tomgillespie2002 Viewing writer and director Woody Allen's early films in chronological order provides an interesting and traceable path from motor-mouthed clown to accomplished auteur, not only in terms of tone and subject matter, but also from a purely filmmaking point of view. He had tackled satire back in 1971 with Bananas, but really knew how make it work just two years later with Sleeper, one of his most popular films, and one of his last slapstick comedies before he moved on to maturer work like Annie Hall and Interiors, his love letter to Ingmar Bergman. Revelations concerning his private life continue to concern, baffle and appal, but if you can put these uncomfortable allegations aside (which is understandably a big ask for some people), there is still plenty to admire about Allen's contribution to comedy and cinema as a whole.Sleeper concerns Miles Monroe (Allen), a jazz musician and owner of a health-food store who goes in for a routine surgical procedure only to be cryogenically frozen without his knowledge and revived some 200 years in the future. The world he wakes up to is one governed by a mysterious dictator known as 'The Leader', who runs the country like a police state, with every citizen numbered and monitored like something straight out a George Orwell novel. The doctors who bring him out of his frozen state do so illegally, in the hope that Miles' exclusion from the government's register will allow him to fly under the radar and assist with the revolution. But the authorities are soon onto the rogue doctors, and Miles must flee into the countryside and into a society he knows little about. Improvising, he disguises himself as a robot butler and falls into the home of narcissistic bohemian Luna (Diane Keaton).Naturally, much hilarity ensues, with Allen embracing the physical comedy of silent greats Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and The Marx Brothers, and dialling down his neurotic monologuing shtick. Luna prefers to remain ignorant at first, but after learning more from Miles, turns into full-on revolutionary. As with most comedies, some jokes fall flat, especially when Allen leans on the sexual humour such as the 'Orgasmatron', but this is probably Allen's funniest film, with the chemistry forged with Diane Keaton on the set of Play It Again, Sam effortlessly carrying over to into this. In fact, Keaton may even outshine her co-star. Her dialogue with Allen provides many opportunities for their ideals and social attitudes to clash, and as both characters grow, Sleeper serves up some surprisingly philosophical insights. Big Brother is indeed watching, and although this is a world full of buffoons easily distracted by Miles' shenanigans and the technology proves just as unreliable as it is today, its a pretty horrific place to be.

theoneandonlyjimmypage Who would have thought that science would eventually tell us that the best things for "ya" are smoking cigarettes, chocolate and barbecued steaks? Who would believe a totalitarian world where everyone just goes along with, nobody caring about, anything? People have sex with orbs and chambers. Robots serve all. Dystopia!Your prophets beware...this movie is funny. Our only hope is i in a small minded health food clerk placed in suspended animation two centuries earlier.Woody Allen is at his Best.

gridoon2018 "Sleeper" is packed with visual (at times it's almost like a tribute to silent comedy) and verbal gags, but personally I don't think it is quite as funny as "Bananas", or quite as imaginative as the best sketch (the closing one) of "Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid To Ask)" (although the orgasmatron and the shaving-mirror scene come close), and the ending feels rushed. However, it is a very important part in Woody Allen's evolution: up to that point, his films were mostly "Woody against the world"; here, he's dancing (metaphorically, but sometimes also literally!) with a partner - and what a partner! Diane Keaton, at her sexiest and fastest, is almost like a female Woody Allen at times - that's how well-synchronized their teamwork is. Woody is so confident of Keaton's abilities that he even gives her a couple of wild comic scenes all to herself, like her Tarzan imitation, and he sometimes lets himself become the butt of her jokes ("You're dealing with one of the greatest minds you've ever encountered" - "Yeah, and his isn't so bad either!"). Apart from their heavenly pairing, the strongest asset of "Sleeper" is its wonderful jazz score. *** out of 4.

namashi_1 Woody Allen aka Mr.Cinema Delivers A Winner Once Again in his 1973 cult-classic 'Sleeper'. A Terrific Sci-Fi Comedy, that comes in-tact with a host of good laughs.'Sleeper' Synopsis: A nerdish store owner is revived out of cryostasis into a future world to fight an oppressive government.'Sleeper' is amazing work. Allen & Marshall Brickman's Screenplay is a work of genius. They come up with a terrific concept, which translates into an equally terrific film. Each & Everything works! Allen's Direction, As Always, is Awe-Inspiring. Cinematography by David M. Walsh is good. Editing & Art Design, are wonderful.Performance-Wise: Allen delivers a marvelous performance in the central role. He embodies the character & delivers one of his finest performances. He's a treat to watch from start to finish. Diane Keaton is ever-dependable. John Beck is first-rate. Susan Miller leaves a mark. Others lend support.On the whole, 'Sleeper' is simply, unmissable. Mr.Cinema RULES!