While You Were Sleeping is the feelgood movie I always find myself revisiting at this time of year. It is kind of ridiculous – but it is also funny, charming and utterly determined to lift your spirits.
Lucy Moderatz, played by Sandra Bullock, is employed as a collector of tokens for the L train in Chicago. Despite losing her father the year before and lacking any close relatives, she accepts the task of working during the Christmas season. Lucy harbors feelings for Peter, portrayed by Peter Gallagher, an attractive commuter who breezes by her kiosk daily, sporting impeccable hair and donning the classic business attire of the 90s yuppie era.
Lucy sees Peter getting robbed and knocked out on the train tracks. She rescues him from the approaching train and saves his life, but he ends up in a coma. At the hospital, Lucy is mistaken as Peter’s future wife and when she is with his grateful family, she doesn’t have the courage to tell the truth. Among them is Peter’s brother, Jack (Bill Pullman), who Lucy begins to develop feelings for.
The movie While You Were Sleeping has elements of both screwball comedy and romance. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the film is its ability to make an absurd situation seem plausible. In other comedies, misunderstandings often escalate quickly and I find myself frustrated at the lack of honest communication to resolve the issue.
However, I do not follow this approach in While You Were Sleeping. Lucy develops feelings for the entire family. Each chance for her to confess is hindered by the fear of hurting someone’s emotions or disrupting the loving surrogate family she deserves. A small fib spirals into a tangled web of lies, but her actions are oddly relatable.
There has been ongoing discussion about whether or not While You Were Sleeping can be considered a Christmas movie. Although the plot does not revolve around Christmas, its setting during the holiday season plays a significant role in the story. The holiday accentuates Lucy’s feelings of isolation, adds significance to her decisions, and solidifies our support for her character.
Although we may expect a cliché story of instant attraction, it becomes evident that Lucy’s feelings for Peter were never genuine. It was merely infatuation towards a stranger. Gallagher skillfully depicts Peter as more narcissistic than intentionally hurtful. However, when he wakes up from his coma, like a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty, we realize he is somewhat unpleasant.
It is simply irresistible to not be completely charmed by the chemistry between Bullock and Pullman. Whether they are pushing the boundaries of Lucy’s narrative or comically falling on ice together, their dynamic is a delight to witness. Bullock’s portrayal of Lucy evokes great empathy, making it easy to root for her relationship with Jack – but ultimately, the desire for her to remain a part of their newfound family is even stronger.
The remaining members of the cast are outstanding and each character leaves a lasting impression. One standout is Saul (played by Jack Warden), who is aware of the truth, and the talented Peter Boyle, portraying a much more endearing father compared to his famous role on Everybody Loves Raymond.
While You Were Sleeping is a romantic comedy, a farce and most definitely one of the best Christmas movies. If you’re looking for some cinematic cheer this holiday season – and a Die Hard alternative – it’s a triple threat of niceness and as wholesome as it gets.
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The TV show “While You Were Sleeping” can be watched on Disney+. For other suggestions on what to watch in Australia, visit this link.
Source: theguardian.com
