MovieChat Forums > Into the Night (1985) Discussion > Did we keep Jeff Goldblum up? (spoiler)

Did we keep Jeff Goldblum up? (spoiler)

posted 14 years ago by Picasner
8 replies | jump to latest

Here's this numbers nerd who can't sleep, has the personality of a wet dishrag and absolutely no gumption, getting involved with a sinister plot and a beautiful girl. Yet he never seems scared, never raises his voice, has no idea what's going on and yet he walks around with his hands in his pockets, even when threatened by men with guns and knives. Every other character's actions were more in line with the plot for this farce, but not Jeff. He went thru the motions as though he was saying "Well, I've read the script and nothing bad happens to me, so why should I care?" Guess he was right: he ends up with a lot of money and a beautiful girl.
Sorry for the inconvenience, Jeff.

[–] Farshnoshket 14 years ago

I have to strongly disagree. damn, I hate doing that.

Goldblum's character is suffering from severe insomnia...wanting to sleep because he's tired, but can't no matter how hard he tries. Don't know if you've ever, but I can tell you it can do some real *beep* to your head. A person's reactions in this state will alter from that of someone in a fairly normal state. I thought Goldblum's reactions fit his state of mind. Also, being that state of mind, with a cheating wife (remember that?) might put someone in a very dangerous state of mind.

I think he plays the whole gig just right.

Not everyone thinks like you in every situation.

[–] MatthewWolverine 14 years ago

I agree with TheMovieBuff.

Also his friend told him early in the movie that he was losing his mind due to the insomnia.

[–] jac91604 13 years ago

I agree as well, someone who is deprived of sleep long term exhibits behavior like someone who is drunk or high, they're going to be slow to react situations going on around them.

I think Goldblum played it just right.

[–] przgzr 13 years ago

[quote]someone who is deprived of sleep long term exhibits behavior like someone who is drunk or high[quote]

Not only that, but they are on the edge of psychosis or suicide, so it is realistic that he simply doesn't care whatever happens to him, even if he dies he'll at least get rid of insomnia.

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

Sorry for the inconvenience, Jeff.

Agree with you whole-heartedly. Yes, he's saddled with insomnia, but gee whiz. Talk about a one-note performance. This is it. No wonder he only ever had the lead in a few films.🐭

[–] toastyryder 9 years ago

It was really odd. Jeff's normally a pretty good actor, I couldn't tell if he wasn't sure how to play this part of if that was Landis' direction, but for most of the movie he just sits there like a bored log. I get that he's supposed to be tired & depressed, but if for nothing else but the sake of entertainment they really overdid his lack of enthusiasm.

I recently watched After Hours, also from 1985 and also portraying a late night romp in a big city, but boy what a difference between these two movies. I think I enjoyed Into the Night more when I used to just see bits of it on cable, as a complete movie it just felt "off" the whole time. I have to think the Twilight Zone fiasco must have been weighing down on Landis during production.

And meanwhile on Mushroom Hill this happened https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IlnOiJWUdo

[–] sommert-507-32566 9 years ago

On one hand, you're right, he's laid back through everything and it's hard not to notice. On the other hand, when you think about it he's along for the ride. He's almost a passenger in his own film, despite being the protagonist, and is sitting back and watching or doing what people are telling him to do.

I can see the character being played differently and making sense. But Jeff did make the performance memorable at the same time.

I guess it's one of those things that works for some people, and doesn't for others.

[–] bobbydallas (8682) a year ago

ever hear of "dutch courage" ?
being extremely tired, and being drunk have similar effects on the mind- in this case Ed's nonchalant attitude.

he only slept near the end.