Overview
A whimsical exploration of dreams and reality unfolds in a vibrant Parisian setting.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- whimsical
- wistful
- surreal
- dreamy date night
- rainy day
What critics said
Critics broadly admired Michel Gondry's inventive handmade dream imagery and Gael García Bernal's vulnerable performance, while finding the romantic drama emotionally uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Stéphane's vivid dreams use tactile, artisanal imagery including clouds, cardboard contraptions, and surreal transformations.
Stéphane repeatedly struggles to distinguish his dreams from interactions with Stéphanie and the surrounding world.
The similar names of Stéphane and Stéphanie, their neighboring apartments, and their creative affinities shape the film's idea of cosmic connection.
Stéphane's graphic-art skills are reduced to menial calendar-shop labor while his imagination seeks escape through dreams.
Films like The Science of Sleep, and why
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
shares whimsical surrealism, romantic uncertainty, handmade visual invention, and the collision of dreams with ordinary life
Amélie
shares French romantic comedy, eccentric characters, playful fantasy, and a tender focus on shy outsiders
Being John Malkovich
shares an anxious creative protagonist, blurred inner and outer realities, and comic surrealism shaped around intimacy
Mood Indigo
shares whimsical magical realism, handmade dream imagery, and a fragile romance between emotionally isolated people
Movie Details
- Director
- Michel Gondry
- Release Date
- 2006-06-25
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (872)
Cast
- Gael García Bernal
- Charlotte Gainsbourg
- Miou-Miou
- Alain Chabat
- Emma de Caunes
- Aurélia Petit
- Sacha Bourdo
- Pierre Vaneck
- Stéphane Metzger
- Alain de Moyencourt
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Science of Sleep about?
- A shy graphic artist retreats into elaborate dreams as an awkward Paris romance tests his ability to live in the waking world.
- What is The Science of Sleep like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Science of Sleep as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Science of Sleep violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Science of Sleep.
- What did critics think of The Science of Sleep?
- Critics broadly admired Michel Gondry's inventive handmade dream imagery and Gael García Bernal's vulnerable performance, while finding the romantic drama emotionally uneven.
- Which films are like The Science of Sleep?
- Films with a similar feel include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Amélie, Being John Malkovich, and Mood Indigo.
- How long is The Science of Sleep?
- The Science of Sleep runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Science of Sleep?
- In United States, The Science of Sleep is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
