While I admit I'm a huge stand-up comedy fan, you don't have to be to fall in love with Mike Birbigla or his "factionalized" character, Matt. A funny, honest, sad (but never too sad) autobiographically inspired road trip through Matt's 20's that features some wonderful performances by Lauren Ambrose, Carol Kane and James Rebhorn. I spent the 90 minutes alternating between laughter and wishing I could reach through the screen and slip a Xanax into Matt's beer. I dragged along my 14 year old daughter, who smiles or speaks rarely in my presence these days, and she not only loved it but enthusiastically discussed it with me for an hour afterwords. I only wish it were longer. I could have easily spent the entire afternoon riding shotgun with Matt.
21 Reviews
Quirky, just like it's star/director
NickKnack6811 January 2022
Not hilarious, but an interesting story that's partially based on real life events. I've enjoyed Birbiglia's stand up so I eased into this effortlessly. Not sure if non fans will enjoy it but I think it's worth a shot.
I think it plays out better as a monologue.
cricketbat6 July 2018
Sleepwalk with Me is an enjoyable movie. However, I have heard Mike Birbiglia tell this story on stage, and I think it plays out better as a monologue. As a film, this story doesn't have much of a climax and it ends rather abruptly. The lack of real resolution might be frustrating to some viewers, but Sleepwalk with Me still has undeniable charm, and it's a fascinating look into the life of a comedian.
Mike Birbiglia
SnoopyStyle26 August 2013
Matt Pandamiglio (Mike Birbiglia) is a loser struggling comedian who's actually more of a comedy club bartender. His girlfriend Abby (Lauren Ambrose) is too good for him. Abby pressures him to marry her, and he starts walking in his sleep under the stress.
Mike Birbiglia's semi-autobiographical one-man show is turned into a movie. It has the air of real life. However I just couldn't shake the question that probably everybody asked while watching this movie. "Why did she stay with this loser?" Mike probably played up his loserness too much at the beginning. His acting at the start had no energy at all. It just made it hard to understand why Abby would ever stay with him. There is an imaginative explanation based on real life. But it still isn't quite satisfying.
Mike Birbiglia's semi-autobiographical one-man show is turned into a movie. It has the air of real life. However I just couldn't shake the question that probably everybody asked while watching this movie. "Why did she stay with this loser?" Mike probably played up his loserness too much at the beginning. His acting at the start had no energy at all. It just made it hard to understand why Abby would ever stay with him. There is an imaginative explanation based on real life. But it still isn't quite satisfying.
Pick one, marriage or career?
Reno-Rangan2 September 2013
A funny little movie about a man who suffers from a sleepwalk disorder. The story tells his struggle to hold love and career life together while one turns to be a disaster and another one successful.
Well the story was a bit uncatchy in opening few minutes because the man of the movie, Matt Pandamiglio, tells his earlier life story while recording it into a camera which looks like some documentary. That makes totally unaware of the situation of the tale intended to but later it turned out to be a nice one. The character Matt, sometimes turns to be a nerd and sometimes make us feel fond on him for his innocence. I was little confused for the randomness of his character. Realised that was the motive created by the writer to make the viewers to go gaga over the destination of the tale.
In the movie I liked many individual scenes like Matt jumping out of the window, especially all the sleepwalk scenes. It was a simple story, it was not intended to hurt anybody emotionally from the romantic side of the tale but the line the Matt says at the end of the movie makes really sweet-fully hurt. That one line makes the movie worth giving another rating star or point.
I never knew before this director-come-actor, Mike Birbiglia. This movie was loosely based on his own life story, he did a good job as his first directional venture as well first major role in a movie. Hope he to become next Mark Duplass. The movie should reach to every movie buff around the world because it was one of a fine independent comedy. You will like it if you ever liked 'Safety not Guaranteed' or 'Ruby Sparks', recommended to watch once.
Well the story was a bit uncatchy in opening few minutes because the man of the movie, Matt Pandamiglio, tells his earlier life story while recording it into a camera which looks like some documentary. That makes totally unaware of the situation of the tale intended to but later it turned out to be a nice one. The character Matt, sometimes turns to be a nerd and sometimes make us feel fond on him for his innocence. I was little confused for the randomness of his character. Realised that was the motive created by the writer to make the viewers to go gaga over the destination of the tale.
In the movie I liked many individual scenes like Matt jumping out of the window, especially all the sleepwalk scenes. It was a simple story, it was not intended to hurt anybody emotionally from the romantic side of the tale but the line the Matt says at the end of the movie makes really sweet-fully hurt. That one line makes the movie worth giving another rating star or point.
I never knew before this director-come-actor, Mike Birbiglia. This movie was loosely based on his own life story, he did a good job as his first directional venture as well first major role in a movie. Hope he to become next Mark Duplass. The movie should reach to every movie buff around the world because it was one of a fine independent comedy. You will like it if you ever liked 'Safety not Guaranteed' or 'Ruby Sparks', recommended to watch once.
Sleepwalking has never had a better ending.
Kelmer-336-1371976 April 2012
My wife and I saw this film at this year's SXSW festival, as it was our top priority to watch as we have loved Mike Birbiglia for a long time now- and so excited that many more people are getting to know him (or at least getting closer to pronounce his last name correctly). The entire narrative of the film is based on several of his true stories pulled from his memoir and a one-man show of the same name. I would recommend anyone seeing this movie to read his book afterwards, as it has many verbatim moments and great stories from his childhood that were not in the movie. In regards to this the movie itself, we found it simply terrific. Full disclosure- I am a huge comedy nerd; so that bias most likely does have to be factored in before taking my opinion, yet I believe this story is compelling and entertaining for absolutely any adult.
