Sleeper (1973)

Sadly Over-hyped

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Sleeper is a great comedy science fiction- a sub- genre which barely has any recommendations. Set in a future with Government oppression Woody Allen plays his usual neurotic self and is ably supported by a gorgeous Diane Keaton. Sleeper is one of the most underrated Allen films and there is no reason why you shouldn't see this one.

Miles Monroe (Woody Allen) was frozen in 1973 and rediscovered 200 years later. He's a clarinet player who ran a health food store. He has been revived by anti-government scientists who opposed the dictatorial leader. The world is completely changed. The rebels want Miles to infiltrate the leader's mysterious "Aries Project" because he has no identity. When the authorities capture the rebels, Miles escape into this futuristic world. He disguise himself as a robot butler in socialite Luna Schlosser (Diane Keaton)'s home. He later kidnaps her and fall in love. It's outlandish, silly and most importantly fun. There is wacky slapstick comedy and pointed commentary. The 70s style sci-fi and the pop culture references are dated. Nevertheless, it's still loads of fun broad comedy.

Not among my favourites of Woody Allen's films, but among his better ones and a contender for his best and most polished film pre-Annie Hall. The last third is not quite as good as the rest, not as fun and the pace is a little draggy in spots. However if you love Woody Allen you will love Sleeper, it is one of his funniest films and along with The Purple Rose of Cairo one of his most accessible too, non-fans even might like it too. Visually it is perhaps his most polished pre-Annie Hall film and unlike some of his earlier films like What's Up Tiger Lily? there is a sense he was finding his voice(which he properly found in Annie Hall). The jazz score is wonderfully soulful and seductive, the story goes at a very brisk pace(if there is any Woody Allen film that you'd call "boring", a word I hate using when reviewing films, Sleeper would definitely not be it), and the surrealistic quality it adopts is hypnotic and is not misplaced at all. The script and gags are among Allen's funniest(laugh-a-minute quality) and to the point, the part where Allen disguises himself as a robot is definitely a stand-out and ranks among the funniest he's ever done. The dialogue is brilliantly witty and very quotable. Viewers will also enjoy the homages to past great comedians like Chaplin and Keaton as well. Allen directs assuredly and gives a great comedic performances that ranks among his best, and Diane Keaton's is one of her most alluring and charming, her comic timing not disappointing either. Overall, quite brilliant, not quite among Allen's masterpieces but it does ranks among the better end of his filmography. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I have watched Sleeper dozens of times and use in my English class as contrast to Brave New World and 1984. Still holds up after 40 years.Cloning is now a possibility and the condemnation of health food beliefs is classic.There are too many outstanding scenes to count,but the computerized robotic confessional and forgiveness of sins resonates with all Roman Catholics. This is a film I would like to see on TCM or other classic movie channel. I believe Woody Allen is a modern Charlie Chaplin-I don't appreciate his contemporary films,but this one is a hoot. I would like to see it recognized as a comedy classic.