Film: Sleeping Beauty
Cast includes: Emily Browning (Sucker Punched), Rachael Blake (Cherry Tree Lane), Ewen Leslie (Jewboy)
Writer/Director: Julia Leigh (Her first feature film)
Genre: Erotic Drama/Suspense (2011)
University student, Lucy can barely make ends meet, despite her willingness to do just about any job she can find. In the first scene, Lucy is a guinea pig for a yucky medical research project. It probably pays better than her waitressing job… or her office job. Yet Lucy’s habitually behind on the rent. Eventually we learn that Lucy’s mom will track her down any place to beg for money… and Lucy can’t seem to say, “No.” While Lucy occasionally goes to bars to pick up men who’ll pay for sex, it’s not until she answers an ad in the student paper that things get decidedly strange.
At the job interview, Clara, is pleased with what she sees… Lucy’s gorgeous, with smooth yummy skin, no tattoos, piercings or blemishes. Clara offers Lucy a job serving at private “silver-service” dinners, with an opportunity for more responsibilities if she proves herself. We think we know what those responsibilities might include until Clara tells Lucy that her “vagina will not be penetrated.” Clara tells Lucy, “You’re very beautiful… and we’re going to make you even more beautiful and more talented.” And just in case Lucy doesn’t understand... Clara reminds her that she “relies on trust and discretion, and there are great penalties for breaches of discretion.”
This is not a movie for kids. Absolutely not! There is some (drug induced) sleeping and Lucy is, indeed, beautiful. But otherwise, the film has very little in common with the classic story. The narrative doesn’t follow a classic narrative structure. At times we wonder where the story is actually going… a question that begs discussion at the end. But that said, this meticulously constructed film captures our attention… and it’s not just the erotic weirdness that holds our attention. At several points, we get the feeling that Lucy might be headed for danger, and we find our selves caring about what happens to Lucy. Lucy’s life isn’t easy… many people are downright unkind to her… and she could sure use a break. When Lucy gets the job, Clara tells her to "think of it as a windfall… not as a career." But will it help Lucy turn her life around? That’s what she really needs.
3 popped kernels
There’s no prince to rescue this sleeping beauty, and she’ll need more that beauty to change her luck
Popcorn Profile
Rated: NR
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Art house
Mood: Somber
Tempo: In no hurry
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Not that kind of film
Language: Artful
Social Significance: Deep and/or intellectual