The film starts with Mike in his late 20's in a relationship with his girlfriend (Abby) since college. The issue of why they are not married at this point is immediately brought up, and it becomes the central issue for him to come to terms with. Before you immediately typecast this plot as a typical "white people problem" indie, the terrifying events that unfold due to this dilemma both in real-life and subconsciously will keep you completely engaged in what will happen next. The film does flashback a few times when he and Abby meet, but most of the storyline is within about the ages of 28-33 and when the real decision making that goes into becoming an actual adult becomes an ultimatum. While being barraged with questions of "Why are you still a bartender", "Why aren't you married yet", Mike timidly avoids trying to have a real answer and only wants to stay in his own world. However, because of not addressing these on the surface, he is forced to deal with them in his dreams. This begins with Mike waking up Abby by kicking a hamper declaring "There is a jackal in here!". This would soon to prove to be the most abstract and least disturbing sleepwalking instance that he would experience. As he becomes further entrenched into a new, unstable career and uncertainty with his Abby, his episodes become clearer and force him to finally make a real choice in his relationship, stand-up, and this debilitating sleep problem.
Birbiglia had included his brother and "This American Life" host Ira Glass to help with the adaptation of his life up to this point. I think they really understood what was relatable for anyone in relationships, and scared about what to do next. Almost every scene was tightly edited to show this, and the performances were deeply funny and heartbreaking. Since there was very little money to put into this project, he relied on many of his friends and friends of friends to call in favors to come in. This included many admired comedians like Marc Maron, Kristin Shall, David Wain, Hannibal Burees and Wyatt Cenac who all do a great job in representing the struggles of the stand-up process and the bleakness of working on the road.
The few problems I had with the movie revolve around the length of it. It may have been about 75 minutes. In no way are you wasting any money to see it, but being such a huge fan of his memoirs, I felt there could have been more time to bring up a couple more events that make the start of his comedy career more compelling. Many of which revolve around his parents who are featured only a brief time, but it is understandable that there is only so much you can do to illustrate an auto-biography.
Overall, I feel that this is one of the most honest and self-aware films you will see. Even if you have read the book and seen the show, there are still so many wonderful idiosyncrasies that Mike Birbiglia wanted to explore before finally put his past behind him- and focus on his rising career. At the screening he did a Q&A with us, and one of his answers made me appreciate it 10 times more. That was, when you see the film and he gives the epilogue, that entire scene (as well as all of the forth-wall) was done in post-production. It is almost unfathomable to think that this conclusion was not thought of at the beginning of writing the movie because it really was the thesis of the entire story, and it was truly one of the best endings I have ever seen. Even for that reason alone, I would implore anyone to see this movie.
The film starts with Mike in his late 20's in a relationship with his girlfriend (Abby) since college. The issue of why they are not married at this point is immediately brought up, and it becomes the central issue for him to come to terms with. Before you immediately typecast this plot as a typical "white people problem" indie, the terrifying events that unfold due to this dilemma both in real-life and subconsciously will keep you completely engaged in what will happen next. The film does flashback a few times when he and Abby meet, but most of the storyline is within about the ages of 28-33 and when the real decision making that goes into becoming an actual adult becomes an ultimatum. While being barraged with questions of "Why are you still a bartender", "Why aren't you married yet", Mike timidly avoids trying to have a real answer and only wants to stay in his own world. However, because of not addressing these on the surface, he is forced to deal with them in his dreams. This begins with Mike waking up Abby by kicking a hamper declaring "There is a jackal in here!". This would soon to prove to be the most abstract and least disturbing sleepwalking instance that he would experience. As he becomes further entrenched into a new, unstable career and uncertainty with his Abby, his episodes become clearer and force him to finally make a real choice in his relationship, stand-up, and this debilitating sleep problem.
Birbiglia had included his brother and "This American Life" host Ira Glass to help with the adaptation of his life up to this point. I think they really understood what was relatable for anyone in relationships, and scared about what to do next. Almost every scene was tightly edited to show this, and the performances were deeply funny and heartbreaking. Since there was very little money to put into this project, he relied on many of his friends and friends of friends to call in favors to come in. This included many admired comedians like Marc Maron, Kristin Shall, David Wain, Hannibal Burees and Wyatt Cenac who all do a great job in representing the struggles of the stand-up process and the bleakness of working on the road.
The few problems I had with the movie revolve around the length of it. It may have been about 75 minutes. In no way are you wasting any money to see it, but being such a huge fan of his memoirs, I felt there could have been more time to bring up a couple more events that make the start of his comedy career more compelling. Many of which revolve around his parents who are featured only a brief time, but it is understandable that there is only so much you can do to illustrate an auto-biography.
Overall, I feel that this is one of the most honest and self-aware films you will see. Even if you have read the book and seen the show, there are still so many wonderful idiosyncrasies that Mike Birbiglia wanted to explore before finally put his past behind him- and focus on his rising career. At the screening he did a Q&A with us, and one of his answers made me appreciate it 10 times more. That was, when you see the film and he gives the epilogue, that entire scene (as well as all of the forth-wall) was done in post-production. It is almost unfathomable to think that this conclusion was not thought of at the beginning of writing the movie because it really was the thesis of the entire story, and it was truly one of the best endings I have ever seen. Even for that reason alone, I would implore anyone to see this movie.
