Waking Life (2001)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:136
Fresh:108
Rotten:28
Average Rating:7.4/10
Consensus: The talky, animated Waking Life is a unique, cerebral experience.
Theatrical Release:19-04-2002
Synopsis: Director Richard Linklater presents this computer-animated, dreamlike, meandering film about a college-age man (Wiley Wiggins) who floats in and out of a series of philosophical discussions and... [More]
Starring: Wiley Wiggins, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Nicky Katt
Director: Richard Linklater
Reviews for Waking Life
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 3.5/5 |
Form and content fit perfectly: even if the highbrow babbling gets a bit much, the hypnotic animation means that there is always something to watch, like characters suddenly dissolving into smoke or spectacles expanding. Full Review |
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The endless philosophising is a bit sophomoric and more jokes would help, but this is one of a kind that grows more absorbing the longer it runs. Full Review |
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3/5 |
An intriguing and visually impressive film squarely aimed at the art house crowd. Full Review |
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3/5 |
Just when you thought there was nothing new in cinema, especially American cinema, along comes Richard Linklater with one of the most radical and thought provoking films of the year. Full Review |
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4/4 |
Groundbreaking filmmaking techniques and otherworldly rhythm... liberating, dreamy, joyous. Full Review |
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This is a wildly invigorating, unexpectedly thrilling and even moving film. Full Review |
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 1/5 |
You'll find more self-involvement and cod philosophising here than in all the world's coffee houses. Full Review |
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3.5/5 |
The visuals are extraordinary, the kind of thing usually reserved for a 5-minute short. But we never get tired of watching it. Full Review |
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Click to read the article Full Review |
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Click to read the article Full Review |
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4/4 |
Click to read the article Full Review |
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5/5 |
A true independent film that uses animation techniques to their utmost. Full Review |
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B+ |
This inventive animated film, which takes Linklater back to his roots in Austin and Slacker, represents a summation of all the philosophical concerns that have defined him as spokesperson for Gen-X. Full Review |
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4/4 |
The question comes up often in life: What's your favorite movie? Since October 2001, the answer has been easy and one I shoot back reflexively almost before someone's finished the question: "Waking Life." Full Review |
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1/4 |
The novelty of the much-lauded animation style wears off about halfway through, with the end result a film that's more interminable than anything else. Full Review |
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4/4 |
It is not the best film of the year, nor is it likely to be one that I purchase and watch often. Still, it is something that should be seen by everyone and experienced by any diehard film lover. Full Review |
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A- |
I applaud Linklater for [directing] such an interesting ride. But it suffers from a lack of sensistivity to its audience... Full Review |
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Linklater's most visually distinctive movie, with exquisitely detailed renderings ... that are at the same time unstable, floaty, in a way perfect for a dreamed reality. Full Review |
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4/4 |
It reminded me of college. Full Review |
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This audacious movie may put some people to sleep; for others, it’ll be a wakeup call on the possibilities of screen storytelling Full Review |
CommentLatest News for Waking Life
November 14, 2007:
Total Recall: Beowulf and Ye Olde Tradition of Animation
These are heady times for live-action/animation hybrids. This week, Robert Zemeckis updates the Old English poem Beowulf. Next week, Enchanted adds a heavy dose of animation to... More...
July 14, 2006:
See the First 24 Minutes of "A Scanner Darkly"!!
Our friends over at IGN FilmForce have snagged an awesome Christmas in July present for you -- an exclusive look at the first 24 minutes of Richard Linklater's hyper-visual... More...
July 06, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Dead Man's Chest" Is Overstuffed; "Scanner" Shines Darkly
This week at the movies, we've got pirates back for more box office bounty ("Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest") and a journey to the center of the mind... More...
June 02, 2006:
Check Out "A Scanner Darkly" Producer's FilmForce Blog!
"A Scanner Darkly" producer Tommy Pallotta has a blog on the IGN FilmForce site. Pallotta, who also produced "Waking Life," has been instrumental in the use... More...
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