clif_smith Overall, I enjoyed the film. I think it is a fine example of modern Film-Noire. It's true, the plot is a little too vague, the lack of societal context reduces it's sense of authenticity and realism, and the voice-over narration could have been used less or perhaps eliminated completely. Overall though, it's a great mood piece and visually sumptuous and stunning. The beautiful Ms. Sanchez allowed me to feel the pain of her relationship with the hero. This film had a lot of potential to be a true masterpiece, but the flaws bring it down to the level of great genre piece. I would highly recommend it to fans of the genre, but, it's not a film I would recommend to the casual viewer.

fallguy_jack The most damaging thing about this movie is that it excels so much in certain ways that the ways in which it falls short are highlighted. The acting is pretty good for most part, so that's something in itself. But what gets me, and what's so absolutely rare and oh so valuable in a world of unintelligent crap is that the writing is freakin BRILLIANT, which is something I cannot remember saying about a film in a very long time. The subtle insight into such character's by Anton Pardoe, who is not just the writer, but a producer and the star, leads me to wonder just what this guy's background is. He is clearly no Hollywood hack, and must have some uncommon experiences in his past. The only problem seems to be that there are some elements that aren't on the same level with the rest, like he chose to use his friends rather than the best, and while there is merit in that, it is kinda stupid to give them responsibilities beyond their skills. Sam Thakur shouldn't be allowed to play even a corpse, and I suspect the director's skill is lacking.Dominiquie Vandenberg is quite talented, and I would like to see more from him, almost as much as I'd like step into the ring with him.

Pimptress2003 Without getting into specifics that would ruin the film for those that have not yet seen it, I will simply say that this is a film that has absolutely no direct comparison. It is a stand alone piece of work.At the outset, I was completely surprised that I was in a world or universe I have never seen before. It felt like some kind of bizarre paradox between the The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon.Sure there were times I was frustrated at the pace, but then I was given a healthy dose of very appealing brutality. That is the thing about this film: just when you settle into one facet or genre, the director smashes you into another.It is obvious I really loved the film, but the truth is that I loved it most because it may not have given me what I am used to getting in little indie action films, but it did give me the unexpected, it was smart as hell, and it contains a whole lot of "I can't believe that happened" moments! See this film and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.Peace!

www.ramascreen.com THE PERFECT SLEEP takes me by surprise, just when I thought this was just going to be another noir movie that only focuses on art and nothing else, it actually delivers some of the most entertaining gunfight sequences I've seen in a long time. It's a… dark, classy thriller/drama, worthy of going up against some of the best movies this year can throw at you. The story is elegant and cunning at the same time, the kind of revenge story you'd like to wrap your head around.What really grabs me by the throat is the martial aspect of this movie. Absolutely impressive, I don't remember ever watching a noir movie in the past that has such kick-ass fight scenes. That and the doctor whose style of killing includes telling his victims what they're about to go through as they slowly fall to their excruciating death. That part isn't so original but it's played with such finesse and calmness by actor Tony Amendola, it's practically hypnotic. On top of that I really enjoy how writer/actor Anton Pardoe crafted such a simple yet intriguing story that's not too confusing to crack wide open but you don't mind because it will make you even more curious to see how the story would resolve itself. There's a little bit of everything for everyone: romance, the fascination that comes with the concept of lonesome assassin, it even has sniper shooting for those of you who are into first-person shooting video game.My only few objections probably would have to do with the acting. Roselyn Sanchez is a gorgeous woman but she's still got a ways to go before she could be deemed as a talented actress. There are times when you're looking at her face as she's saying her lines and it still feels as though she's reading the script on the reflection of the opposing actors' eyes. It's obvious that actor Anton Pardoe gives his all because this is his passion project, if you will, but he does not have the looks and charm of a lead male star. I think Patrick Bauchau was fantastic in the HBO series Carnivale but in THE PERFECT SLEEP, his performance is rather dry, half-hearted and doesn't leave a lasting impression. The cinematography is decent, the way it plays with the contrast between light and dark and the spaces in between is not too shabby. it serves some moments that would get you to submit but at times, I feel it could go the distance a bit. Show more close up shots in more creative angles instead of just depending on wide span for most parts. We could do without some of the dialogue, I don't like it much when a movie is trying too hard to be all aristotle or king Solomon and throws darts of wisdom words so obviously at the audience. Having said that, THE PERFECT SLEEP is still worth watching for those of us who long for something familiar and yet so different.--Rama's SCREEN--