The performance by the two leads certainly make it tolerable, and there are more than enough minor moments here that keep the story watchable, but overall it’s just another movie that tries too hard while taking the easy road. It isn’t a movie about characters or events, it’s a series of speeches.

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Anchor Bay Entertainment presents Sleepwalking. Directed by William Maher. Starring Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb, Charlize Theron, Dennis Hopper, Woody Harrelson. Written by Zac Stanford. Running time: 101 minutes. Rated R. Released on DVD: July 8, 2008. Available at Amazon.com.