If you just want jokes, don't bother, otherwise enjoy!
theconjourer22 March 2013
I saw this movie because I heard about it from Joss Whedon's "boycott." Before I sat down to watch it I glanced at the IMDb rate of 6.7, so I figured take it in on my day off while at home on netflix with nothing else to do. It turned out I loved it. The film follows Matt as he attempts to break into stand up comedy and juggle a relationship with his girlfriend of 8 years, as well as cope with some extreme bouts of sleepwalking. Now this is listed as a comedy, but it's not like comedies that other comedians put out, like Will Ferrell, and I wonder if that's part of the reason for the low ranking. Really the story is a serious one but told in a lighthearted but honest way.
If there were some downsides they would be first that, visually it's nothing special, it looks good but not great. Second, is not so much a downside for me as it would be for what I assume it was for some of the people who gave it negative reviews, (indeed I did see people cite this very reason in their reviews) and that is the ending. The film follows the typical film plot structure up to a point and then it strays from what most people would see as typical. I won't spoil anything but I will say this, I was surprised but then again it makes you think. And that is where it really knocked it out of the park for me. I was a little miffed at first but, the film then leaves you with a thought, which made me re-think the movie and it all came together.
I don't think the average movie goer wants to have a revelation at the end of a movie unless that revelation was "It was all a dream(or was it?)" or "He was dead the whole time."
All in all, the movie is an honest, lighthearted look at an event from Mike Birbiglia's life. A movie that will make you laugh at least a little bit, and you might even take something away from it. If you JUST want to laugh, well go watch the latest Will Ferrell movie.
If there were some downsides they would be first that, visually it's nothing special, it looks good but not great. Second, is not so much a downside for me as it would be for what I assume it was for some of the people who gave it negative reviews, (indeed I did see people cite this very reason in their reviews) and that is the ending. The film follows the typical film plot structure up to a point and then it strays from what most people would see as typical. I won't spoil anything but I will say this, I was surprised but then again it makes you think. And that is where it really knocked it out of the park for me. I was a little miffed at first but, the film then leaves you with a thought, which made me re-think the movie and it all came together.
I don't think the average movie goer wants to have a revelation at the end of a movie unless that revelation was "It was all a dream(or was it?)" or "He was dead the whole time."
All in all, the movie is an honest, lighthearted look at an event from Mike Birbiglia's life. A movie that will make you laugh at least a little bit, and you might even take something away from it. If you JUST want to laugh, well go watch the latest Will Ferrell movie.
Enjoyable Indie comedy from a Rookie Filmmaker
alan-just-7-1456278 October 2012
"Sleepwalk With Me" is a comedy about an comedian struggling with his act, his girlfriend and personal life all while experiencing a sleeping disorder that causes him to unconsciously act out his dreams, sounds like it could be pretty fun. It is for the most part, but the fun times turns to nightmares when acting out a dream on the road causes him to jump out of a 2nd story hotel, avoiding death, but crashing to the ground with shreds of glass tearing up his legs.
This is the type of balancing act that "Sleepwalk with me" successfully achieves throughout the Indie comedy that is adapted from the one man off-Broadway show with the same name. The film stars, and is loosely (and in the case of the window incident, really) based on comedian Mike Birbiglia's life.
As the movie opens we meet Matt Pandamiglio(Mike Birbiglia), talking directly into the camera we quickly learn that he is an aspiring comedian that recently in comedy clubs, has done much more floor mopping, and drink pouring than joke telling. We also meet his wonderful girlfriend Abby (Lauren Ambrose) who is gorgeous, and wonderful, and way too good for this janitor/bartender/hopeful comedian. The pressures of life are amplified by the couple moving in together and a continuous burden to accelerative his life and get married. Much of which comes from his loopy mother, and his unsympathetic father (Carol Kane, James Rebhorn). After meeting with a C-level talent agent, the seemingly unconfident, untalented comedian books a handful of gigs along the east coast college comedy circuit. Despite his lack of success, he remains optimistic and is at least making money telling jokes. During a post-show discussion with a successful comedian played by Marc Maron, he stumbles upon his comedic edge; his dreams, his relationship, his family his personal life.
Despite the onstage success, this fresh material is surely going to cause issues with his girlfriend and compounded with his sleep disorder becoming more dangerous by the night; his life is still as lost as when we met him.
The movie is best when it shows what life on the road is like for a young comedian. As expected, jokes are present throughout, however, until Matt finally finds his niche as a comedian, much of his stand up is abysmal and awkward by design. The supporting cast all does its job as joke/ plot providers' admirably. His parents steal the scenes when on screen as the wearing married couple but I wish that the capable Lauren Ambrose could have been given a little more to do. It has lots of comedian cameos, I would imagine Birbiglia's real life pals, peppered in it throughout. David Wayne, Ira Glass, Kristen Schaal, Jessi Klein all make appearances as friends or comedians.
When everything wraps up I am impressed by the flow and balance of the movie from a rookie filmmaker in Mike Birbiglia. I am not too familiar with him on stage but I found him to be an enjoyable actor, who I was sympathetic for, while more than occasionally laughing along with him. The movie which he co-directs and is written by him and his brother along with "This American's life's" Ira Glass and co-director Seth Barrish is a very enjoyable Indie comedy that is well worth a visit, and I hope that there is more to come from this young comedian and filmmaking team.
See all my reviews at www.popcornmoviereview.com
Medium Popcorn with Butter.
This is the type of balancing act that "Sleepwalk with me" successfully achieves throughout the Indie comedy that is adapted from the one man off-Broadway show with the same name. The film stars, and is loosely (and in the case of the window incident, really) based on comedian Mike Birbiglia's life.
