Did you always have Max Von Sydow in mind for the lead role?
I chose Von Sydow because of his screen presence and appearance of strength despite his age. He was ideal to play a retired police detective who pits his traditional investigative methods and his instincts as a hunter against modern methods that aren't turning up any answers.
(Warning Plot Spoiler Answer!): Was this an enjoyable collaboration for you and Von Sydow?
Yes, we enjoyed working with each other very much. During the making of the film he suggested that we could do another Inspector Moretti adventure after "Sleepless". I pointed out to him, "But you die in this film!" He said that if it were an American film it would be no problem to resurrect the character!
Many of your films have been born of the nightmares you have. Was this the case with "Sleepless"?
Only one part of the film, and that was the idea of the book with the animals. I asked my daughter Asia to write the verse for it, which then acts as a thread throughout the movie.
Will we ever see a third film for the unfinished "Three Mothers" trilogy that began with "Suspiria" and "Inferno"?
For the moment no, because it is difficult to find a big enough budget for such an ambitious horror undertaking. Right now, the craze is for children's films and it's easy to find money to make movies like "Harry Potter" or "Lord of the Rings". To try and raise a budget for a film that is strictly for adults and both strong and graphic in content is not easy, especially when there is pressure to spend serious money on good special effects.
What's next up for you?
I'm currently working on another detective 'Giallo' that may feature my daughter Asia and could be set in Venice.
"Sleepless" is released on DVD on Monday 11th February 2002.
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