LFF - 'Sleeping Dogs Lie' shocks and charms

Time Out examines the controversial new black comedy from Bobcat Goldthwaite.

Oct 20 2006

Amy is a happy, normal, pretty elementary school teacher who harbours a dark secret from her past – she once gave her dog a blowjob. In the name of love she confesses all to her fiancé and that happy, normal life starts to crumble around her. This odd tragi-comedy is not about bestiality at all, but uses this absurd premise to develop a thoughtful yet hilarious analysis of family tensions and the value of honesty.

The whole cast give great performances and the chemistry between characters is spot on. Melinda Page Hamilton, last seen as the sexy nun in 'Desperate Housewives', plays Amy with such sensitivity that you forgive, even understand, her random act of bestiality.

Director Bobcat Goldthwait (best known for his role as Zed in several of the 'Police Academy' films) sets the film up as another 'Meet the Parents'-style slapstick comedy, but confounds expectations by creating a moving, thought-provoking feature, especially in the tender moments between Amy and her fabulously played parents (Geoffrey Pierson and Bonnie Friedericy).

At times the momentum is confused as the film dashes between comedy and dark drama, but this just adds to its quirky appeal and it would be hard not to enjoy a film that so keeps you guessing.

And if you like the sound of 'Sleeping Dogs Lie', keep an eye on The TOMB as we'll be catching up with the 'Police Academy' officer formerly known as Zed to quiz him about this blackest of black comedies later in the festival.

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