“Waking Life” puts Richard Linklater in my cache of favorite filmmakers. The indie flick was released in 2001. Ten years after “Slacker;” Linklater’s breakout picture. Like his popular “Before Sunrise” series or the aforementioned “Slacker;” “Waking Life” is a cinematic work of art in a truly unconventional way.
The film deals with the philosophical questions that many of us have. Topics such as lucid dreaming, existentialism, and free will are all thoroughly investigated. The ultimate goal is to discover the true meaning of life – if there actually is one. The entire 101 minute production will make you think. It will also keep you fully invested.
The film was shot using digital video of live actors and then rotoscoped; a technique employed by animators to trace over the actual footage. The result is a visual feast for the senses. The animations are incredibly lifelike in an uncanny sort of way. The characters feel alive, and their emotions quite real. The subject matter is all the better for the unusual style of filming.
A rotoscoped musician in “Waking Life”
The story follows a central character, played by Wiley Wiggins. The young man is dealing with an existential crisis, and seeks a better understanding of his place in the universe. From college professors to odd characters at a bar, everyone has an opinion. And everyone is more than willing to share. The ensemble supporting cast includes great characters – animated of course. Big names like Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg, and Nicky Katt are included in the mix. Linklater’s daughter, Lorelei, makes her acting debut.
Like “Slacker” the story has an intentionally messy progression. We follow the nameless protagonist on his exploits. Linklater also includes non-sequential and random scenes of various people involved in related dialogue. I loved the Easter eggs to “Slacker” and “Before Sunrise” which are included. The presentation itself is a parallel to the chaotic randomness of life.
Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke making a cameo in “Waking Life”
What I liked most about “Waking Life” is the way the story unfolds. The dialogue and sequences are intriguing on their own. We’ve all had questions about deeper rooted issues of existence. And we’ve all bantered back and forth with friends and acquaintances on these types of topics. The use of the rotoscoped animations is key. It will make you pay more attention to what is being said than who is saying it. It’s as if the entire cast is made up of characters from a dream. Super perfundo on the early eve of your day, as one character says. It’s a brilliant way to shoot a movie from a completely artistic tone.
“Waking Life” is a fascinating film. One can’t help but be intrigued by its subject matter and visual aesthetics. It will make you think about life, and the way in which you watch a movie. Linklater has several entries in my personal Top 100 – and this instantly became one of them.
“Waking Life” is currently available to watch or rent from most streaming platforms.
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