Sleepless in Seattle Analysis

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Co-written and Directed by: Nora Ephron
Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan
Nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song for Oscar.
#10 in the AFI Best Films of all time in the Romantic Comedy genre.

The film has a very 'Kramer vs Kramer' vibe to it. Single father struggling to raise a son, along with dealing with a heartbreak. Both the sons are trying to figure out the sudden change and are resisting it. Sometimes, they're trying to help their dads too but of course, the dads won't take them seriously. The film has stories of various relationships - there is Jonah and Jessica, there is Annie and Walter and then whatever that happens with Sam - so it almost feels like the film is about this world more than just about Sam. The film being about this world and tone more than about one particular premise or character - also comes through the way they use music in the film. They're very particular about the tone/mood of the film. I think 'father and a young son' is an amazing trope to explore life - films like Jersey, Kramer vs Kramer, Pursuit of Happiness - all of them explore it very well. 

I was wondering that there's a misty, dreamy vibe to the visuals. Cinematographer Sven Nykvist who worked on 120 films, especially known for his work with Swedish legends like Ingmar Bergman and Alf Sjoberg, and he worked with Woody Allen too - he shot this film. There is a sense of visual language to the film. It has a winter vibe to it. I could relate a lot to Walter - the guy who is left out. For me, he had my attention and he had my empathies. I would probably be interested to know more about him than about Sam, or Annie. He's a common, everyday guy who is very easily ignored and overlooked - but them languishing in life and love could be very interesting to explore.