Waking Life
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Movie Reviews of Waking Life
Movie Review: Reviewed by Carl Ruderman
Summary: 5 Stars
Waking Life is the animated film by Richard Linklater, the talented writer and director. I had heard so much about it before, but just recently had the opportunity to see it myself. The acclaim for the film wasn't unwarranted.
The movie's main character fades in and out of dreams and "waking life," rarely being aware of weather or not he's awake or sleeping and in the end I'm not sure if it really matters. Adding to the dreamy theme of the movie is the beautiful, hazy animation which drip-drops and flows from scene to scene giving the audience a light, floating feeling like we're experiencing the surreal dream world as well.
Along the way the main character (I'm not sure if he's ever named) encounters a myriad of interesting characters espousing various philosophies, religions, ideas and theories. The main character is seeking answers to whether or not he's dreaming, awake or even dead and each of the people he meets give him some insight, however vague it might be.
Linklater himself makes an appearance at the end of the film and his speech on sci-fi author Philip K. Dick and the role of dreams in his novel, Flow My Tears, the Policeman Cried. Linklater's retelling of Dick's story captures much of the film's message...I'll leave it to you to see for yourself and draw your own conclusions from Linklater's masterspiece, Waking Life.
Movie Review: Are you really even reading this?
Summary: 5 Stars
Waking Life is IMPORTANT. See this film at least once just to be introduced to some concepts that you may not have ever considered before. I had never seen a film so infused with intelligent commentary on the human condition. Granted at times it is more facetious than insightful. The humor is there to express the hilarious nature of the human thought process. Do not listen to someone if they say that this film is only meant for mensa cardholders. It may take more than one viewing to absorb ALL of the implications made by this film, but ANYONE can learn something from Waking Life. Like many visually appealing films this one was best seen in the theaters. The DVD has some really cool features like "snack and a soda". This short features Mr.Power (he has an interesting part in Waking Life) going out to get refreshments at a local convenience store. The twist is that this was Mr.Sabiston's chance to go wild with the rotoscoping animation program. Also included is a thorough explanation of that very animation process. If you are a commentary addict like myself you will be pleased by both Richard Linklater's and the other featuring many actors from the film. In conclusion, check your alarm clock when you wake up just to make sure you aren't really just dreaming it. You might be surprised at how often the numbers are incomprehensible.Movie Review: Still inspiring conversation
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched Waking Life a few months ago with my then-boyfriend, and we both could not stop talking about it with everyone we knew after that. The movie is really dense, in that there is so much dialog that you can barely keep track of it all. And every conversation between the characters is interesting and makes you think. On top of that, there's the whole "plot" of the movie, if you could call it that, but it has you thinking and wondering about the very existence of the main character and what it is and what that means. Anyway, long-winded but you get the picture. So I think the two of us probably got about 25 other people to go see it, and they kept coming back to us and talking about it. And just when I thought the Waking Life topic had died down, I get the DVD for my birthday. So now I've watched it about 3 more times, and lent it to some friends and IT'S BACK. This movie is so unique and excellent that I don't think I'm ever going to get away from it. In fact, I'm starting to feel like I'm the one in the crazy dream-state since every conversation I have nowadays is linked to Waking Life somehow. Anyway, if you like to think, watch this movie. And then watch a few more times. And then talk to other people who have watched it and see what happens. If you don't like to think, then go watch a Steven Seagal movie. You'll love it.Movie Review: It's EZ, Just "WAKE UP"...
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone interested in philosophical conversations, reality, dreams, psychology, humanity, personal growth, shamanism, and / or holism (for starters) - would get something out of this very original film by Richard Linklater.
The digital animation lends a wistful, dreamlike quality to the whole work. IOW, it sets the ambient mood for the movie, very conveniently. Linklater made this film one long, rambling, yet quite interesting conversation, between a confused, but curious and thoughtful young man, and everyone he comes into contact with.
It seems he isn't sure whether he is asleep or awake, alive or dead.
Time becomes very fuzzy in this one. In the dream state time has no boundaries. Every morning he hopes he has awakened, but alas. Until...
It seems life really is but a dream, and it soon becomes apparent that reality is no more than illusion!
It also is interesting how much *actual control we have over our dream(s)*, in contrast with how much we *think or perceive* that we have.
I strongly recommend this movie, a true classic work of film art. Along with the deep philosophical and esoterical questions, Linklater provides music, color, movement, contrast, conflict, harmony. IOW, it is an 'experience'.
Makes a great gift, too!
Movie Review: "Super perfundo on the early eve of your day..."
Summary: 5 Stars
A bona fide landmark achievement in the field of animated movies, 'Waking Life' is a film destined for cult status. The unconventional animation technique used here is hypnotic and serves to energize what would otherwise be a wearisome movie. There is a coherent storyline present but it's periodically overwhelmed by the frequent metaphysical diversions that the lead character engages in with a variety of philosophically minded individuals. These vignettes are purposely designed to be enlightening, outrageous, trivial, astonishing, dignified and even boring. Unequaled in form, function, style or substance by any film in recent memory, you will likely find 'Waking Life' either an invigorating experience or a stultifying and tedious 100 minutes. Fans of the director, Richard Linklater, will have a head start on this challenging and offbeat movie that is not without rewards. A rare film that actually benefits from repeated viewings.The DVD presentation is a great package, containing many entertaining extras that provide insight into the story and explain the unique animation technique; wisely, the movie is presented in a widescreen format. There is the usual requisite deleted scenes and theatrical trailer, but best of all are the animated film shorts by Bob Sabiston, who designed the animation for the film.