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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Sleeper (1973). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In the futuristic landscape of the year 2173, we are introduced to Miles Monroe, a quirky health food store owner and a talented ragtime clarinet player, portrayed by Woody Allen. Miles had experienced an unforeseen twist of fate when he went for a seemingly routine stomach ulcer operation back in 1973, only to wake up in a bewildering world—a totalitarian regime known as the American Federation. This oppressive society is tightly controlled by a mysterious figure referred to as ‘The Leader’, whose looming presence is reminiscent of a Big Brother figure from dystopian literature.

As the doctors unearth Miles from his cryogenic slumber, they whisk him away to the shelter of Dr. Melik’s residence, where they are wholly fascinated and somewhat bewildered by his antiquated lifestyle, including his bizarre cravings for organic foods and his complete unawareness of the savory delights of steak and other indulgent fare. They soon engage Miles in a convoluted plot regarding the Aries Project, which they suspect is part of The Leader’s sinister plan to squash their budding revolutionary movement. Fearful for their safety, they warn Miles that exposure could lead to the reprogramming of his identity. Just as he expresses his reluctance to join their cause, chaos erupts as security forces swarm the house, allowing him to make a hasty escape while his would-be allies are captured.

Desperately seeking refuge, Miles finds himself hiding in a van filled with robots. Ingeniously, he uses spare parts to fashion a disguise, fooling everyone as he is transported to the residence of the eccentric poet Luna Schlosser, brought to life by Diane Keaton. Initially disappointed by the robot’s appearance, Luna swiftly recruits Miles—whom she believes to be a servant—to assist with preparations for an impending soirée. Amidst the turmoil of culinary chaos, Miles finds himself wrestling with a massive bowl of instant pudding, which seems determined to escape his grasp, creating a comedic disaster where he inadvertently incinerates the guests’ appetizers. Meanwhile, Luna and her artist friends are swept away by the effects of a peculiar orb—an avant-garde alternative to marijuana that works through skin absorption.

After the revelry subsides, Luna seeks intimacy in an unusual way with her painter friend Herald by using a device known as the orgasmatron, simulating pleasure. This encounter leads to discord when Luna’s poetic notions are challenged by Herald’s insights, causing her to retaliate in frustration. Soon after, Luna and Herald turn their attention to a massive telescreen, breaching the serious tone with a wave to The Leader as if he were an old friend.

The next day, Luna seeks to upgrade her “robot” by replacing Miles’s head with a more attractive one. However, just before the surgery, he manages to escape, leading to a dramatic chase in which he insists he’s merely a man from the past. In the ensuing chaos, Luna’s screams draw attention, prompting Miles to commandeer her vehicle in a desperate bid for safety. Thus begins a curious partnership as they negotiate their way through surreal encounters, leading them to a bountiful farm where absurdly large produce persists. Miles attempts to peel a banana of exaggerated proportions, resulting in excellent physical comedy as both he and the farmer continuously slip on the peel.

After a series of escapades, including a precarious inflatable suit disguise, the couple find themselves pursued by the authorities. In a pivotal moment, as they seek distraction, Miles is determined to assist Luna, albeit under duress. They encounter absurdity at every turn—from inflatable costumes to explosive arguments—ultimately leading them to an old Volkswagen, a relic from Miles’s time that responds to him as if it shares a bond.

Amidst the intrigue, the narrative catapults into deeper discussions about love, science, and governmental systems as Miles and Luna navigate their romantic connection amid a revolution brewing in the shadows. In this bizarre new world, the couple tries to infiltrate the underground, pairing their affection with political resistance, while hilariously bickering over each other’s loyalties and past traumas.

In an exhilarating climax of improvised schemes and outlandish confrontations, they discover that an explosive plot—the destruction of The Leader himself—has taken place, leaving them grappling with the implications of their newly forged alliance. The film navigates profound questions of existence and meaning, interspersed with laugh-out-loud moments that underscore the absurdity of their reality. As they find common ground, sharing intellectual repartees and passionate arguments, they ultimately share a kiss, signifying that amidst the chaos of love, rebellion, and societal absurdity, hope and connection endure, even in a dystopian future.

As the final credits roll, audiences are left pondering Miles’s poignant line about love and death as the things that define the human experience: “I believe in sex and death, two things that come once in a lifetime.” The movie concludes, leaving viewers with a mixture of humor and depth, showcasing the charm of top-notch comedic performances against a backdrop of existential exploration.

Timeline

Track the key events of Sleeper (1973) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Miles Monroe is Cryogenically Frozen

In 1973, Miles Monroe, a health food store owner, enters a hospital for a routine ulcer operation. However, he unexpectedly never regains consciousness and is cryogenically frozen, setting the stage for his future revival.

1973 Greenwich Village

Miles Awakens in 2173

In the year 2173, doctors revive Miles from his cryogenic state, peeling off his tinfoil covering. He awakens to find himself in a futuristic and oppressive society called the American Federation, where he is considered a fugitive.

