The 2014 film Before I Go to Sleep got very mixed reviews. Why? It was entertaining and benefited from an adroit cast of players. Not least of which was Colin Firth.
It is amazing to think that the first thing I ever saw Firth in was a 1985 made for TV film called Dutch Girls. And the one actor who completely blew me away in this LWT production was actor Timothy Spall. Not Firth.
The next feature I saw Firth in, he played a murderous maniac. The film was Apartment Zero. The DVD was picked up for a song in a shop in Cornwall whilst on holiday. “Mr. Darcy” became a firm favorite from that film on. Now, in Before I Go To Sleep, Firth plays opposite Nicole Kidman. He comes dangerously close to stealing the show.
Before I Go to Sleep is another film that “missed” in cinemas. The film did not perform up to expectations. Vegas cinemas were not rolling out the red carpet for this one. Watching the film, it is hard to see just why it was received so poorly. Granted, there are a few plot holes but not having read the S.J. Watson novel the film is based upon these were not glaringly obvious.
The story
The film is about 40 year old Christine Lucas (Nicole Kidman). She is an amnesiac that, after she goes to sleep, forgets everything. Where she is, who she is and so on. Her husband, Ben (Colin Firth) looks after her. He leaves notes and directions scattered throughout their home to help his wife cope. Dr. Nasch (Mark Strong) is a neuro-psychologist who is attempting to help Christine recover her missing memories.
According to her husband, Christine lost her memories after a horrific car accident. Nasch says that she was found naked and badly beaten. The whole film keeps the audience wondering, along with Kidman’s character, whom to believe. In the book’s reviews; the original tale was a clever mixture of everyday events. These were blended with a surreal amount of tension and fear.
The film, directed by Rowan Joffe (28 Weeks Later) does a good job keeping at keeping the viewer guessing. Joffe also writes the screenplay here. Kidman delivers in the film and her performance, along with Strong’s and Firth’s is top notch.
problems
It is hard to understand why the film got such mixed reviews when it opened. This English thriller hits all the right notes. It does not revel in its Englishness. The film could have been set anywhere, it does, however, add a certain something to the events. It may well be that the movie was too clever. Many could have had issues with the adroit way that the puzzle is trotted out for the audience.
Another problem could be the short-term amnesia plot device. Certainly it has been done before. Christopher Nolan’s 2000 film Momento, where Guy Pearce knocked it out of the park with the mystery thriller. Adam Sandler, along with Drew Barrymore, played the whole thing for laughs with 50 First Dates in 2004.
what works
Kidman shunning the glamorous look while playing a woman trying so desperately to remember her past, is spot on. The film keeps the twists and turns coming as each new bit of information just raises more questions. By the time the film ends, the viewer doesn’t trust anyone at all.
The cinematography, which is brilliant, and the lighting combine to give the action a deliberately murky look and feel. This is a delightful gem of a film well worth watching. If for no other reason than for Kidman and Firth’s interaction. The addition of Mark Strong, proves once again that the Brits really do corner the market in the world of acting.
The verdict
Before I Go To Sleep is a real 4 out of 5 star film. A cracking movie that will keep you guessing until the climax. You can stream the film on Plex.
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