The Science of Sleep
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Tasha Robinson
    91
    An indie version of Gondry's "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," albeit with none of the star power, a quarter of the budget, half the angst, and twice the charm.
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ethan Alter
    88
    Bernal continues to demonstrate an impressive range; the character requires the normally laid-back actor to be a wild ball of energy, and he's more than up to the challenge. His performance is hilarious, heartfelt and more than a little creepy, which could also be said about the movie itself.
  3. Premiere
    Reviewed by: Glenn Kenny
    88
    It's not likely you'll see a film more visually exhilarating until, well, Gondry's next.
  4. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    83
    Very difficult to characterize and that's why I like it. The best I can do is to call it a sunny tragedy.
  5. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    83
    This fascinating and occasionally transporting film never quite transforms into something really great.
  6. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Sean Axmaker
    83
    This scruffy, unkempt tale lacks the narrative satisfaction of Kaufman's dramatic design, but between the chaotic zigs and creative jags, it proclaims its own kind of messy authenticity and a bittersweet beauty.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 41
  3. Negative: 5 out of 41
  1. MattC
    10
    Well, i do Strongly the believe the movie, alone, is a good and interesting movie. But to personally mention, I think the response depends on the situation you, the viewer, are in. For example, if you have feelings for someone and have interest in him/her, the movie probably will suck you into it's imaginative world. The film depicts the sadness but warmth feeling of 2 people's elevating yet confusing love for each other.It's a peaceful film. Full of imagination and creativity. It's its own little world. Although a good movie as it is, it may sadden you in specific parts. But that's what makes a good movie. Overall, To understand & enjoy the movie, you will have to be in subtle peace and relaxation and must just let the film convince you hat is happening is real.… Full Review »
  2. avatar16
    6
    Il est très difficile d'entrée dans la tête de ces rêveurs, aussi bien dans celle du personnage principal que celle du réalisateur Michel Gondry. Et pour cause, le réalisateur français s'est emparé d'une banale histoire d'amour et l'a transformée en une sorte de trip en carton de pâte que seul un enfant pourrait imaginer (et encore!). Pour les personnes qui ne sont pas habituées à ce genre de cinéma (comme moi), il est difficile d'y trouver son bonheur. Il faut que l'on reconnaisse la qualité du casting, de la mise en scène et des effets spéciaux simplistes mais qui offrent au film un certain charme. Mais difficile d'apprécier pleinement ce film.… Full Review »
  3. GinaR
    9
    I loved this movie...it has a manageable amount of confusion & the necessary amount of comedy to really entertain! The involvement of the office colleagues were my one of my favorite elements. I just love the creative handling of this film. I could identify with so many of the so-human emotions that were dealt with -- the embarrassment of mis-understanding when trying to gain favor with somebody...and things going wrong, out of control. The film was a tiny bit long, but Gael Garcia Bernal is so gorgeous, that I didnt mind watching him for the extra time!! Beautiful & subtle, worth watching if you like arty type movies rather than the sensationalist main-stream 1+1.… Full Review »
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