As I was watching 'Chasing Sleep' I couldn't help thinking the ending was going to be very important to my enjoyment of the film. The film ranges from slightly off-kilter to out and out bizarre (that bathtub scene was off the rails). It's a wild ride, but a ride that I thought needed a definitive conclusion. We didn't get that and I can't help feeling that hurt the film a little.
I'm all for ambiguous endings where films have left a breadcrumb trail along the way for us so sift back through (and that is lightly present in this film), however the power of that moment where we get the revelation is what is missing. Not everyone will be as invested as I am and take the time to think back on things and read up about the film. The person I was watching the film with was a prime example of that. The film didn't tell them the answer so they couldn't care less.
Jess Daniels was good in the lead. He's an interesting man to watch even when not a lot is happening. The pacing worked alright too for a film that happens entirely in one house. Just when you're thinking where will the film go to next, someone new shows up at the door to advance the plot. I'm glad I've seen 'Chasing Sleep' finally, but it wasn't the instant classic I was hoping for.
I'm all for ambiguous endings where films have left a breadcrumb trail along the way for us so sift back through (and that is lightly present in this film), however the power of that moment where we get the revelation is what is missing. Not everyone will be as invested as I am and take the time to think back on things and read up about the film. The person I was watching the film with was a prime example of that. The film didn't tell them the answer so they couldn't care less.
Jess Daniels was good in the lead. He's an interesting man to watch even when not a lot is happening. The pacing worked alright too for a film that happens entirely in one house. Just when you're thinking where will the film go to next, someone new shows up at the door to advance the plot. I'm glad I've seen 'Chasing Sleep' finally, but it wasn't the instant classic I was hoping for.