"Waking Life" is one of those films that makes you just want to hug and fawn over everyone who was involved in its making. These people have won my respect and admiration for having such incredible creative abilities. They've crafted a truly unique piece of art that is undeniably beautiful to look at and experience.
The complex, fascinating journey is that of a one Wiley Wiggins, an everyday, sullen young teenager for whom life is suddenly resembling a string of surreal interactions and observations of various characters. These people range from the mundane and long-winded, to the plucky and thought-provoking, to the absolutely strange and endearing. I found myself perfectly engaged in the sometimes intense discussions for which I collected my own thoughts - sometimes disagreeing, but mostly agreeing. I'm a fairly open-minded person, and as such, I think this was a very pleasant experience, as I really love to see these types of scenes that are less action and more just simple, casual talk. Of course, the hypnotic and fluid animation (filtered over scenes that were originally live-action and shot in digital video) only served to heighten the interest, and keep the attention constantly focused on the issues.
I must say, a lot of these opinions were extremely refreshing to hear; Richard Linklater should be given tremendous kudos for being able to write and direct such a rich, philosophical milestone. I can understand some of the more confused and hostile reactions towards such an odd, unconventional picture, but to someone who personally relishes the chances some filmmakers take, this risky venture pays big, BIG dividends. If you're not the type of viewer who enjoys being pummeled with an overload of words and abstract thought, this film probably isn't for you. I'm sure it's one of those things you just have to be in the mood for - a mood to be entertained, AND enlightened.
The complex, fascinating journey is that of a one Wiley Wiggins, an everyday, sullen young teenager for whom life is suddenly resembling a string of surreal interactions and observations of various characters. These people range from the mundane and long-winded, to the plucky and thought-provoking, to the absolutely strange and endearing. I found myself perfectly engaged in the sometimes intense discussions for which I collected my own thoughts - sometimes disagreeing, but mostly agreeing. I'm a fairly open-minded person, and as such, I think this was a very pleasant experience, as I really love to see these types of scenes that are less action and more just simple, casual talk. Of course, the hypnotic and fluid animation (filtered over scenes that were originally live-action and shot in digital video) only served to heighten the interest, and keep the attention constantly focused on the issues.
I must say, a lot of these opinions were extremely refreshing to hear; Richard Linklater should be given tremendous kudos for being able to write and direct such a rich, philosophical milestone. I can understand some of the more confused and hostile reactions towards such an odd, unconventional picture, but to someone who personally relishes the chances some filmmakers take, this risky venture pays big, BIG dividends. If you're not the type of viewer who enjoys being pummeled with an overload of words and abstract thought, this film probably isn't for you. I'm sure it's one of those things you just have to be in the mood for - a mood to be entertained, AND enlightened.
