12 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, May 3, 1995
'Sleeping' is a summer moviegoer's dream
Rt Dvlan -.."UInnlue"
By Prashant Tamaskar
Daily Arts Writer
The summer movie season always
pmmises an overflow of two types of film
genres -the explosive action-thriller and
the light hearted romantic comedy. Given
the overabundance of these two film
styles, it often becomes difficult for mov-
ies of these type to separate themselves
fom the rest of the pack. Of course, there
are exceptions, such as "Speed" last year,
and "Sleepless in Seattle," the year before.
Although Director John Turtletaub's latest
work "While You Were Sleeping" may
never approach the enormous popularity
of these other two films, itis a perfect ex-
Whlle You Were
Sleeping
Directed by John
Turtletaub; with Sandra
Bullock and Bill Pullman
At Showcase
ample of how entertaining a summer ro-
mance movie can be.
Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a
lonely transit worker who, from a dis-
tance, admires Peter (Peter Gallagher),
a handsome lawyer. When he is pushed
off the train platform by a couple of
muggers, Lucy comes to the rescue
and saves the unconscious Peter from
an on-coming train. The attorney is
rushed to a hospital where he lies in a
coma. Lucy is not permitted to see him
until a nurse mistakenly gets the idea
that she is Peter's fiancee. At the hos-
pital, the nurse also tells Peter's family
that the two are engaged. Although
shocked, the family immediately em-
braces Lucy, who has no relatives of
her own. Eventually, Lucy meets
Peter's brother, Jack (Bill Pullman),
and the two developa strong emotional
bond. However, Lucy finds herself in
too deep to tell anyone the real story,
and is left to worry until Peter comes
out of his coma. When he does, the
movie climaxes with an enjoyable, al-
beit predictable ending.
The film itself is a modern version of
the screwball comedies of the late'30s and
early '40s, with a bit more romance
thrown in. The plot relies on a series of
mix-ups that mesh together perfectly.
Filmsbased on several misunderstandings
often have the ability to be really fmnny, or
really annoying. Thankfully, the result in
this case is positive.
In all likelihood, the movie works be-
cause itis true to its nature. The film was
made for people to enjoy, and fortu-
nately there is no pseudo-intellectualun-
derlying social theme. Simply stated, it
doesn't try to be something it ain't. Of
course, the plot isn't realistic, but who
really cares? All that matters is that the
film does its job by stirring the
audience's emotions, while being hu-
morous.
However, without Sandra Bullock
the film would probably fall flat on its
face. She is incredibly sincere and
charming as the main character. She
plays every scene perfectly, while being
an irresistible presence. Bullock grabs
the audience early on, and never lets go.
It is impossible not to root for her. Bul-
lock provides one of the finer female
lead performances in a while.
Pullman does a fine job opposite
Bullock. He is convincing as a simple,
yet extremely likable working stiff. The
chemistry between he and Bullock is
quite successful in the few scenes that
they worktogether. Also, supporting ac-
tors Peter Boyle, Jack Warden, and sev-
eral others are amusing portrayals of Pe-
ter and Jack's loving, typically suburban
family.
Essentially, therole of summer mov-
ies are simply to entertain the audience.
Yet considering how facile this task
seems to be, notthat many films achieve
their tasks. However, when they do, it4
turs out to be quite a treat, as "While You
Were Sleeping"proves.
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