Waking Life has become sort of a cult film because it is a new art form. The film was first filmed with real actors and then animated over. Every frame seems to have been hand-drawn, and not particularly exact, which creates a very unstable picture. All lines seem to dance on the screen, and it is to say the least, more disturbing than watching NYPD Blue for the first time. This is, however, very interesting and beautiful and the unsettling aspect of it disappears after a while. The downside of this is that the film consists of some really heavy dialogue, and it is extremely hard to concentrate on the images as well as the words.
It is evident that Linklater has studied psychology and philosophy. These are highly fascinating subjects, but they may not be as well-placed in this case. Although Linklater provides no answers to his philosophical subjects which are constantly discussed, I got the sense of being preached. That is never a good idea for an artist. Some of the points are very good, like the dream theories, but most of the time the viewer is put on the school bench. Linklater wants to change the world, but he should not make such direct attempts. Some parts of the film contain one on one conversations. It is fun participating in philosophical discussions, but being on the eavesdropping side usually makes it more ridiculous. Especially when you're eavesdropping on youngsters who believe they have solved the puzzle of life.
Linklater's philosophical ideas were evident in his Before Sunrise too, but it worked better then because that was mostly a love story which overshadowed the strange dialogue.
Waking Life is not all bad, it's just that much of the film seems not to belong in a theater. And when the discussions become too preachy, you can always turn all your concentration on the fabulous artwork.
Rating: 6/10
It is evident that Linklater has studied psychology and philosophy. These are highly fascinating subjects, but they may not be as well-placed in this case. Although Linklater provides no answers to his philosophical subjects which are constantly discussed, I got the sense of being preached. That is never a good idea for an artist. Some of the points are very good, like the dream theories, but most of the time the viewer is put on the school bench. Linklater wants to change the world, but he should not make such direct attempts. Some parts of the film contain one on one conversations. It is fun participating in philosophical discussions, but being on the eavesdropping side usually makes it more ridiculous. Especially when you're eavesdropping on youngsters who believe they have solved the puzzle of life.
Linklater's philosophical ideas were evident in his Before Sunrise too, but it worked better then because that was mostly a love story which overshadowed the strange dialogue.
Waking Life is not all bad, it's just that much of the film seems not to belong in a theater. And when the discussions become too preachy, you can always turn all your concentration on the fabulous artwork.
Rating: 6/10