I have a few guilty pleasures. Moments that I set aside just for myself to indulge in something that feels good. I'm talking about things like long hot bubble baths, or maybe sitting outside watching the fireflies. Once in a while it means picking out a movie that I've watched many times and never tire of. One of those stories that takes me off to another place where there is no worry about bills or cleaning or jobs. The movie that I choose most often would have to be While You Were Sleeping.
Now before I go into why I feel the way that I do about this movie, let me tell you a little something about the story.
Lucy is a toll-taker for the Chicago Transit Authority, and Lucy is alone in the world. That's why it was so easy for her boss to plead with her to work on Christmas. "After all, Lucy, you're the only one without...." "family" she replies. Christmas morning Lucy is sitting alone in her tollbooth, when along comes the handsome man that takes the train every day. A man Lucy fantasizes about.
She doesn't see him coming, though. She hears a voice say Merry Christmas, then looks up just in time to see him walk away, straight into a group of hoodlums that attack him and push him onto the train tracks. Lucy dashes from her booth. Somehow she manages the strength to pull him out of harms way, and at the same time, her hormones are still in full gear as she notes "God, you smell good".
The man, Peter, is rushed to the hospital and lies in a coma. When Lucy arrives, the confusion begins. She mutters under her breath "I was going to marry him", which is overheard. She is quickly rushed to his side and just moments later his family arrives. The Nurse that heard her earlier remark introduces her as "the fiance" and also the person that "saved his life when she jumped on the tracks". The family quickly embraces Lucy before she has a chance to explain.
Now if you think that I'm relating the whole story here, I have to tell you that this all takes place in the first 10 or 15 minutes of the film. What follows is the story of a young woman that is taken in, offered acceptance and generosity and given an opportunity to feel what it feels like to be a part of real family. They even hang a stocking with her name on it, alongside the rest of the family and present her with a gift during their Christmas gathering.
It is when Jack, the brother of the comatose patient, arrives and meets his brothers' "fiance" that things get a bit more complicated. This is a man that has followed in his brothers footsteps all of their lives and he's never resented it, or ever been jealous. Until now.
The attraction between Lucy and Jack is felt immediately. It is not with what they say, but with their eyes, and with their body language. Neither of them is willing, though, to betray Peter by admitting the emotions that they are feeling.
Yea, yea, yea, I know you're figured out the end already. You're thinking this is so predictable for a romantic comedy. But I have to tell you that it is the way that they arrive at this end that makes this story so special.
The lighthearted, fun spirit of the family versus the deep sadness of being alone are touched upon without that feeling of being preached to. From the scene of Lucy sharing a lone meal with her cat, Kitty, dipping an Oreo into the cats' milk, to the food-laden table of the Christmas meal that she later shares with the family, the contrast is unmistakable.
I think so many of us have "been Lucy" at some point in our lives. Times when you feel so terribly alone. Times when you just need to hear a human voice. Even when that voice is your own. "Sitting here in a hospital in the middle of the night, talking to a man in a coma". If you've never been there, consider yourself very blessed indeed.
Sandra Bullock is totally Lucy. She takes this role and becomes it. I find myself comparing her many other roles with this one and they never quite meet the same standard. That's not a put-down, it's just the way I feel. She's one of my favorite actresses, so I wouldn't put the gal down at all. This role just seemed to be so perfect for her. And she did a fantastic job with it.
Bill Pullman is Jack. He's cute as a button and as sexy as all get-out without trying to be. He does a wonderful job here with his eyes...as he's watching Lucy leave to take a taxi....as he watches her climb the stairs....as he answers the question "Is there ANY reason I shouldn't marry your brother?". You don't need to hear the words, you can see it on his face.
Peter Gallagher plays handsome brother, Peter. For the better part of the story he is in a comatose state. His egotistical side isn't shown, though, until he awakes...the character, that is, not the actor.
Peter Boyle and Micole Mercurio play the roles of Peter and Jacks' parents, Ox and Midge. Again, they fit the roles ideally, with his "daddi-ness" and her "mommy-ness". He was tough, yet understanding and she was protective, yet forgiving. Glynis Johns is Elsie, the Grandmother with a bit of a heart problem. She's so adorable here. Monica Keena plays sister, Mary.
Aside from Lucy and Jack, my favorite character in this story was that of Sol, played wonderfully by Jack Warden. Does he ever really perform badly? I don't think so. Here he plays the family friend, God-father to Jack and Peter, and conspirator to Lucy.
Directed by Jon Turteltaub(Phenomenon, yea, Baby, another favorite of mine!), While You Were Sleeping runs for a very short 103 minutes and is rated PG. There is no nudity, no foul language, no violence....ok, I just lost most of the male viewers here. But you ladies are gonna love it!!!
An Excellent movie can be a real pleasure to review. Simon is hosting the Excellent portion of the Excellent and Excrutiating Write/Off and good ol' Dave is taking care of the Excrutiating side. If you want to check out a truly excrutiating film, just go ahead and click right here. Dare ya.
Thanks so much, Simon and Dave, for letting me join in. That was fun. Now send your checks as soon as possible. Payless is having a great sale.
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