As the movie opens we meet Matt Pandamiglio(Mike Birbiglia), talking directly into the camera we quickly learn that he is an aspiring comedian that recently in comedy clubs, has done much more floor mopping, and drink pouring than joke telling. We also meet his wonderful girlfriend Abby (Lauren Ambrose) who is gorgeous, and wonderful, and way too good for this janitor/bartender/hopeful comedian. The pressures of life are amplified by the couple moving in together and a continuous burden to accelerative his life and get married. Much of which comes from his loopy mother, and his unsympathetic father (Carol Kane, James Rebhorn). After meeting with a C-level talent agent, the seemingly unconfident, untalented comedian books a handful of gigs along the east coast college comedy circuit. Despite his lack of success, he remains optimistic and is at least making money telling jokes. During a post-show discussion with a successful comedian played by Marc Maron, he stumbles upon his comedic edge; his dreams, his relationship, his family his personal life.
Despite the onstage success, this fresh material is surely going to cause issues with his girlfriend and compounded with his sleep disorder becoming more dangerous by the night; his life is still as lost as when we met him.
The movie is best when it shows what life on the road is like for a young comedian. As expected, jokes are present throughout, however, until Matt finally finds his niche as a comedian, much of his stand up is abysmal and awkward by design. The supporting cast all does its job as joke/ plot providers' admirably. His parents steal the scenes when on screen as the wearing married couple but I wish that the capable Lauren Ambrose could have been given a little more to do. It has lots of comedian cameos, I would imagine Birbiglia's real life pals, peppered in it throughout. David Wayne, Ira Glass, Kristen Schaal, Jessi Klein all make appearances as friends or comedians.
When everything wraps up I am impressed by the flow and balance of the movie from a rookie filmmaker in Mike Birbiglia. I am not too familiar with him on stage but I found him to be an enjoyable actor, who I was sympathetic for, while more than occasionally laughing along with him. The movie which he co-directs and is written by him and his brother along with "This American's life's" Ira Glass and co-director Seth Barrish is a very enjoyable Indie comedy that is well worth a visit, and I hope that there is more to come from this young comedian and filmmaking team.
See all my reviews at www.popcornmoviereview.com
Medium Popcorn with Butter.
An earnest and commendable slice of life
StevePulaski5 January 2013
Comedian Mike Birbiglia stars as Matt Pandamiglio in Sleepwalk With Me, which appears to be the autobiographical tale of his life up until this current point. The title of the film stems from Birbiglia's REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, which caused him to fall into deep, deep sleeps, often resulting in him sleepwalking and crossing into danger's way. During one of his shows in Walla Walla, Washington, Birbiglia, disoriented and asleep, jumped from the second-story window of his motel room and narrowly avoided accidental suicide by having thirty-three stitches put in his legs.
Sleepwalk With Me chronicles not only that chapter in Birbiglia's life, but the chapters and events leading up to his career as a comedian and a motivational speaker. He has achieved off-Broadway success for years now, doing two one man shows and a comedy special. In this film, he stars as Matt Pandamiglio, who also narrates the film, making us come full circle like in his one man shows. He is a directionless twentysomething, stuck in an eight year relationship with the charming but bland Abby (Lauren Ambrose) with no plans to marry, and struggling to find stable work as is. What Matt really aspires to do is be a comedian, but his material on stage is slim and his delivery is jittery and brim-full of anxiety. He winds up performing at nearby bars, attracting nothing but hecklers and a mountain of criticism. Upon acquiring an agent from one of his close friends, out of pure desperation, he winds up driving miles away to introduce lip-syncing acts at a college campus. The gig pays about as much as he will for gas up there. When he does get laughs, they come at the expense of his relationship, and the audience seems to be awake and responsive when Matt goes into the details and tribulations that come with a long-term relationship. He states how his girlfriend told him the thing she's most afraid of is losing him to something she can't control. When asking Matt what he is most afraid of he collectively replies, "bears." Mike Birbiglia is a character of true charisma, who could definitely have a long-running career in not only one man performances, but realistic slice-of-life style comedy. The issues he proposes in his own life to his audiences are easily relatable, and his insights are witty and provide us with much of the same warmness we feel when crowded around a group of friends, sharing opinions and ideas. When Matt talks about meeting Abby and falling in what he calls "love," he describes the world "love" as an unlimited amount of the most wonderful things in the world, for him, subjectively, pizza and ice cream. "Love is a mountain of pizza flavored ice cream...and delusion" he then tells us.
Sleepwalk With Me is a wonderful, wholesome comedy mainly because it shows the slow, methodical progression of a struggling comedian battling with his girlfriend, his fear of commitment, the lack of support from his parents, and most of all, his lack of confidence combating with his extreme drive. His only wish in the world it seems is to be able to be good at his passion, and it becomes increasingly hard when his moral support proportions are dwindling and his own life isn't too picture perfect either. But one can turn that around to a positive and say it provides the man with more viable material. Sure as hell beats tired puns on stage at a hometown bar, wouldn't you say? Starring: Mike Birbiglia, Lauren Ambrose, Carol Kane, James Rebhorn, and Cristin Milioti. Directed by: Mike Birbiglia.
