I had doubts about the quality of this movie as I had heard many people say his recent movies have been of poor quality. My doubts were shattered after the first 20 minutes. After a dazzling (somewhat) double murder Argento proves that he still has it and that he can still make an old-fashioned giallo as good as always. 'Sleepless' features the black-gloved killer, gorgeous camera-work, visceral and stylish gore and a knockout twist that Argento never fails to deliver. And to top off what I've said, legendary actor Max Von Sydow gives an outstanding performance as the main character, Ulisse Moretti. Moretti is a retired detective emerging once again to confront a series of killings which link to another series of killings 17 years ago. The suspect "The Dwarf" died way back then, so who could be killing again? Teaming up Giacomo (Stefano Dionisi), whose mother was killed by "The Dwarf" when he was a child, Moretti tries to solve these recent slew of murders and put to rest the case forever.
From the opening, where we have an intense murder on a train, to the end, where the killer is finally revealed and Max Von Sydow recites a nursery rhyme (which is relevant to the plot) over the credits Argento uses his trademark styles to keep us on the edge of our seats. From his masterful direction, Goblin's always excellent score and the incredibly brutal murder sequences 'Sleepless' is Dario's best movie since Opera. The atmosphere throughout is kept at an intense level, although Argento focuses a lot on the story, which is hardly a bad thing (if anything it's better) and the story unfolds at an excitingly nail-biting pace.
However, like many of his movies, the acting by a few is subpar but that's something that many fans of Argento come to expect and even if you're not it shouldn't matter. With a great Goblin soundtrack, an engaging plot and plenty of yucky gore what else could you want? 4½/5
From the opening, where we have an intense murder on a train, to the end, where the killer is finally revealed and Max Von Sydow recites a nursery rhyme (which is relevant to the plot) over the credits Argento uses his trademark styles to keep us on the edge of our seats. From his masterful direction, Goblin's always excellent score and the incredibly brutal murder sequences 'Sleepless' is Dario's best movie since Opera. The atmosphere throughout is kept at an intense level, although Argento focuses a lot on the story, which is hardly a bad thing (if anything it's better) and the story unfolds at an excitingly nail-biting pace.
However, like many of his movies, the acting by a few is subpar but that's something that many fans of Argento come to expect and even if you're not it shouldn't matter. With a great Goblin soundtrack, an engaging plot and plenty of yucky gore what else could you want? 4½/5