This film is a visual journey through a collage of philosophical discussions. Filmed in usual fashion, the frames were then animated over to create a surreal look that immediately catches your attention and interest. Initially, that is why I watched the movie. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is not simply eye-candy, but one of the deepest films I have ever watched.



Waking Life is a visually-engaging crash course in existentialism. You are transported into the main-character's psychadelic world, filled with wobbly buildings, floating furniture, and people that twist, bend, and morph according to their emotions and thoughts. You follow along with him as he explores his surroundings and attempts to understand, as you attempt the same, what is going on.



During the journey, the main character is approached by different individuals who jump into monologues on their theories of life, death, dreams, evolution, collective consciousness (a theory which I had come up with as a child, and was quite excited and intrigued to hear it discussed in a film), political blindfolding, social interaction, and more. The ideas portrayed in each conversation are nothing short of spectacular, however the film suffers slightly at times from the rapid, monotone speaking style of some of the actors, who obviously missed the point of the lines they were given to read (had they actually grasped the purpose of their roles, which is to inspire the viewer with the presentation of new ideas, they would have spoken slower and with more emphasis and clarity, rather than spitfiring their lines in order to confuse and impress). I was disappointed by the vocal delivery of some of the actors in this aspect, but the philosophy contained in the movie is, to anyone who is willing to follow along and openly question the substance of the ideas, potentially life-changing.



Everyone will take something different away from this film. It tackles some of the deepest questions you can find in existential philosophy, and actually seems to answer many of them. The conundrum, of course, is that with every answer you reach, you will find yourself with more questions.



If you like philosophy, complete originality, and films that challenge your thinking, you will definately enjoy this one. Excluding the minor weaknesses of some of the poor line-deliveries of some of the actors, Waking Life is one of the best films I've ever seen. It transcends entertainment and approaches enlightenment.