Sleepwalk With Me chronicles not only that chapter in Birbiglia's life, but the chapters and events leading up to his career as a comedian and a motivational speaker. He has achieved off-Broadway success for years now, doing two one man shows and a comedy special. In this film, he stars as Matt Pandamiglio, who also narrates the film, making us come full circle like in his one man shows. He is a directionless twentysomething, stuck in an eight year relationship with the charming but bland Abby (Lauren Ambrose) with no plans to marry, and struggling to find stable work as is. What Matt really aspires to do is be a comedian, but his material on stage is slim and his delivery is jittery and brim-full of anxiety. He winds up performing at nearby bars, attracting nothing but hecklers and a mountain of criticism. Upon acquiring an agent from one of his close friends, out of pure desperation, he winds up driving miles away to introduce lip-syncing acts at a college campus. The gig pays about as much as he will for gas up there. When he does get laughs, they come at the expense of his relationship, and the audience seems to be awake and responsive when Matt goes into the details and tribulations that come with a long-term relationship. He states how his girlfriend told him the thing she's most afraid of is losing him to something she can't control. When asking Matt what he is most afraid of he collectively replies, "bears." Mike Birbiglia is a character of true charisma, who could definitely have a long-running career in not only one man performances, but realistic slice-of-life style comedy. The issues he proposes in his own life to his audiences are easily relatable, and his insights are witty and provide us with much of the same warmness we feel when crowded around a group of friends, sharing opinions and ideas. When Matt talks about meeting Abby and falling in what he calls "love," he describes the world "love" as an unlimited amount of the most wonderful things in the world, for him, subjectively, pizza and ice cream. "Love is a mountain of pizza flavored ice cream...and delusion" he then tells us.
Sleepwalk With Me is a wonderful, wholesome comedy mainly because it shows the slow, methodical progression of a struggling comedian battling with his girlfriend, his fear of commitment, the lack of support from his parents, and most of all, his lack of confidence combating with his extreme drive. His only wish in the world it seems is to be able to be good at his passion, and it becomes increasingly hard when his moral support proportions are dwindling and his own life isn't too picture perfect either. But one can turn that around to a positive and say it provides the man with more viable material. Sure as hell beats tired puns on stage at a hometown bar, wouldn't you say? Starring: Mike Birbiglia, Lauren Ambrose, Carol Kane, James Rebhorn, and Cristin Milioti. Directed by: Mike Birbiglia.
A bit boring
p_imdb-238-9263808 December 2012
I apologize for the low quality review which follows, I have no time but in regard to the reviews found here, I thought we need something more honest before people go out and watch it.
So, this is nothing you would watch in cinema.
This is more like a movie to watch on a Sunday morning when everybody is lazy and there is nothing of value to do.
The story is a bit boring, and the main character is boring too which comes surprisingly because he actually plays a comedian.
This film is listed as comedy, but we didn't have a single laugh while watching it. The whole movie is really flat, no climax or variation whatsoever. Nobody even tried to follow up to the film after we were done with it.
I am already having a tough time writing something here, as I can't remember something worth mentioning. So overall I think this says enough.
So, this is nothing you would watch in cinema.
This is more like a movie to watch on a Sunday morning when everybody is lazy and there is nothing of value to do.
The story is a bit boring, and the main character is boring too which comes surprisingly because he actually plays a comedian.
This film is listed as comedy, but we didn't have a single laugh while watching it. The whole movie is really flat, no climax or variation whatsoever. Nobody even tried to follow up to the film after we were done with it.
I am already having a tough time writing something here, as I can't remember something worth mentioning. So overall I think this says enough.
The Mundane Made Interesting
gavin694211 January 2013
A burgeoning stand-up comedian (Mike Birbiglia) struggles with the stress of a stalled career, a stale relationship, and the wild spurts of severe sleepwalking he is desperate to ignore.
The story of a rising comic is a story that has been told a few times, and it generally is not all that different from the others. Getting the big break, driving long miles for little pay... it is a hard job, one which rarely pays off. This story, in many ways, is no different.
But what works out here is we not only have a relationship crumbling while a career grows (the typical story), but we also have the journey of a man with a very rare, very dangerous sleep disorder. He could kill himself or his neighbors at any time... which makes for a much more interesting story.
The story of a rising comic is a story that has been told a few times, and it generally is not all that different from the others. Getting the big break, driving long miles for little pay... it is a hard job, one which rarely pays off. This story, in many ways, is no different.
But what works out here is we not only have a relationship crumbling while a career grows (the typical story), but we also have the journey of a man with a very rare, very dangerous sleep disorder. He could kill himself or his neighbors at any time... which makes for a much more interesting story.
Charming and funny
dfranzen7022 June 2013
In the charming, disarming Sleepwalk with Me, a neophyte stand-up comic relates his experiences juggling his burgeoning career with his relationship with his longtime girlfriend and his parents. It's a really thoughtful slice-of-life seriocomedy with a touch of whimsy and plenty of relatability and not the slightest bit as pretentious as it could have been.
Matt Pandamiglio (Mike Birbiglia) tends bar at a hotspot that also occasionally has comics onstage. He's been in a relationship with Abby (Lauren Ambrose) for more than eight years, and she's been hinting strongly at marriage and babies and the like, which has poor Matt a little discombobulated. (Hint: he's not sure he's ready, nor good enough, for that.) He hems and haws and just can't commit. Sounds like a typical dude, right? In a way, sure, which makes Matt all the more like the rest of us. And luckily, because Birbiglia (who co-wrote the screenplay with Ira Glass of NPR) is so, well, normal, the role is imbued with a strong layer of honesty. This is not some glossy Hollywood romcom.
But Matt has an unusual, additional problem: he sleepwalks. Oh, he doesn't just go into another room, sit down, get up, then go back to bed. Matt's walking is much more violent in nature; he is prone to acting out his dreams, which may mean fighting someone (a shower curtain) or even walking repeatedly into a wall. It's disturbing, to say the least, and his father (James Remar), a no-nonsense doctor, insists that Matt see a specialist immediately, as in now. But Matt shrugs it all off, thinking he needs to focus on his career and his girl, and not necessarily in that order.
