Dead Awake (2001)

Too much of everything

Simply A Masterpiece

Pretty Good

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Geez, I've lost my faith in the IMDb reviewers when I see this putting up a 4.6 on the IMDb board. I just checked, that's 1 1/2 points less than a piece of putrid trash like Wet Hot American Summer. I'm guessing this one went over too many people's heads. Baldwin is a distracted, washed-out genius making big bucks in the business world. His insomnia and penchant for habitual late night walks make him the perfect chump in a murder scam. When he's not being made the fall guy he hangs with the wacky late-night losers at the Snow White Diner and falls asleep (with eyes wide open) at work.Lipper - Y'know, you should be a contestant on Jeopardy. Baldwin - There's a conflict. Lipper - Why? Baldwin - I used to write the questions..There's a campy but unpretentious camaraderie with the Snow White crew that makes this hang together, not the least due to Ironside's brain-damaged Skay. I also enjoyed Yankie as the luckiest detective in town, Roy as the over-focused girlfriend and Grenon as the shy waitress. This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen and an atmospheric gem. Ignore the lousy ratings and enjoy.

This is a great little film. Droll. A twisted tale that doesn't descend into camp or clichés. The music and set design/locations are excellent, the actors are all well cast and it's great to see so many unknowns... casting of 'names' in the support roles would've ruined this film. It's well weighted and well balanced. It's a kind of noirish art film, without the pretentiousness of most 'art' films. There's a fine quality of levity to this film, the ball is kept in the air. Loved some of the set decorations and characterisations, the music is great too. I had to give it a 10 because it's been so unfairly underscored. I think it's an 8 really.Probably everything 'Memento' hoped and failed to be.

as an avid movie watcher i often rent dvds or tapes i never heard of. usually crappy films that deserve their fate. but occasionally i come across a gem. this is one such movie. points definitely go for originality and quirkiness, it is a rather unique script with some genuine and off-the-wall twists that actually are twisted. i won't give anything away-just see it and stick with it all the way. it is not a perfect film, but it is heads and shoulders above the crap this country spews out.

An insomniac (Stephen Baldwin) learns how to wake up during a murder investigation that pits him against women that would die to be his secretary, a whacked-out detective searching for the truth and a sleazy diner full of so-called friends that only want to help. Stephen Balwin puts in another regular performance but this time with a script that shines. It is amost cult level...almost.