16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well-Crafted, But Distinctly Un-Hollywood Movie, July 10, 2003
"To Sleep with Anger," Charles Burnett's third feature was the first one to get national distribution. It tells how Harry Mention (Danny Glover), an unexpected visitor seems to turn an otherwise stable African American family in South Central Los Angeles upside down upon his arrival.
The film is very well-made, but a few words of caution. This is not a Hollywood film. It does not follow the conventional three act structure so heavily touted by Syd Field and the like. It takes a totally different narrative approach. For those conditioned to Hollywood films, this takes some getting used to.
"To Sleep with Anger" takes its cues from the Southern folktale tradition with obvious ties to the oral traditions of many cultures. Instead of focusing on plot, the film is more interested in character and behavior.
Instead of mechanical (or artificial) act structure, the film brews slowly to a dramatic climax. Along the way, the audience is treated to little seen tidbits of folk culture and superstition. Some of the elements are subtle and may require repeat viewings.
If you like predictable and formulaic films, you're best to stay away. You're bound to be frustrated by this film. However, for those truly interested in seeing something complex and different, you're in for a special treat.
I'll admit that the first time I saw the film, I was a bit thrown off by its unusual rhytmn and pace. However, when I saw the film a second time and gave into it, the richness came through.
Overall, the cast is very strong. Glover is well-cast as Mention. Sheryl Lee Ralph is another stand out.
On the technical side the naturalistic cinematography by Walt Lloyd (who also shot "sex, lies and videotape") is very good. Also of note is Veda Campbell's sound and Stephen James Taylor's score. This is quite an achievement particularly given the film's low budget.
The film was nominated for an impressive seven IFP Independent Spirit Awards. It won for Best Male Lead (Danny Glover), Best Supporting Female (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and two for Charles Burnett (Best Director and Screenplay). Burnett also won a Best Screenplay Award from the National Society of Film Critics.
Take a chance and check it out. Just be prepared for something different -- and special.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Had humor a good plot and light suspense., April 29, 1999
I drove miles in Georgia to see this film and it was well worth the drive. Danny Glover played a fantastic part as a shadowy friend of the husband. However, his friendship soon turns this family upside down and inside out. The movie shows how the two generations even though related are totally different in their beliefs. What originally made the family strong survives through Mr. Glover's visit. Hope this is released on home video SOON.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a GREAT insight into Black American culture, December 30, 2002
If I had to introduce someone to Black American culture through film, this film would be at the top of the list. Most films are so trite in depicting Black family life, but this is SO REAL. The ups and downs and highs and lows, all while preserving the balance between the men and women characters in the film. This is a great film. Don't be fooled by its seeming sleepiness or down home (LA Style) charm. This is a great movie, that one will never forget! Watch it!
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