User Reviews

"Dead Awake" tells of a corporate marketing visionary/maven and insomniac (Baldwin) who sleeps with his eyes open at work by day and hangs out in a diner with some peculiar blue-collar types by night and gets entangled in murder and other mischief. The film sneers at traditional character development while painting an unlikely portrait of human nature on it's untra-hip neo-noir canvass. Somewhat interesting because of it's sharp creative edge, this nominal whodunit is less believable than entertaining. Okay for flick junkies who care more about the "sizzle" than the "steak".

...and somewhat believable entertaining plot devices!

I came across this film on my DVR a few days after combing late night TV for zombie movies (by virtue of the film's name)... And though it has less to do with the flesh-eating kind of zombie, Dead Awake has at least one zombie, played by Stephen Baldwin. While I'd like to make a joke at this point about the zombie reference being in reference to Baldwin family acting, he did okay in this one, and plays a corporate warrior who, though is successful, wanders through his days in a zombie-like trance because he is some sort of unexplained insomniac-narcoleptic. He's an insomniac who has is awake most nights and catches his rest in various lengths of micro sleep (with his eyes open). Enough of the plot is disclosed in the IMDb synopsis above (or probably also in the DVD liner notes), so I won't repeat it, but I will relate that some of the plot devices in this murder mystery are all at once simple, yet not completely unbelievable or borrowed/warmed over from other films.

There are also interesting characters and decent camera work. The entire movie has the feeling of Insomnia (the movie with Al Pacino), though it's faster paced and requires less critical or intense thinking. There's a neat scene where the camera moves forward through a cab (in one window, out the other), and then you hear the cab take off, in an obvious attempt to trick the viewer into thinking there's no camera at all. It's easy to figure the trick out, but I appreciated the little extra thought and prep that must have went into the scene, adding to the films overall stream of dreamlike consciousness. It's by no means a "Waking Life" experience, or as contrived as Snatch, but a very unexpected sleeper that I had never heard of before.

The music and ambiance not bad. Though it's filmed in Canada, it leaves you with the feeling that it could be New York, Chicago, or any believable Eastern US metro city.

There is a server at the diner who is legally blind. Unlike so many films that portray blindness (especially low-vision/legal blindness) inaccurately, the blind girl treatment in Dead Awake was quite realistic, and will certainly leave some people wondering "how could she see if she is blind?". She was actually one of the more believable, well-played characters in the film.

Overall, I probably would have walked past this one at the video rental store, especially with Stephen Baldwin on the cover, but I was mildly glad I mistakenly recorded it.

PostScript: There's a short bonus scene in the credits betraying a happy little conclusion to the narcosomnia.

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.

An insomniac learns how to "wake-up' during a murder investigation blamed on him during his late night walks thru the hood...women dying to be his secretary, a whacked out Detective, and people at the local diner trying to help all adds up to...? Well, you should watch to find out. Trivial kind of flick but good late night watching, Stephen Baldwin at his mediocre best I've seen in a while. I loved it for what it was...

Stephen Baldwin can't sleep, but you, the viewer, will have no trouble nodding off. Annoying flashbacks, daydreaming, and over stylized drivel, would best describe "Dead Awake". Having quirky characters on parade, spouting quirky dialog, in a movie that is such a confusing mess, how can you stop the nightmare? Simple, live with the fast forward button, because you will miss nothing, and save valuable time, instead of wasting it on this nonsense. I think the fun house mirror visual effects were the most annoying part of the film, or was it the ridiculous script, or was it the intolerable editing, or was it the dialog drivel? Without any doubt, it was all of the above. - MERK

I had no expectations for this straight to Blockbuster Video release starring Stephen Baldwin, but the movie was a pleasant surprise. Film is about insomniac who witnesses a murder late one night while walking. Mystery buffs and fans of thriller films will have no problem figuring out who the villain is or the fact that something else altogether is going on, but the plot isn't really what matters here. The film has an agreeably goofy sense of black humor that keeps the material off-kilter and fun. Michael Ironside is particularly amusing as a loquacious diner patron spouting off about midget cops and sexual symbolism in The Bible. Dead Awake isn't great, but considering that most straight to video thrillers are dreadful, lifeless and dull you have to appreciate it when you find one that's pretty entertaining from beginning to end.