2173

Miles Discovers the Totalitarian State

As Miles gets accustomed to his new surroundings, he learns about the totalitarian regime led by a figure known only as 'The Leader'. The doctors who revived him are apprehensive about his identity being revealed, fearing that he could be reprogrammed.

Escape from the Doctors

When the security police arrive to apprehend the doctors, Miles seizes the opportunity to escape. He flees the scene, narrowly avoiding capture, while the doctors are detained.

Disguised as a Robot

Miles hides in a van filled with robots and ingeniously disguises himself as one of them. This ruse leads him to the home of poet Luna Schlosser, who is expecting a servant for her upcoming party.

Chaos at Luna's Party

While preparing for the party, Miles struggles to understand the unfamiliar cooking methods of the future. His inexperience leads to disaster when he accidentally creates a pudding mess in the kitchen while guests indulge in a strange synthetic drug.

Luna's home

Luna Enters the Orgasmatron

After the party chaos, Luna enters the orgasmatron with her artist friend Herald. Their encounter leads to a casual discussion about art and biological imperfections, reflecting the absurdity of their new reality.

Hijacking Luna's Car

When Luna discovers Miles's true identity and screams for help, he hijacks her car and drives into the woods. To save her from being captured, Miles forces Luna to help him by promising her food.

The Woods

Dinner on Giant Produce

In a humorous twist, Miles and Luna encounter oversized fruits in a nearby farm. They bond over an unconventional dinner featuring a canoe-sized banana, showcasing the peculiarities of the future's agriculture.

Farm

The Police Confrontation

Trying to borrow a car, Miles's plans backfire when Luna betrays him to the police, leading to a frantic chase. In a daring act, Miles battles the police before escaping across a river, utilizing a quirky inflatable suit.

River

Reprogrammed and Living the Good Life

After being captured again, Miles is reprogrammed to fit into society and starts living a new life with new clothes and a job. Meanwhile, Luna continues her underground mission while remaining in love with Miles.

Miles's Jealousy and Mission

When Miles encounters Luna during a surprise visit, he's horrified to learn that she is now involved with the underground revolutionary, Erno. This leads him to agree to help Erno's plan, motivated by jealousy and love.

The Plot Against The Leader

Miles and Luna infiltrate a secret medical meeting where they learn of a plot that has left The Leader incapacitated. They devise a plan to create a diversion to secure a vital piece of evidence, the Leader's nose.

Medical Facility

The Great Escape with the Nose

In a chaotic moment, Miles takes the nose hostage to escape but, in a panic, he ends up throwing it under a steamroller. This sends shockwaves through the authorities, and it symbolizes Miles's defiance against the regime.

Declaration of Love

After various trials and chaos, Miles and Luna affirm their love for each other. Amidst the absurdity of their situation, they share a kiss, contemplating the challenges of their relationship in a misguided world.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Sleeper (1973) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Miles Monroe (Woody Allen)

Miles Monroe is a quirky and somewhat naive character who finds himself lost in a future he doesn't understand. His rapid adaptation to the bizarre ways of the new world showcases his humor and resilience, but his deep-seated beliefs in simpler times often clash with the disorienting environment around him.

🎷 Musician ✈️ Time Traveler

Luna Schlosser (Diane Keaton)

Luna Schlosser is a free-spirited poet who embodies the artistic lifestyle of her time. She is both intrigued and challenged by Miles, often torn between her liberal views and the romantic connection she develops with him, which complicates her allegiance to the underground movement.

✍️ Poet 🎨 Artist

Setting

Uncover the settings of Sleeper (1973), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

2173, 1973

The story begins in 1973 when Miles Monroe undergoes a routine operation. He awakens 200 years later in 2173, reflecting on the advancements and societal changes that have occurred, including the rise of a totalitarian government where freedom is stifled.

Location

Greenwich Village, American Federation

Greenwich Village is a historic neighborhood in New York City, known for its bohemian culture and artistic community. In contrast, the American Federation represents a dystopian future characterized by oppressive control and surveillance, where individuality is suppressed by a totalitarian regime.

🌆 City 🚨 Totalitarian State

Themes

Explore the core themes of Sleeper (1973). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔄

Time Travel

The theme of time travel plays a pivotal role in 'Sleeper,' as Miles Monroe navigates a vastly changed society after being cryogenically frozen. It explores the consequences of technology and the contrast between past and future lifestyles.

🤖

Identity

Identity is a major theme as Miles struggles to maintain his sense of self in a world that seeks to reprogram him. The film humorously examines how identity is shaped by societal expectations and technological advancements.

💔

Love and Relationships

The complex dynamics of love and relationships are highlighted through Miles and Luna's interactions. The film critiques modern views on intimacy, suggesting that genuine connections may be fleeting in a technologically driven society.

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