What do you get when you mix Robert Bresson with Miami Vice and the Lost Boys Soundtrack? Apparently you get a movie by Paul Schrader. For an amazing screen writer that brought us transcendent films such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Last Temptation of Christ, we get a less-than-transcendent Light Sleeper.
The main issue is that the successful films listed above were placed in the hands of an exceptional director in Martin Scorsese. Paul Schrader is a phenomenal writer. But he is a poor director. Leave the filmmaking to the Scorsese's of the world, Schrader. Stick to the writing.
What is most confusing is the elements of the film seem like the right choices. Light Sleeper has an interesting main character in Willem Dafoe's drug dealing philosopher, an epic cityscape in New York City, and a life changing story line. Yet, the film falls flatter than a Ashley Simpson note.
And the blame is in the direction. The movie is dated beyond-belief. From the 80's dress, to the 80's music... the 80's haven't aged well. You can see the glimpses towards the transcendental filmmakers that Schrader idolizes, but they are over-the-top in every way. From obviously placed buddhas on empty walls, to lonely cross-shaped lamps in empty rooms... the film wants to introduce divine grace in a troubled world, but doesn't have the touch of grace needed to pull it off. I love lamp. I hate Schrader's direction.
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