This is not to say that Matt is a bad guy. He gets a chance at the bar to tell some jokes, and he finds an agent as a result, which soon has him crisscrossing the Northeast US, doing small gigs for actual pay. It's fascinating to see someone so dedicated, driving hundreds of miles to make $100 or so, then driving hundreds more in the opposite direction to make a little more. It's tough work, and only those who truly believe they've found their spot in life's grand scheme will undertake it.
It's only when Matt begins to work his real life into his performances that his career takes a genuinely positive turn, a little fact that he keeps from Abby. Now, his combination of observational humor and relationship woes works very well with his audiences, and he begins to develop a name for himself. But where, you might ask, does that leave Abby?
That is what I liked the very most about this film. Now, bear in mind that this is a comedy more than anything else, so it is practically assured of a happy ending. And it gets one - just not the one you might expect to get. And the ending works. It works emphatically well, a terrific coda to a beautiful, sincere film about a schlub and his art and his girl. Because Birbiglia is so perfect for the role (yes, he wrote it, but how often does that mean he can act it as well), the movie is a by-gosh success. It's a movie without a Bad Guy. It's a movie that doesn't look at a relationship between a man and a woman and ask the audience to choose one for whom to root. Both Abby and Matt are good people (though you kind of wonder what Abby really sees in Matt other than being able to make her laugh); they're just not necessarily right for each other.
Sleepwalk with Me is, indeed, a true sleeper of a movie. It stars an unknown commodity (both as an actor and as a comic) in a movie he wrote himself, often a recipe for disaster. And yet despite those long odds, the movie is compelling and perfectly told, narrated by Birbiglia himself (often speaking into a camera directly as if he were filming a documentary on his life). Are there laughs? There are laughs. There are laughs complemented by poignancy and optimism. Sleepwalk with me is a well-formed, quirky film that's decidedly outside of the cookie-cutter Hollywood milieu.
Matt Pandamiglio (Mike Birbiglia) tends bar at a hotspot that also occasionally has comics onstage. He's been in a relationship with Abby (Lauren Ambrose) for more than eight years, and she's been hinting strongly at marriage and babies and the like, which has poor Matt a little discombobulated. (Hint: he's not sure he's ready, nor good enough, for that.) He hems and haws and just can't commit. Sounds like a typical dude, right? In a way, sure, which makes Matt all the more like the rest of us. And luckily, because Birbiglia (who co-wrote the screenplay with Ira Glass of NPR) is so, well, normal, the role is imbued with a strong layer of honesty. This is not some glossy Hollywood romcom.
But Matt has an unusual, additional problem: he sleepwalks. Oh, he doesn't just go into another room, sit down, get up, then go back to bed. Matt's walking is much more violent in nature; he is prone to acting out his dreams, which may mean fighting someone (a shower curtain) or even walking repeatedly into a wall. It's disturbing, to say the least, and his father (James Remar), a no-nonsense doctor, insists that Matt see a specialist immediately, as in now. But Matt shrugs it all off, thinking he needs to focus on his career and his girl, and not necessarily in that order.
This is not to say that Matt is a bad guy. He gets a chance at the bar to tell some jokes, and he finds an agent as a result, which soon has him crisscrossing the Northeast US, doing small gigs for actual pay. It's fascinating to see someone so dedicated, driving hundreds of miles to make $100 or so, then driving hundreds more in the opposite direction to make a little more. It's tough work, and only those who truly believe they've found their spot in life's grand scheme will undertake it.
It's only when Matt begins to work his real life into his performances that his career takes a genuinely positive turn, a little fact that he keeps from Abby. Now, his combination of observational humor and relationship woes works very well with his audiences, and he begins to develop a name for himself. But where, you might ask, does that leave Abby?
That is what I liked the very most about this film. Now, bear in mind that this is a comedy more than anything else, so it is practically assured of a happy ending. And it gets one - just not the one you might expect to get. And the ending works. It works emphatically well, a terrific coda to a beautiful, sincere film about a schlub and his art and his girl. Because Birbiglia is so perfect for the role (yes, he wrote it, but how often does that mean he can act it as well), the movie is a by-gosh success. It's a movie without a Bad Guy. It's a movie that doesn't look at a relationship between a man and a woman and ask the audience to choose one for whom to root. Both Abby and Matt are good people (though you kind of wonder what Abby really sees in Matt other than being able to make her laugh); they're just not necessarily right for each other.
Sleepwalk with Me is, indeed, a true sleeper of a movie. It stars an unknown commodity (both as an actor and as a comic) in a movie he wrote himself, often a recipe for disaster. And yet despite those long odds, the movie is compelling and perfectly told, narrated by Birbiglia himself (often speaking into a camera directly as if he were filming a documentary on his life). Are there laughs? There are laughs. There are laughs complemented by poignancy and optimism. Sleepwalk with me is a well-formed, quirky film that's decidedly outside of the cookie-cutter Hollywood milieu.
Jumping through a second story window because you think there is a missile trained on your location? Welcome to the life of Matt Pandamiglio
ravechildglasgow5 May 2013
When does sleep walking stop being funny? Fighting a non-existent jackal in the middle of the night is all good fun.
Jumping through a second story window because you think there is a missile trained on your location? Welcome to the life of Matt Pandamiglio, a fledgling stand-up comedian trying to figure out his career, his relationship and his future.
Perhaps it's little wonder that he's struggling with sleep.
