Schlaf

About This Movie

So, Schlaf is this intriguing piece from '89 that really leans into the surreal. It's about Sebastian, who after a car crash, starts experiencing this bizarre sleeping sickness—each day he dozes off a minute longer. The film's atmosphere is thick with a strange, almost dreamlike quality that tugs at the nature of sleep and consciousness. It explores themes of isolation and the ungraspable essence of what it means to be awake. The pacing has this hypnotic draw to it, pulling you deeper into Sebastian's world. I’ve found the practical effects to be quite striking, especially for its time, and they complement the performances well, giving it an unsettling edge. It’s definitely a unique watch if you're into experimental cinema.

Schlaf has seen a bit of a renaissance among collectors, especially for its experimental nature and the obscurity surrounding its director. Releases have been scant, making any well-preserved format quite desirable. The film's themes resonate with those into psychological narratives, and its rarity adds a layer of intrigue for enthusiasts of '80s avant-garde cinema.