Most of us have had crushes on people we’ve never met. But, most of us don’t get the chance to save that person’s life and pretend to be their fiancé while they’re in a coma. That’s the premise of the quirky and cute romantic comedy, While You Were Sleeping.
In a film that is largely driven by the story, Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a woman who works as a token collector at a Chicago train station. She is likeable, but lonely, as both of her parents have passed away, and she doesn’t have any close friends. This changes when she saves her crush, Peter (Peter Gallagher), from a mugging gone wrong. Through a set of hilarious circumstances, his family comes to believe that Lucy and Peter are engaged. Although Lucy struggles to maintain this lie, she soon realizes that Peter’s crazy family is exactly what she has been missing. Although she believes Peter is the perfect man, she finds out that his brother (Bill Pullman) might actually be the perfect one for her.
As an actress, Bullock has the rare ability to make any character relatable. I’ve seen her play a variety of roles in different genres, and yet, she still manages to connect with audiences. This film was no different. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her interpretation of Lucy, and rightfully so. She is honest, clumsy, funny. In one scene, she is rescuing Peter, who has fallen off onto the train tracks. While she is trying to save his life, she says things like, “Oh, God, you smell good” and asks him to wake up, so they can avoid being hit, because, as she says, “It’s an express.” While this isn’t your typical meet cute, I think she represents the ongoing internal commentary that each of us feel when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations, like meeting a crush for the first time. This is one of Bullock’s trademarks, bringing internal feelings to life through a set of interesting, often humorous, situations.
As an actress, Bullock has the rare ability to make any character relatable. I’ve seen her play a variety of roles in different genres, and yet, she still manages to connect with audiences. This film was no different. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her interpretation of Lucy, and rightfully so. She is honest, clumsy, funny. In one scene, she is rescuing Peter, who has fallen off onto the train tracks. While she is trying to save his life, she says things like, “Oh, God, you smell good” and asks him to wake up, so they can avoid being hit, because, as she says, “It’s an express.” While this isn’t your typical meet cute, I think she represents the ongoing internal commentary that each of us feel when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations, like meeting a crush for the first time. This is one of Bullock’s trademarks, bringing internal feelings to life through a set of interesting, often humorous, situations.
The rest of the characters are also perfectly cast. Pullman does a great job as Jack, Peter’s brother. He and Bullock have wonderful chemistry, as their characters develop a friendship while Peter is in a coma. They are both delightfully awkward characters who have sweet moments together, without being overtly cheesy. Whether Jack is trying to test Lucy to see if she’s really who she claims to be, or slipping with her on the icy Chicago sidewalks, they add a much-appreciated genuineness to the characters and their relationship.
The supporting characters that make up Peter and Jack’s wacky family also have great chemistry, heart, and perfectly timed jokes. Grandmother Elsie (Glynis Johns) plays a mischievous, semi-alcoholic with a twinkle in her eye. Family friend and neighbor Saul (Jack Warden) is the gentle, caring older man who only wants the best for Lucy and the family.
The rest of the characters are also perfectly cast. Pullman does a great job as Jack, Peter’s brother. He and Bullock have wonderful chemistry, as their characters develop a friendship while Peter is in a coma. They are both delightfully awkward characters who have sweet moments together, without being overtly cheesy. Whether Jack is trying to test Lucy to see if she’s really who she claims to be, or slipping with her on the icy Chicago sidewalks, they add a much-appreciated genuineness to the characters and their relationship.
The supporting characters that make up Peter and Jack’s wacky family also have great chemistry, heart, and perfectly timed jokes. Grandmother Elsie (Glynis Johns) plays a mischievous, semi-alcoholic with a twinkle in her eye. Family friend and neighbor Saul (Jack Warden) is the gentle, caring older man who only wants the best for Lucy and the family.
I have only a couple complaints about this film. For instance, Jack and his father Ox (Peter Boyle) have a bit of a rocky relationship, but it is never consistently that way. Sometimes, they’re fussing at each other and other times, they seem to be the perfect father-son duo. Although Jack works for his father and that is cause for some tension, these problems are resolved very quickly without much effort on either part. I would have liked to see more to this resolution. In a similar fashion, there is some conflict between Jack and Peter. However, the film doesn't go into much detail about this. I didn't feel as if either conflict had enough substance to be included in the film. I wish both had been pushed more to the forefront of the story or just left out altogether.
Overall, I felt like this was a great film. I think we need more romantic comedies like this – fun, without being too provocative, a little unconventional, and sincere.
Check back here soon for more reviews!
Film Grade: B+
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
3/22/18
Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924/awards?ref_=tt_awd
https://www.amazon.com/While-Were-Sleeping-Sandra-Bullock/dp/6304765266
http://www.gunnarsfilmtips.se/?p=2275
http://www.christinditchfield.com/dont-miss-moment/
Overall, I felt like this was a great film. I think we need more romantic comedies like this – fun, without being too provocative, a little unconventional, and sincere.
Check back here soon for more reviews!
Film Grade: B+
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
3/22/18
Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924/awards?ref_=tt_awd
https://www.amazon.com/While-Were-Sleeping-Sandra-Bullock/dp/6304765266
http://www.gunnarsfilmtips.se/?p=2275
http://www.christinditchfield.com/dont-miss-moment/