Customer Reviews

To Sleep with Anger [Region 2]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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!

To Sleep with Anger was a 'sleeper' that went by un-noticed and did not receive much recognition. It is one of my favorite movies because it is so subtle without getting too deep.

This movie has many understated nuances that could have been explored a little bit more,and this is what makes the movie special.

It leaves the viewer to draw their own conclusions about the character of Harry (Danny Glover). On the surface he is smooth & charming,and seems innocent enough. One wonders if it is his ill-intentions that creates szhism & discord,chaos and confusion in his interactions with others?

The movie takes a diversion which helps to create the suprising ending. This movie may appear a little dated;and it does send out a message that is so appropo for those who have ever dealt with rift-raft.

Check out this movie for Old School performance with down south sensibilities.

A charmer.

This was overall great performance by some really fantastic veterans of the stage. A good wholesome down home treat with emphasis on family with a little spice from Danny Glover.

alot of folks slept on this one.Danny Glover gives a solid performance.i really felt this film from the time i saw it about 9 years back.very strong picture.

Aside from the interesting family dynamics revealed. The movie is also a study of 'downhome' voodoo techniques, demonstrated by Danny Glover's character. This movie takes you out of the ordinary, showing you something about black family life you've never seen onscreen before!

This was a truly terrific film and one of Danny Glover's greatest performances. Danny Glover character is a very convincing example of a small town "Root Doctor" who slithers his way into an otherwise harmonious household. There are also some great stage actors in this film. Paul Butler (Gideon) and Carl Lumbly (Junior) also starred together as a father and son team in August Wilson's play, Jitney. This fabulous performance took place at the 2nd Stage theater in New York City just a few years ago. These guys are absolutely both captivating on stage and in film. This is a must see!

This is the best movie that Danny Glover made, it shows that when things are going well, something or someone that you open your home or life to will bring evil into your home. Never go to sleep in or on anger.

This is an Outstanding Movie !
There's not much more I can say about it that hasn't been said by others giving it a high rating.
What I want to know is why isn't this available as a Region ONE DVD ?
Amazon shows only a Region 2 dvd.
The movie was made here in the states with American actors....but the USA is Region 1 and WE don't get a dvd version for Region 1 !?
I am often disgusted to learn that movies like this aren't available on DVD in all regions or as universal DVD's.....when there is so much CRAP out there on DVD that everyone has access to.