Pandamiglio is a thinly veiled alter ego for writer, director and star Mike Birbiglia who has adapted his real life experience for stage, print and now screen.
Independently financed, the film has been impressing audiences at film festivals the world over and is now available to British audiences as a download or to watch online from the official website.
My interest in Birbiglia stemmed from seeing a spark of Woody Allen in his work, so perhaps it's fitting that Sleepwalk With Me is very much his Annie Hall.
The confessional, autobiographical tale is told in New York conversations from Manhattan sidewalks and brownstones.
This is also a love story turned on its head, full of introspection and truthful portrayals of that very particular anxiety felt by ... www.ravechild.co.uk
Jumping through a second story window because you think there is a missile trained on your location? Welcome to the life of Matt Pandamiglio, a fledgling stand-up comedian trying to figure out his career, his relationship and his future.
Perhaps it's little wonder that he's struggling with sleep.
Pandamiglio is a thinly veiled alter ego for writer, director and star Mike Birbiglia who has adapted his real life experience for stage, print and now screen.
Independently financed, the film has been impressing audiences at film festivals the world over and is now available to British audiences as a download or to watch online from the official website.
My interest in Birbiglia stemmed from seeing a spark of Woody Allen in his work, so perhaps it's fitting that Sleepwalk With Me is very much his Annie Hall.
The confessional, autobiographical tale is told in New York conversations from Manhattan sidewalks and brownstones.
This is also a love story turned on its head, full of introspection and truthful portrayals of that very particular anxiety felt by ... www.ravechild.co.uk
Nice
justahunch-7054912 August 2022
Cute little comedy starring two people I really enjoy, Mike Birbiglia and Lauren Ambrose, who should have had a much bigger film career than she's had thus far. Having said that, this is his show which he also directed and wrote. The small tale of a struggling comic and his relationship with his long-term girlfriend. It's sweet, it's ironically humorous and it has some things to say about relationships. It's a tiny thing and not all of it works, but I liked it.
Thoroughly enjoyable
susannahraulino-348-82343331 December 2012
I enjoyed every minute of this small, honest, personal film. It was what I expected it to be, an uncomfortable trip through an uncomfortable man's psyche as he wrestles with inner conflicts, ambition as a comic, and regular human relationship angst. Completely satisfying. Yes, you probably need a fairly dry sense of humor (mine existent, not reflected here). No, it won't slap you in the face with fall down Dick Van Dyke trip over the hassock comedy. But if you pay attention, it's like being with a person being a person for 90 minutes. Being a likable, funny person. Not a bad way to spend an evening. Also, lots of comic talent in supporting roles and cameos, Carol Kane, John Lutz, and Ira Glass (Glass is also one of the writers and a producer).
Great cast, good idea, great cameo(?)
Miles-108 October 2017
Good things about this movie:
Lauren Ambrose. Although she makes it harder to understand why Mike does not want to marry her.
Mike Birbiglia. A nice, lovable guy who is also wickedly funny. (More like a naughty kid, maybe?)
James Rebhon and Carol Kane as Mike's parents. They love Mike and because they do they nudge.
Mike is a failed stand-up comic who tells flat jokes and wonders why his comedy career is going nowhere. Then out of desperation he takes lousy offers around the country for very little money, but he learns to use his real life as the basis for his new and improved material - especially exploring his doubts about his eight year relationship with the woman he loves.
Bonus: Because of his sleep-walking problem, Mike starts listening to a book on tape by Dr. Wm. C. Dement on sleep disorders. At one point, Dr. Dement (the real one???) makes a memorable cameo. (Yes, everyone makes fun of Dr. Dement's name, and so does Mike.)
Lauren Ambrose. Although she makes it harder to understand why Mike does not want to marry her.
Mike Birbiglia. A nice, lovable guy who is also wickedly funny. (More like a naughty kid, maybe?)
James Rebhon and Carol Kane as Mike's parents. They love Mike and because they do they nudge.
Mike is a failed stand-up comic who tells flat jokes and wonders why his comedy career is going nowhere. Then out of desperation he takes lousy offers around the country for very little money, but he learns to use his real life as the basis for his new and improved material - especially exploring his doubts about his eight year relationship with the woman he loves.
Bonus: Because of his sleep-walking problem, Mike starts listening to a book on tape by Dr. Wm. C. Dement on sleep disorders. At one point, Dr. Dement (the real one???) makes a memorable cameo. (Yes, everyone makes fun of Dr. Dement's name, and so does Mike.)
Dull and Forced, it Tragically Underachieves
drqshadow-reviews24 December 2012
This is one of those concepts that has the potential to be funny if it embraces the right angles, but instead tries to toe the line between humor and heartbreak without success. It's about a naturally funny guy who dreams of being a stand-up comic, but just isn't any good on the stage. Eventually, in desperation, he starts griping about his stagnant love life during the act and his career picks up steam. Also, he's begun sleepwalking. There's really no connection between those two threads, so they tenuously coexist on lonely parallel paths while the narrator lays it out for us. Although it's loaded up with cameos from a fistful of familiar comedians, there's a surprising lack of laughs and the sappy, played-out relationship drama doesn't pick up any of that slack. Even the sleepwalking scenes aren't all that entertaining.
