The Science Of Sleep

Michel Gondry is a creative visionary par excellence. He could be also be accurately described as totally off his rocker. His latest film, The Science Of Sleep, is so bizarre, you will be scratching your head and chuckling in bemusement. Gondry is one of those select few which can be classed as a risk-taker; you will have never seen a film like this before. Even his creative flourishes in Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind pale in comparison to the all-out, stream-of-consciousness approach to this film.

The basic premise is that Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal, of the wonderful Motorcycle Diaries fame) cannot distinguish between when he is awake and when he is dreaming, oftentimes leading him to commit acts of randomness in his waking life. The plot revolves around his attempts to construct a meaningful romantic relationship with his neighbour, Stephanie (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg, also seen in 21 Grams). Although the plotline is a little thin, the dream sequences are so brilliantly conceived and flawlessly executed; that this become a moot point. Much of the dream sequences are created using traditional stop-motion animation techniques, and the 'studio' of Stephane's mind is made entirely from corrugated cardboard. At one point, Stephane is made to dress up in a mouse suit and play the drums as he sings a song to Stephanie.

In a world where the banal is king, and every form of entertainment seems to follow the same rules, Gondry is a brilliant breath of fresh air. He has set himself apart in the world of filmmaking (with only two films under his belt) with a kind of surrealism that even Salvador Dali would be proud of. When future generations look back on the Noughties, Gondry will be a brilliant speck of cellophane shining amidst the dross.