Sleepless (2001 film)
Encyclopedia
Sleepless is a 2001
horror film
by Dario Argento
. The film stars Max von Sydow
and Stefano Dionisi and marks Argento's return to the giallo
subgenre. The film was another box office success when it opened in Italy, taking in over 5,019,733,505 Italian Lira ($3,280,080) by end of its theatrical run.
) investigating a series of murders in Turin in 1983 known as The Dwarf Murders. The main suspect, a giallo
novelist named Vincenzo de Fabritiis, turns up dead and the case is considered closed. However, seventeen years later, a similar series of murders begin and draw the since retired Moretti back into the case. Moretti teams up with Giacomo (Stefano Dionisi), whose mother was murdered in the 1983 spree, to determine if de Fabritiis is still alive or was actually innocent of the crimes for which he was accused. As the murders continue, the investigating duo discovers that the murderer is arranging their murder to an old nursery rhyme about the killing of animals.
was heavily edited for content. Every murder sequence in the film was trimmed down for less graphic violence, including the decapitation murder of the ballet dancer which omits the image of the head hitting the floor. In all over a minutes worth of footage was cut.
European DVD releases of the film are completely uncut.
2001 in film
The year 2001 in film involved some significant events, including the first of the Harry Potter series and also the first of The Lord of the Rings trilogy...
horror film
Horror film
Horror films seek to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's most primal fears. They often feature scenes that startle the viewer through the means of macabre and the supernatural, thus frequently overlapping with the fantasy and science fiction genres...
by Dario Argento
Dario Argento
Dario Argento is an Italian film director, producer and screenwriter. He is best known for his work in the horror film genre, particularly in the subgenre known as giallo, and for his influence on modern horror and slasher movies....
. The film stars Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow is a Swedish actor. He has also held French citizenship since 2002. He has starred in many films and had supporting roles in dozens more...
and Stefano Dionisi and marks Argento's return to the giallo
Giallo
Giallo is an Italian 20th century genre of literature and film, which in Italian indicates crime fiction and mystery. In the English language it refers to a genre similar to the French fantastique genre and includes elements of horror fiction and eroticism...
subgenre. The film was another box office success when it opened in Italy, taking in over 5,019,733,505 Italian Lira ($3,280,080) by end of its theatrical run.
Plot
Sleepless opens with Detective Ulisse Moretti (Max von SydowMax von Sydow
Max von Sydow is a Swedish actor. He has also held French citizenship since 2002. He has starred in many films and had supporting roles in dozens more...
) investigating a series of murders in Turin in 1983 known as The Dwarf Murders. The main suspect, a giallo
Giallo
Giallo is an Italian 20th century genre of literature and film, which in Italian indicates crime fiction and mystery. In the English language it refers to a genre similar to the French fantastique genre and includes elements of horror fiction and eroticism...
novelist named Vincenzo de Fabritiis, turns up dead and the case is considered closed. However, seventeen years later, a similar series of murders begin and draw the since retired Moretti back into the case. Moretti teams up with Giacomo (Stefano Dionisi), whose mother was murdered in the 1983 spree, to determine if de Fabritiis is still alive or was actually innocent of the crimes for which he was accused. As the murders continue, the investigating duo discovers that the murderer is arranging their murder to an old nursery rhyme about the killing of animals.
Cast
- Max von SydowMax von SydowMax von Sydow is a Swedish actor. He has also held French citizenship since 2002. He has starred in many films and had supporting roles in dozens more...
... Ulisse Moretti - Stefano Dionisi ... Giacomo Gallo
- Chiara CaselliChiara CaselliChiara Caselli is an Italian actress. In 1994, Caselli won the Nastro d'Argento Best Actress award as well as the David di Donatello for Best Actress award...
... Gloria - Roberto Zibetti ... Lorenzo Betti
- Gabriele LaviaGabriele LaviaGabriele Lavia is an Italian actor, film director and theatre director.Lavia was born in Milan, Lombardy. Since 1970 he has had roles in nearly thirty films and television programs...
... Dr. Betti - Paolo Maria Scalondro ... Chief Inspector Manni
- Rossella Falk ... Laura de Fabritiis
- Roberto Accornero ... Fausto
- Barbara Lerici ... Angela
- Guido Morbello ... Young Detective
- Massimo Sarchielli ... Leone
- Diego Casale ... Beppe
- Alessandra Comerio ... Mrs. Betti
- Elena Marchesini ... Mel
- Aldo Massasso ... Detective Cascio
Alternate versions
The original US video release from Artisan EntertainmentArtisan Entertainment
Artisan Entertainment Inc. was a privately held independent American movie studio until it was purchased by a Canadian studio, Lionsgate, in 2003. At the time of its acquisition, Artisan had a library of thousands of films developed through acquisition, original production, and production and...
was heavily edited for content. Every murder sequence in the film was trimmed down for less graphic violence, including the decapitation murder of the ballet dancer which omits the image of the head hitting the floor. In all over a minutes worth of footage was cut.
European DVD releases of the film are completely uncut.