The Woody Allen satire film Sleeper, starring Diane Keaton, is released

It Happened on
December 17, 1973

50 years ago…

“Sleeper” is a 1973 science fiction comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The plot of the film is set in a dystopian future and follows the adventures of Miles Monroe, played by Woody Allen himself.

Miles Monroe is a jazz musician and owner of a health food store in the 1970s. Due to a bizarre medical mishap during a routine dental procedure, he is cryogenically frozen and remains in suspended animation for 200 years. When he is accidentally thawed out in the future, he wakes up in a world that has undergone significant changes.

In this future society, the government is ruled by a totalitarian regime, and people live in a conformist and absurdly bureaucratic world. There are various satirical elements and humorous exaggerations of futuristic technology, fashion, and social norms. Woody Allen’s character, Miles, becomes an unwitting rebel as he navigates this strange world.

Miles is eventually joined by a rebellious woman named Luna Schlosser, played by Diane Keaton, who is involved in a plot to overthrow the oppressive government. Together, they go on a series of comical and daring adventures as they try to disrupt the regime and bring about change.

“Sleeper” is known for its humor, social commentary, and satirical take on science fiction themes. It blends Woody Allen’s trademark wit with futuristic elements to create a unique and entertaining film that explores issues such as totalitarianism, conformity, and the role of technology in society.