Waking Life
October 16, 2001 4:51 PM Subscribe
I see someone else was watching The Screen Savers tonight. Good show.
posted by pheideaux at 5:54 PM on October 16, 2001
posted by pheideaux at 5:54 PM on October 16, 2001
Waking Life: an un-interesting movie made with the rotoscoping technology... Dream palette most limited in choices: content un-provided. *yawn*
posted by y2karl at 6:06 PM on October 16, 2001
posted by y2karl at 6:06 PM on October 16, 2001
I think the idea is unique. Far more interesting than 'Training Day' (and Ethan Hawke is in both), which will make more money and continue making sure no one ever has a thought rattle too loud in their head.
posted by hellinskira at 6:19 PM on October 16, 2001
posted by hellinskira at 6:19 PM on October 16, 2001
I get the feeling that this movie might make you seasick. I'm so desperate for American adult animation (or anything close, as this appears to be), that i'll throw my 8 bucks at anything that comes down the pipe.
posted by jpoulos at 6:53 PM on October 16, 2001
posted by jpoulos at 6:53 PM on October 16, 2001
the link I saw--it was a trailer for something? I can't speak for that. What I saw was...I was profoundly unmoved.
OK, not profoundly,...
posted by y2karl at 7:01 PM on October 16, 2001
OK, not profoundly,...
posted by y2karl at 7:01 PM on October 16, 2001
y2karl - Sometimes it's okay to appreciate a special effects movie for being just that. But until it comes out, I don't think we know whether or not there will be more to appreciate Waking Life for.
I've been drooling over the trailer for a while now - surprised it hasn't been posted here before. The production company's site (which of course I can't remember the URL to) mentioned something about releasing the software used to make it, so if Waking Life doesn't deliver on the full potential of the technology, I'm sure someone else will.
posted by endquote at 7:15 PM on October 16, 2001
I've been drooling over the trailer for a while now - surprised it hasn't been posted here before. The production company's site (which of course I can't remember the URL to) mentioned something about releasing the software used to make it, so if Waking Life doesn't deliver on the full potential of the technology, I'm sure someone else will.
posted by endquote at 7:15 PM on October 16, 2001
Just saw the film at the International Film Festival here in Chicago. There are scenes that make one a bit queasy, but on the whole, it's quite watchable. Imagine an entire film traced out in Illustrator . . .
As far as plot goes, it's a sort of metaphysical collection of shorts all strung together. Rife with collegiate philosophy and intellectual masturbation, it almost seems to be mocking the world of academia and all the trappings that come with it.
It must be said, however, that were it not for the nifty animation effects (which get old after about 20 minutes) this film wouldn't be on my must see list. For the novelty though, it's worth at least one viewing. It certainly won't be as good on the small screen, so be sure to stop by the theater when it comes around.
Oh, and I might add that this film is from the mind of Richard Linklater, the same guy responsible for Slacker, et al.
posted by aladfar at 7:23 PM on October 16, 2001
As far as plot goes, it's a sort of metaphysical collection of shorts all strung together. Rife with collegiate philosophy and intellectual masturbation, it almost seems to be mocking the world of academia and all the trappings that come with it.
It must be said, however, that were it not for the nifty animation effects (which get old after about 20 minutes) this film wouldn't be on my must see list. For the novelty though, it's worth at least one viewing. It certainly won't be as good on the small screen, so be sure to stop by the theater when it comes around.
Oh, and I might add that this film is from the mind of Richard Linklater, the same guy responsible for Slacker, et al.
posted by aladfar at 7:23 PM on October 16, 2001
I had a lot of friends who worked on this film. You'll see a lot of things you've never seen in a movie before, but an intriguing plot ain't one of them.
