Movie spotlight
Early Riser
This short is based on Chester Himes’s novel Cotton Comes to Harlem (1965) and its adaptation for the screen by Ossie Davis in 1970. The cotton in the novel and film comes from the region around Columbus, Mississippi. Shot in noir-style, the film focuses on the scene when detectives Coffin Ed and Grave Digger Jones interrogate Lo-Boy, an artist/hustler, about the event around the demise of his friend Early Riser.
Insights
Plot Summary
A woman with insomnia finds herself falling for a man who has never slept. As their unusual relationship deepens, they must confront the realities of their peculiar conditions and the potential consequences for their future together.
Critical Reception
Early Riser received mixed to positive reviews. Critics often praised the charming performances of the lead actors and the film's quirky premise, though some found the story to be somewhat predictable or uneven in its pacing.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unique romantic concept and the chemistry between its leads.
Noted for its charming performances, particularly from Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd.
Some critics found the plot to be a bit too conventional despite its unusual premise.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's lighthearted and romantic tone, appreciating the novelty of the central concept and the engaging performances of the main cast.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'Sleepyhead' before being changed to 'Early Riser'.
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