Review of Waking Life (2001) by Christopher D — 27 Mar 2013

I would like to say this up front: this film is not pretentious. But it sure as hell could have been. It walked a very fine line, but the lack of any assertiveness about the film's ideas makes it feel much more like a cool and laid back University professor rather than a diligent sermonizer.

Really, one has to want to be engaged by the contemplative style, because the film does require work on the part of the viewer. However, it is one of the few films that does improve with multiple viewings, and should be watched just for the brilliant artistic choice.

The rotoscope allows for a familiar, but unearthly feel, which Linklater also attempted with A Scanner Darkly. It has its high and low points, but it's just so thought provoking, and even if you don't agree with its opinion, it's cool with that.

It would have a friendly discussion with you if it could talk back. That is the kind of filmmaking that I wish to see more often, but in the meantime, this film should be appriciated for the gem it is.