Paul Schrader has had a spotty career as a director but LIGHT SLEEPER may very well be his best. Willem Dafoe proves he's incapable of giving a bad performance as a drug dealer looking to get out. Dafoe is a classic Schrader hero...an insider trying to become an outsider while keeping his self-respect intact...a theme prevalent in most Schrader films (AMERICAN GIGOLO, LIGHT OF DAY). Downbeat to be sure given its subject matter, but LIGHT SLEEPER has a lot to offer. First and foremost is the acting. Not only does Dafoe excel, but Susan Sarandon is great as a deceptively friendly pusher and the supporting cast is dynamite - David Spade, Dana Delaney (as Dafoe's patient love interest), MaryBeth Hurt, and best of all, singer-songwriter Paul Jabara as an out-of-control junkie. A terrific film.
Review of Light Sleeper
