Sleep Dealer (2008)

The near future. Like tomorrow. In a world marked by closed borders, corporate warriors, and a global computer network, three strangers risk their lives to connect, break through the barriers of technology, and unseal their fates.

Director:

Alex Rivera

Writers:

Alex Rivera (screenplay), David Riker (screenplay)

Stars:

Luis Fernando Peña, Leonor Varela, Jacob Vargas

6 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Luis Fernando Peña	...	Memo Cruz
Metztli Adamina	...	Dolores Cruz
José Concepción Macías	...	Miguel Cruz
Tenoch Huerta	...	David Cruz
Gregg Lucas	...	Drones TV Host
Martín Palomares	...	Gus Panchano
Jacob Vargas	...	Rudy Ramirez
Sean Garnhart	...	Rudy's Commander (voice)
Guillermo Ríos	...	Rudy's Supervisor
Leonor Varela	...	Luz Martínez
Montserrat Revah	...	Luz's Computer (voice)
Miguel A. Saldaña	...	Coyotek #1 (as Miguel Angel Saldaña)
Sergio Limon	...	Coyotek #2
José Luis Méndez	...	Coyotek #3
Carlos Valencia	...	Twiggy

Storyline

Set in a near-future, militarized world marked by closed borders, virtual labor and a global digital network that joins minds and experiences, three strangers risk their lives to connect with each other and break the barriers of technology.

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Plot Keywords:

network | future | computer | wilhelm scream | mexican immigrant | 

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Taglines:

Plug into the new American dream.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violence and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Wilhelm Scream - When man falls off of horse in the first sequence where Memo is watching TV (after "Are Your Nodes Dirty?")

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Goofs

When Memo, at work operating the robot, helps the worker next to him who collapses, he is not wearing the contact lenses that he needs to operate the robot. (He did not have time to take them out.)

User Reviews

Great Vision not Great Story

Rarely does science fiction cinema depict the future of the 'third world', if at all. Alex Rivera's film, primarily set in the state of Oaxaca and the city of Tijuana, Mexico, certainly proves originality in its premise and vision of the future. But while Sleep Dealer's inventive depiction of the future of human labor, immigration and transnational borders is extremely interesting and thought provoking, Rivera fails to achieve engaging storytelling. The plot feels flat and characters seem one dimensional. Both actors remain unconnected with each other and the story. Their actions, at times, seem unmotivated and contradictory. I understand how this film could have been so much more, unfortunately it wasn't. Aside from director Rivera's critique on social and political progress, the story fails to break through.

Frankly, I admire Rivera more for his social, political and progressive vision rather than for his cinematic skills. The film, in the end, feels rough around the edges and leaves a bit to be desired…But still a good effort from a first time director, especially for such an ambitious project.

6 out of 10.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Mexico USA

Language:

Spanish English

Release Date:

10 December 2008 (France)

Also Known As:

Sleep Dealer

Filming Locations:

Cadereyta, Querétaro, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$35,050, 19 April 2009

Gross USA:

$80,136

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$107,559

Company Credits

Production Co:

Likely Story, This Is That Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1