Light Sleeper (1992)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Paul Schrader

Writer (WGA):

Paul Schrader (written by)

Release Date:

13 March 1992 (UK)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

A story about the discovery of the spirit, the Lure of Decadence, and the Chance for Escape. [Australia theatrical]

Plot:

A drug dealer with upscale clientele is having moral problems going about his daily deliveries. A reformed addict...

Plot Keywords:

Drugs | Existentialism | Insomnia | Diary | Suicide

Awards:

1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Willem Dafoe	...	John LeTour
Susan Sarandon	...	Ann
Dana Delany	...	Marianne Jost
David Clennon	...	Robert
Mary Beth Hurt	...	Teresa Aranow
Victor Garber	...	Tis Brooke
Jane Adams	...	Randi Jost
Paul Jabara	...	Eddie
Robert Cicchini	...	Bill Guidone
Sam Rockwell	...	Jealous
Rene Rivera	...	Manuel
David Spade	...	Theological Cokehead
Steven Posen	...	Hasid
Ken Ladd	...	Carlos
Brian Judge	...	Thomas

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | South Korea:18 | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | France:-16 | Germany:16 | Portugal:M/16 | Spain:18 | UK:15 | USA:R | Norway:15 (original rating)

Filming Locations:

Equitable Center, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Grain of Sand Productions

Trivia:

Writer-director Paul Schrader experienced a unique problem while filming was underway in New York City. The film is set during a sanitation worker strike which called for large amounts of uncollected trash to be prominently featured in exterior scenes. But since the real New York City sanitation department was very much on the job they would inadvertently collect trash that was meant to be a part of the film's production design.

Quotes:

Marianne: I envy you. Convenient memory is a gift from God.

Movie Connections:

Features Scorpio Rising (1964)

Soundtrack:

Twisted

Long night's journey

Paul Schrader is a director whose films should be seen more often. He is a man that never compromises and tackles adult themes with great panache, as he has amply demonstrated throughout his distinguished career. He was long associated with Martin Scorsese, but when he decided to go on his own, he showed his talent was there all the time.

Mr. Schrader's films have a sense of style that are not easily matched by many of today's filmmakers. He knows what seems to work, and what not. His movies show a sophistication, as we mere mortals, are invited to participate, even though we haven't received the invitation in the mail.

Most comments in this forum are excellent, so we won't even attempt to add anything that hasn't been said before. "Light Sleeper" is supposed to be one of Mr. Schrader's favorite films, and it's clear to see why. He has infused the film with characters that are easy to see why they are portrayed on the screen. Willem Dafoe is obviously an actor held in high esteem by Mr. Schrader. As John LaTour, Mr. Dafoe is at his most introspective self. His character shows a complexity that is hard to match.

The rest of the cast is excellent. Susan Sarandon is perfect as Ann. Dana Delaney is Marianne. Mary Beth Hurt, Victor Garber, Sam Rockwell, David Spade, are seen in supporting roles.

The great atmospheric music of Michael Been is heard in the background and it helps add another layer in the texture of the finished product. Edward Lachman does an amazing job with the way he photographed the film that includes a lot of night time scenes in Manhattan.

Take a look at the film, as Mr. Schrader will impress, even a casual viewer.