Waking the Dead

Rating:
Summary: a grate sad movie
Review: It was bizarre and a little hard to follow, but it stayed very suspensful. I say this is a must see movie.

Rating:
Summary: Soundtrack help for Kristi
Review: I saw this film on Sundance earlier this summer, and absolutely loved it -- hope to pick up the DVD ASAP. To Kristi, the last reviewer, I don't remember which song was playing over the final credits, but it may have been a reprise of the pivotal song played towards the end of the movie -- check out Lori Carson's "Snow Fall Down" on her "Everything I Touch Runs Wild" CD. It's easily the best use of a song in a movie that I've seen in years.

Rating:
Summary: please help
Review: sorry, i'm not writing a review...suffice it to say, i loved this movie...it was so hauntingly beautiful, as was its soundtrack, which is why i'm writing. i would love to lay my hands on a copy (or at least the song which plays while the credits are rolling), but i can't seem to find one...can anyone out there please help me out?

Rating:
Summary: An Loving Ache in My Heart, A Powerful Tug on the Soul
Review: An adult film; finally an adult film! This achingly beautiful, loving and soulful film, directed by Keith Gordon, took me inside characters so real and so believable I wish I had them for friends. The story revolves around Fielding Pierce (the fine, vulnerable and nuanced actor, Billy Crudup) and Sarah Williams (the sensitive and sensuous Jennifer Connelly), who fall in love because of their differences which are also their strong and bonding similarities: they care people, and they care about the world. One is driven to change from within the 'system' and one works from the outside of it. Yet, their love is their anchor and their north star. Using flashbacks judiciously, and heightening the story of Fielding and Sarah, the film traces Fielding's emotional and spiritual crisis after it appears that Sarah has died. With fine supporting performances, and a sharp compassionate script based upon a novel of the same name by Scott Spencer (who appears briefly), 'Waking the Dead' is a cup overflowing with adult themes after a long stretch of mostly summer adolescent celluloid .... Take your sweetie, or someone who you want to be your sweetie to this original and finely crafted film. (I viewed it on the Sundance Channel.)

Rating:
Summary: Crudup's Throw-Up Would Have Been More Interesting
Review: I had high expectations from the director of "Mother Night"----they were deflated early in the film. It's 1972 and the main character (a military guy) is visiting his (hippie) brother's office----I've seen better set direction and character development in a bad "Saturday Night Live" sketch. And it doesn't get much better. Aside from Janet McTeer's performance, the acting is lackluster. Other than a few bits of good dialogue, the characters are two-dimensional. Crudup's portrayal of a congressman is unconvincing. And you feel no empathy for his character because the lost love he's pining for is unappealing----Jennifer Connelly in a grating performance (albeit the actress is a beauty). Oh, and the jumping back and forth time line device (effective in "Pulp Fiction" and "Out of Sight") is becoming tiresome. I was constantly aware of the camera in this movie, my disbelief was not suspended. I am shocked to read all of the glowing reviews on this page and as a result I am reluctant to look here for cold advice on a movie ever again. This was a dud (nice soundtrack though).

Rating:
Summary: haunted by loss of love and ideals
Review: I really liked both this movie and the book by Scott Spencer. Both deal w/ the age old argument-is social justice something that can be achieved by working within "the system" or is it something that needs to be approached from outside? This movie/book works as a love story but also as a meditation on the loss of ideals (or the realization of how bound up ideals & ego are)and the compromises people (and particularly liberal politicians) must face when trying to "be good." FYI Don't expect a lot of bonus material on this DVD

Rating:
Summary: even if you don't like love stories..
Review: check this one out.This had to be the best love story i saw since "love story"!at the same time i am itching to run out and get the book! watching this kind of reminded me of the old daredevil-elektra frank miller storyline-a classic in the 80'era of comics. definitely worth watching for fm fanatics!L0VE AND REDEMPTION.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful film glittered with brilliant acting.
Review: A great film glittered with brilliant acting is quite difficult to find these days. With the case of Waking The Dead, starring Billy Crudup and Jennifer Connelly, is a fine example of acting with brilliance. After listening and watching the director's commentary by Keith Gordon, you learn that many scenes were actually improvised by the two actors. The editing style is quite similar to Soderbergh's Out of Sight and The Limey; with its documentary feel of jump cuts and audio lead-ins. Finally, the cinematography is what helps the film's very eery, ghostly world. The DVD has great features: a dozen of outtakes, a different soundtrack on different menus--since the OST never was released on the market, and as aforementioned, a great commentary by the director. A must-see and must-buy for film buffs.

Rating:
Summary: Well constructed with powerful performances
Review: I was surprised by how much I liked this film. The blurb on the back of the DVD doesn't really do it justice. Touted as a "Thinking Man's Romance", I found it intelligent and accessible. Usually films touted as "The Thinking (Whatever)" are sophomoric, poorly written pieces of [junk]. Waking the Dead is neither of those things. It combines an engaging story with powerful performances by Crudup and Connelly. The movie is a thriller without the hangups thrillers are usually stuck with, and at the same time, a romantic movie that leaves you refreshed instead of having a syrupy aftertaste. Crudup continues his string of great performances, and Connelly continues to be involved in great projects. Hopefully her role will not be forgotten as quickly this time. The DVD also has a lot of deleted scenes, which is always a plus. In this case, look for a good performance by Ed Harris in those scenes.

Rating:
Summary: Haunting, Heartfelt, Painful, Perfection...
Review: What can I say about Waking The Dead? 1000 words doesn't quite cover the depth and scope of the emotions this film has stirred in me. I got it this week and having watched it, I can honestly say it will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have been walking around in a kind of melacholy ever since the end credits rolled. I feel we would be lucky men and women, to experience the kind of true, all consumming love, that Jennifer Connelly nd Billy Crudup portray in Waking The Dead. Both these young stars give Oscar worthy performances (of both love and personal commitment and conflict) within a tightly crafted and beautifully executed piece of cinema from writer director Keith Gordon. The design, music and cinematography in this story are haunting, adding to the depth of feeling it must surely bring out of the viewer. Indeed, I defy anyone with a soul, who's ever been in love, NOT to cry at this movie. I have been in love with Jennifer Connelly since I was 13 years old (and I first saw her in Labyrinth and Some Girls), but this is by far and away her finest performance. Billy Crudup portrays heartbroken despair, and a near spiral into nervous breakdown, the likes of which I have never seen on celluloid. My heartfelt recommendation is that any Amazon customer reading this, with a taste for fine human drama, buys a copy of this DVD now! My only regret is that I can't give it anymore than 5 stars for quality and depth. Sheer excellence from start to finish. I will treasure this title. You will too. Enjoy!!