While You Were Sleeping
sol-14 August 2016
Keen on becoming a stand-up comedian, a US bartender's quest for success is hindered by his increasingly dangerous sleepwalking habits in this semiautobiographical drama written, directed by and starring Mike Birbiglia. The film offers a decent insight into the behind-the-scenes of stand-up comedy (though Nora Ephron's 'This Is My Life' is still arguably the go-to film for that) and many of the sleepwalking incidents are amusing. Unfortunately, however, Birbiglia's sleepwalking is never central to the film. The majority of screen time is spent on him experiencing cold feet after he is pressured into committing to his longtime girlfriend, and while this is obviously important as a possible cause of his sleepwalking, all of the related domestic drama is very much by the books. Carol Kane and James Rebhorn certainly have their bright moments as Birbiglia's at-times suffocating parents, but the film is more dynamic in the precious few scenes in which Birbiglia is asleep. These sections come particularly well edited as they fluidly bounce between his dreams and the actual actions he is performing, such as balancing dangerously on the edge of a box and taking a shower fully clothed. It would be interesting to learn what actual sleepwalkers make of the film. While inspired by true events, quite a lot of here has clearly been exaggerated, and yet the film also manages to offer some curious insights into the researched causes of unusual sleep habits. Is it all a matter of not eating big meals, using technology or listening to the news before bed? We might never know for sure.
As mediocre as mediocre gets
poker-slut10 December 2012
Really boring movie for a supposed "comedy." There is very little to write about and most of the movie is just one, long, dull flat-line. The main character is boring, the plot is almost non-existent and there was maybe one or two lines through the whole thing that even warranted a chuckle. I generously gave it 5 stars ONLY because in contrast, I've seen some REALLY horrible movies.
I have no idea what else to say about this movie but apparently am required to write at least 10 lines.
The only interesting aspect of the flick are the times where you're not sure if he's dreaming or not which forces you to pay extra close attention. Otherwise, you may very well find yourself falling asleep to this which is the last thing you'd expect when you turn on a comedy.
I have no idea what else to say about this movie but apparently am required to write at least 10 lines.
The only interesting aspect of the flick are the times where you're not sure if he's dreaming or not which forces you to pay extra close attention. Otherwise, you may very well find yourself falling asleep to this which is the last thing you'd expect when you turn on a comedy.
so not funny
reneeryman22 January 2013
I saw this on Netflix and thought the premise sounded funny and the cast sounded great. I watch a lot of foreign flicks and Indie films. So, I consider myself very patient and yes, I like Woody Allen. I don't believe in people saying they are "bored" there is always something to do. I am an optimist. Ten minutes in I was so bored, I thought it would get better when he took the stage to perform his stand up but after two of these scenes I did not laugh even once. This is just another movie where some Narcissistic man child thinks an audience will find it interesting to watch the mundane details of his dull life. Literally, we watch him call in to work to tell them "he forgot he had to work". The guy is pushing 40, has wealthy parents, a beautiful girlfriend who he thinks is amazing simply because her yoga students like her. He has a vocal grottal that feels like nails on a chalkboard. The character and the movie have no redeeming qualities. It can only be a case of some sort of nepotism that this was made. Just a typical guy who must be of that generation that was raised being praised and applauded simply for breathing so that they grow up with the delusion that their slightest attempt at humor is interesting to anyone. He is like a male Zoey Deschanel wanna be with all the quirkiness and none of the charm or good looks. I turned it off and debated canceling our subscription to Netflix. It did however give me tremendous confidence, that I, my 10 year old, or even my dog might be able to make an indie film.
Make me care!!!
smokeysmokeysmokey26 June 2016
I found the whole movie patronizing to the audience. What struck me the most about this movie is in living memory it's easily the least I've ever cared about all the characters of a film in a long time. Someone Mike trusted should have told him "I hate to say this Mike but I don't like single character in this film".
Abby treats him like crap the whole way and he won't tell her to take a hike? I don't get it. I get that this happens in life, but in a film it makes both characters seem one-dimensional and boring. Something like that is frustrating to watch.
And why doesn't he see a doctor? Makes no sense. He clearly has a sleep disorder!
The most interesting piece of acting in the film was from the comic who told him to use what he said in his act—it really looked as if he wasn't acting in that scene.
Mike himself did some interesting acting but needs some acting lessons to help him speak with better diction. His constant mumbling brought me often to where I didn't care what happened his character.
The saddest part of all this is you can tell Mike has talent and is probably quite funny in real life.
The script itself wasn't ready. They needed someone with film chops involved (a producer etc.) to help advise them. I know first hand how difficult it is to make a film so I hate being so honest in my criticism but it's all we have. I made a short film and it's a piece of crap. You must be honest if you are to improve. I wouldn't give this film any award.
I think it's highly probable it received more favorable attention than it deserved because Ira Glass was connected with it. There's a reason why good films take years to come to fruition. Filmmaking is hard. Try again.
Abby treats him like crap the whole way and he won't tell her to take a hike? I don't get it. I get that this happens in life, but in a film it makes both characters seem one-dimensional and boring. Something like that is frustrating to watch.
And why doesn't he see a doctor? Makes no sense. He clearly has a sleep disorder!
The most interesting piece of acting in the film was from the comic who told him to use what he said in his act—it really looked as if he wasn't acting in that scene.
Mike himself did some interesting acting but needs some acting lessons to help him speak with better diction. His constant mumbling brought me often to where I didn't care what happened his character.
The saddest part of all this is you can tell Mike has talent and is probably quite funny in real life.
The script itself wasn't ready. They needed someone with film chops involved (a producer etc.) to help advise them. I know first hand how difficult it is to make a film so I hate being so honest in my criticism but it's all we have. I made a short film and it's a piece of crap. You must be honest if you are to improve. I wouldn't give this film any award.
I think it's highly probable it received more favorable attention than it deserved because Ira Glass was connected with it. There's a reason why good films take years to come to fruition. Filmmaking is hard. Try again.
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