Rife with collegiate philosophy and intellectual masturbation
That's pretty much what I've heard, except that Linklater isn't mocking the world of academia, he's showcasing it. This is an ongoing theme with him. The only thing of his I've ever liked was "Dazed and Confused" because most of his other films were confusing and they left you dazed. (Aren't I clever?)
posted by ColdChef at 8:00 PM on October 16, 2001
Rife with collegiate philosophy and intellectual masturbation
That's pretty much what I've heard, except that Linklater isn't mocking the world of academia, he's showcasing it. This is an ongoing theme with him. The only thing of his I've ever liked was "Dazed and Confused" because most of his other films were confusing and they left you dazed. (Aren't I clever?)
posted by ColdChef at 8:00 PM on October 16, 2001
I saw this film last night at a sneak preview in New York. I really enjoyed it. The animation technique is visually arresting--stunning. I've certainly never seen this technique exploited to this effect. (Rotoscope animation was used in the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and the (old) Lord of the Rings. See this wired article for more info.)
When the film began, I thought the constant motion might make the film difficult to watch. However, like the character in the film, you become more and more accustomed to the surreal environment--after a time the effect doesn't distract but dazzle.
There is no "plot" per se, but there are themes that run through the narrative. If you've seen Linklater's "Slacker" then the film will be somewhat familiar. The main character drifts through an ever-changing dreamscape, encountering bizarre characters delivering tenuously connected monologues. If you like talky, intellectually challenging content, Waking Life is for you.
Imagine "My Dinner with Andre" on acid.
Great film. An American original. Go see it.
posted by peebo at 8:06 PM on October 16, 2001
When the film began, I thought the constant motion might make the film difficult to watch. However, like the character in the film, you become more and more accustomed to the surreal environment--after a time the effect doesn't distract but dazzle.
There is no "plot" per se, but there are themes that run through the narrative. If you've seen Linklater's "Slacker" then the film will be somewhat familiar. The main character drifts through an ever-changing dreamscape, encountering bizarre characters delivering tenuously connected monologues. If you like talky, intellectually challenging content, Waking Life is for you.
Imagine "My Dinner with Andre" on acid.
Great film. An American original. Go see it.
posted by peebo at 8:06 PM on October 16, 2001
pheideaux: I actually found it via Quicktime trailers. I do get TechTV, but I didn't see today's The Screen Savers episode. Wish I had :)
posted by riffola at 8:13 PM on October 16, 2001
posted by riffola at 8:13 PM on October 16, 2001
Despite the unnerving choices in music, I would highly recommend American Pop for anyone who enjoys rotoscope. It's a Ralph Bakshi epic of American music over the last century, and nicely done.
posted by frykitty at 10:27 PM on October 16, 2001
posted by frykitty at 10:27 PM on October 16, 2001
Peebo...rotoscoping was also used in the original Star Wars trilogy.
posted by schlaager at 8:11 AM on October 17, 2001
posted by schlaager at 8:11 AM on October 17, 2001
Good god frykitty, Ralph Bakshi? Excellent example of why rotoscoping makes piss-poor animation. The man is responsible for Cool World for chrissake...
posted by owillis at 8:33 AM on October 17, 2001
posted by owillis at 8:33 AM on October 17, 2001
The man is responsible for Cool World for chrissake...
We all make mistakes.
posted by frykitty at 8:48 AM on October 17, 2001
We all make mistakes.
posted by frykitty at 8:48 AM on October 17, 2001
I saw it.
The animation is beautiful.
the script sucks ass.
Linklatter is a dolt.
posted by preguicoso at 9:03 AM on October 17, 2001
The animation is beautiful.
the script sucks ass.
Linklatter is a dolt.
posted by preguicoso at 9:03 AM on October 17, 2001
Here's Bob Sabiston's website. Turns out those Earthlink ads I thought they did were a cheap imitation.
posted by O9scar at 11:43 AM on October 17, 2001
posted by O9scar at 11:43 AM on October 17, 2001
« Older Terrorists eye nuclear plants | Key official defects from the Taliban Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by hotdoughnutsnow at 5:26 PM on October 16, 2001