VHS : The Innocent Sleep [1996]

Rating: - An attractive, well acted thriller that sadly fails to thril
'The Innocent Sleep' is based on a true story about a tramp who witnesses a murder. In this film, Rupert Graves plays a homeless drinker with some vestige of social conscience, who, having seen a gangland murder take place, reports it to the police, and finds himself hunted by the killers.

The basic premise of the film is excellent. We see the whole story from an unusual point of view: that of the homeless, hopeless population of London. The way in their situation is both a hindrance and a help is interestingly presented. Showing us the homeless as human beings with feelings, thoughts and responsibilities should make this film an outstanding piece of social theatre.

However, it is first and foremost a thriller. And that is the part that does not work. The story is disjointed, and not particularly credible. I found it hard to understand why some of the characters acted as they did and one or two scenes baffled me entirely for some time.

The biggest disappointment, however, was in the climactic scenes, which simply did not climax. Whether it was the minimal soundtrack, a lack of convincing editing or too many stereotyped characters, it is hard to say.

Nevertheless, the film is enjoyable. There is some convincing violence and one scene in particular arouses horror. The unusual London settings are visually pleasing, as is the unusual point of view. Rupert Graves plays the terrified victim to perfection and his scenes with Graham Crowden as a 'knight of the road' are superb. Annabella Sciorra does all she can with her part, but seems to me to be miscast: she is just too classy for her interest in the homeless. The rest of the cast, however, seem either to be padding (like the pleasant John Hannah) or slumming: Michael Gambon plays the cardboard villain, as does Franco Nero.

This should have been a great film, given its idea, cast, and cinematography, but the direction and pace let it down. It is poignant, funny, emotional and pretty, but don't expect to sit on the edge of your seat.