Light Sleeper Review
Of the many dark morality plays written and/or directed by Paul_Schrader, Light Sleeper is one of the best plotted and acted. From Susan_Sarandon's breezy, ballsy businesswoman to Willem_Dafoe's conflicted dealer and Dana_Delany's mournful ex-addict, the cast fires on all cylinders. The same goes for supporting players Jane_Adams, David_Spade, and Mary_Beth_Hurt (the wife of Paul_Schrader). None of these actors would be able to shine, though, if it weren't for the director's tight, moody script and direction. Schrader and cinematographer Edward_Lachman paint a Manhattan composed entirely of greys, both visual and moral. Full of well-heeled, anesthetized sufferers, the New York of Light Sleeper is a place of restless nights and spiritual ache -- the perfect backdrop for the mute but visually acute suffering that plays across the taut faces of Delany and Dafoe. The only distraction from all of this meditative sorrow is the execrable musical accompaniment of Michael_Been, whose ponderous lyrics too explicitly explain emotions that are already apparent in the script and performances. Despite this single pervasive flaw, the compelling Light Sleeper should unite fans of gritty true-crime fare and visceral drama. Brian J. Dillard, Rovi
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