Dead Awake (2001)

Too many fans seem to be blown away

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

The first must-see film of the year.

Blistering performances.

Dead Awake is like Memento meets The Machinist via a quirky undercover B movie gem with a hectic plot, offbeat elements that put you into the confused mindset of an insomniac and a neat little mystery that socks you with plot turn after plot turn until you're just as weary-boned as the protagonist, here played by Stephen Baldwin in one of the few appearances that didn't tick me off. Let's face it, the guy is plain mediocre, yet here manages to carry his end not too shabbily as Desmond Caine, a high profile corporate executive who suffers from extreme insomnia, spending his nights wandering about the dense urban inner city where he lives. One night he witnesses a murder, setting off an odd chain of events which pave the way to more murders, dark humour, kooky nocturnal weirdos and a general 'After Hours' esque vibe of strangeness. There's an all night diner he frequents, populated by an eclectic bunch. The waitress (gorgeous Macha Grenon) hides several secrets and the lazy beat cop does nothing for his borough. It's manic homeless drifter Skay (Michael Ironside) who provides the excitement. Ironside is always terrific, and he breaks out of his usual reserved and stern shell for a wind up toy performance that rivals anything in Jim Carrey or Robin Williams's legacy. There's also a squirrelly homicide detective (Edward Yankie) who does little to help Caine solve the mystery besides provide puzzling idle chatter. Caine's girlfriend, secretary and associate may all be involved, if only he could coherently gather his thoughts, get a little sleep and figure it all out. The film does a nice job of making an uncomfortable yet darkly amusing atmosphere for the viewer, where everything appears arbitrary and nothing fits together, as it must for an individual who never sleeps. Overlooked stuff.

I was riveted to the screen watching this movie. It has a special ambiance and quirky quality which reminded me of David Lynch's efforts. Granted the plot gets a bit contrived and murky at times, but I didn't feel it detracted from the overall experience. The quality of the cinematography, the playful reeling out of the plot through time-adjusting edits, and the consistency of the actors' characters made it a special film. One commentator called Baldwin's character zombie-like, but that may have missed the mark. The key character is supposed to be exhausted, at the edge of sleep, and befuddled due to his insomnia. Baldwin played it perfectly. There are a lot of really fun moments in this film, and I might note that it includes one of the most sensual screen kisses ever (notably, both actors were fully clothed). If the plot had received a little more fine-tuning, I would have rated the movie even higher.

I wondered what this movie was about. I don't usually watch anything that has one or more of Baldwin Boys in it. But there was absolutely nothing else on. Much to my surprise this has a very intricately woven storyline and other than Stephen Baldwin having to act like a 'zoned-out' zombie because of his insomnia, it was very good. The action, re-action script was the best part of this flick. I'm sure any really good actor could have done much more with it, but all-in-all I liked. Plot twists and detours always get my attention.

Uninteresting characters, rambling story. Not satisfactory as a drama/thriller/comedy. The kind of film that is watchable , but when it is over you feel that it was a let down. Needed some more work to be enjoyable.