Suffering from memory loss, a former homicide detective tries to solve a brutal murder that he can't recall. As he pieces together evidence from a decade-old investigation, he soon uncovers a sinister web of buried secrets tied to his forgotten past.
Directed by Adam Cooper and adapted from the 2017 crime bestseller The Book of Mirrors by Eugene Chirovici, Sleeping Dogs is a film that explores the complex interplay between memory and identity. The film stars Russell Crowe as Roy Freeman, an ex-cop undergoing an experimental treatment to reverse his Alzheimer's. This unique premise sets the stage for a slow-burning crime drama that, while not without its flaws, offers a compelling exploration of its themes.
The narrative of Sleeping Dogs revolves around Roy Freeman's struggle to piece together his fragmented memories to solve a murder case. The film's structure is episodic, with each segment introducing a new character and their potential involvement in the homicide. This approach allows the audience to delve into the mystery alongside Roy, who, due to his Alzheimer's, perceives case files and evidence in a new light, often catching procedural errors and biases that others might overlook.
Roy's apartment is filled with labels on everyday objects, a poignant detail that underscores his condition and his determination to reclaim his identity. The gradual distribution of information, hampered by Roy's memory lapses and the interference of other characters, creates a sense of intrigue and suspense. As viewers, we become detectives, sifting through the web of secrets and betrayals with Roy.
Russell Crowe's portrayal of Roy Freeman is the film's standout feature. His performance as an ageing and defenceless man, yet equally determined to uncover the truth, is both competent and professional. Crowe's nuanced portrayal brings authenticity and depth to the character, making Roy's journey one marked by uncertainty, sadness, and inevitable violence.
However, the film falters in its treatment of side characters. The script, unfortunately, does not provide these characters with distinct personality traits or meaningful development. This lack of depth in the supporting cast detracts from the overall impact of the story, as their roles often feel undercooked and inconsequential.
Sleeping Dogs tackles several interesting ideas, particularly surrounding the unreliable narrator trope introduced by Roy's Alzheimer's. This condition allows for red herrings and misdirection to abound, keeping both Roy and the audience guessing. The slow pacing of the film encourages viewers to overthink and question their own theories about the culprit, meticulously examining every piece of evidence and interaction.
Despite these intriguing elements, the film struggles with its pacing. The first two acts are laborious, with the narrative meandering until the final scenes, where all the action unfolds in a confusing and convoluted manner. The slow pace works in the film's favour to some extent, fostering a sense of overthinking and self-doubt in the audience. However, it also risks losing viewers' interest before the climactic resolution.
The third act of Sleeping Dogs is where the film attempts to bring its numerous plot threads together. Unfortunately, this is also where the narrative becomes most convoluted. The rapid succession of events in the final moments can be difficult to follow, and the resolution, while surprising, may leave some viewers unsatisfied due to its hasty execution.
Nevertheless, the ending offers a solid payoff, with revelations that, although sometimes far-fetched, are effective in tying up the mystery. Crowe's performance remains the driving force throughout, ensuring that even in its most chaotic moments, the film retains a sense of emotional and narrative coherence.
As Adam Cooper's feature-length directorial debut, Sleeping Dogs showcases both potential and areas for improvement. Cooper's direction occasionally falters, particularly in maintaining a consistent tone. At times, the film resembles a gritty crime thriller, while at others, it veers into the territory of a moving character drama. This tonal inconsistency can be jarring, but it also highlights Cooper's ambition to blend different genres and storytelling techniques.
Sleeping Dogs is not without its cliches. The labyrinthine plot and the presence of a manipulative femme fatale are familiar tropes in the crime genre. However, the film's exploration of memory and identity, anchored by Crowe's strong performance, sets it apart from more conventional fare.
Sleeping Dogs is a film that invites its audience to engage deeply with its mystery. Despite its slow pace and occasional narrative missteps, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of how memory shapes our identity and perceptions. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Roy Freeman is the film's greatest asset, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and determination that resonates throughout the story.
While the script could benefit from stronger character development and a more streamlined plot, Sleeping Dogs still manages to captivate with its unique premise and the emotional journey of its protagonist. Adam Cooper's directorial debut shows promise, and with further refinement, he could deliver more polished and engaging stories in the future.
In the end, Sleeping Dogs may not be a flawless crime thriller, but it is a film that lingers in the mind, much like the memories its protagonist strives to reclaim. It is a reminder of the power of storytelling to illuminate the complexities of the human experience, even through the haze of forgotten memories.