351. Max Richter’s Sleep; movie review

 

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MAX RICHTER'S SLEEP

Cert PG

100 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent mild bad language

Well, here's a novelty... a piece of music which has been deliberately composed with the intention of sending the audience to sleep.

And that is exactly what they do - on camp beds which have been set out instead of the usual auditorium seats.

Natalie Johns follows Max Richter and his creative partner and wife Yulia Mahr in the build-up to an eight-hour overnight open-air concert in Los Angeles.

She also weaves in footage from their home life and clips from performances in Berlin, Sydney and Paris.

The film is underscored by Richter's music - although I can confirm that it didn't lull me into the land of nod.

Sleep is a remarkable concept and those who are into classical music will be intrigued over the through processes behind its origination.

I am a mere layperson and was more interested in why anyone would buy a ticket, knowing they could sleep for free at home.

Therefore, it was enlightening to hear gentle interviews with members of the audience. Some found it almost a spiritual experience!

Just as fascinating are the conversations with Mahr and Richter about their struggles before he became famous.

They now live in very comfortable countryside surroundings but they tell how every last penny counted in their early days.

This was especially interesting because classical music is a foreign field to me but, thanks to Johns' documentary, a small veil has been lifted.

Reasons to watch: Explains the thought processes behind a unique piece of music

Reasons to avoid: Will be too languid for some

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? Max Richter was born in Germany but grew up in the UK, eventually settling in Edinburgh. He's classically trained, but also heavily influenced by electronic music, and contributed to Future Sound of London albums and Roni Size's Reprazent before releasing a series of influential solo albums.

The final word. Max Richter: "Sleeping and dreaming is an interesting thing. You’re a passenger in a dream, aren’t you? You’re just sort of being carried along. I love dreaming! It’s my favourite activity and music is totally a type of daydreaming! Writing music and listening to music is an invitation to dream… That’s actually one of the reasons I wrote this album. An invitation to dream." Red Bull Music Academy

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