Watch Sleeper
- PG
- 1973
- 1 hr 28 min
-
7.1 (45,195)
Sleeper is a science-fiction comedy film released in 1973, directed by Woody Allen, who also starred in the lead role. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has since become a cult classic. Set in a dystopian future, Sleeper follows the story of Miles Monroe (played by Woody Allen), a health food store owner in Greenwich Village who is cryogenically frozen for 200 years after a botched operation. Upon being revived by a group of rebels in the year 2173, Miles finds himself in a world that is completely foreign to him. The government is now controlled by a totalitarian regime, and personal freedom and individuality are non-existent.
Miles finds himself on the run from the authorities and forced to adapt to the new society he finds himself in. Along the way, he meets Luna Schlosser (played by Diane Keaton), a young woman who becomes his partner in crime. Together they must evade the government's security forces while attempting to find the scientist who can help them return Miles to his own time.
The film is a parody of science fiction movies and reflects the comedic style of Woody Allen. It playfully pokes fun at dystopian themes and futuristic technologies. Miles is shocked by the new world surrounding him and finds himself in many hilarious situations including being chased by a robotic dog and forced to partake in activities he doesn't understand.
One of the funniest scenes in the movie is the introduction of the Orgasmatron, a machine designed to provide people with sexual pleasure without any human interaction. Miles is horrified by the concept of virtual sex, but later finds himself in the machine after being seduced by Luna.
The film also features physical comedy, as evidenced by a scene in which Miles is about to be captured by the authorities and attempts to hide in a robotic butler. The character is also adept at witty one-liners and sarcastic humor, which is a trademark of Allen's films.
The film's soundtrack is notable for featuring jazz music and several songs from the era that Miles is familiar with, but which are now considered "classical music" in the future. This music adds to the comedic contrast between the two different time periods.
Sleeper is also notable for featuring several other themes, including politics and ideology. The film criticizes the concept of conformity and the suppression of individuality, with many of the characters forced to conform to the rules and customs of the new world. The totalitarian government depicted in the film is analogous to the regimes of the past, and serves as a warning against the dangers of authoritarianism.
Sleeper was a departure from Woody Allen's previous work, which had been largely set in contemporary New York City. The science fiction genre allowed him to explore new ideas and themes in a creative and unique way. The film also marked the beginning of a new phase in Allen's career, which would include several other experimental films in the years to come.
In conclusion, Sleeper is a classic science fiction comedy that is full of humor and wit. The film's parody of dystopian themes and futuristic technologies is both playful and thought-provoking, and the characters are both likable and relatable. With its unique blend of genres and themes, it is no wonder that Sleeper has become a cult classic over the years.