This was a pretty good little thriller. The idea revolving around insomniac Desmond Caine, who wonders the streets at night and witnesses a murder, was good. Did he really see a murder, or is his brain playing tricks on him. It soon becomes apparant that he did really see a murder, which he becomes the lead suspect for, and his life is then in danger.

This is a well paced and soldily directed thriller with good twists and it has a dark and funny comical edge to it. The good thing about this film was that it had a fairly original idea and the film is entertaining. The end was kind of a let down in some ways though. I do think this idea had the potential to be a really good dark and eerie thriller, ore of a horror, while this is more of a quirky thriller.

The cast is good. Stephan Baldwin is good in the lead, as is the gorgeous Maxim Roy as his wife. It is Michael Ironside who steal the show though, he is excellent as one of the strange characters that Desmond meets on his nightly journeys.

Overall this was solid and watchable but most definately not best way to have handled a great idea (much like the handling of Schwarzeneggers 6th day), but it certainly wasn't the worst. 6/10

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.

Stephen Baldwin isn't my favorite of that family. His acting comes off as stiff and unnatural as a life-size stand-up cardboard cut-out. However, he is only half bad in this film, and the story itself is quite intriguing.

This has to be designated as one of those obscure dark little pools of goodness. Oh, it's no masterpiece and, unless you are a fan of the sub-genre of suspense/mystery or noir, this may bore you to tears. But if you are a fan of either, it is definitely worth a viewing Herein lie twists, turns, and a gradually foreboding suspense, which adequately conveys the proper atmosphere necessary to enhance the viewer's enjoyment.

Dead Awake is both clever AND witty, while sustaining at least moderate interest in the engrossing storyline.

The main drawback to this work seems to be Stephen Baldwin, himself. HIs soft-spoken, laid back personality fails to deliver the proper intensity mandated by the nature of the character of Desmond Kane.

Jeff Goldblum would have been a MUCH better casting choice in this instance. Not only is Goldblum a significantly better actor, but his personality would have uplifted this production from mundane to marvelous.

I can't say I loved it, but it does deliver something tangible, although the cinematography of the waking dream sequences were enough to make me so dizzy, I nearly tossed my cookies.

It rates a 7.4/10 from...

the Fiend :.

Funny enough, I have insomnia and have had it for years. This was "one of those nights" and this film came on @ 5:05am. The entire premise, especially in my situation, was enough to keep my attention. Then it went ODD, but with some very memorable characters (look out for the midget cops!) Michael Ironside plays a PERFECT loon. And REALLY ODD, Baldwin plays someone who is incredibly smart, clever, and observant -> and DOES IT BELIEVABLY! (yeah, i couldn't believe it either!) If you're in for some truly bizarre "Lucky Number Slevin" knockoff with those oddball/knotty/curves in a movie, it's worth your time (although if you're observant, you'll catch on to some key parts pretty early on; the plot will have to plug the pieces together though).

I thought it was pretty darn strange, but I DID enjoy it. As an insomniac anyways! :oD

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.

In this noir-flavored thriller, Desmond Craine (Stephen Baldwin) is cursed with insomnia; on nights when he can't sleep, he takes long walks through the city streets, hoping to clear his mind and allow himself to relax. However, quite the opposite occurs one evening when he unwittingly becomes a witness to murder, and suddenly getting a good night's sleep becomes the least of his worries. Dead Awake also features Michael Ironside and Macha Grenon. — Mark Deming, allmovie.com

-----

Me: What the hell? Most bizarre film I've seen in a long time.

Enjoyable, and random. Caught on Showcase (Canada). Great murder mystery, very David Lynch-esquire thriller/modern noir. Creepy, great night watch. Recommended for the Blue Velvet/Twin Peaks lover.

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.

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.

With, at the moment in 2019, IMDb having merely nineteen user reviews, 644 user ratings, and three external reviews for a film that's been available for almost twenty years, one is hardly primed to expect much. IMDb's owner Amazon had it offered streaming through its Prime service, buried deep among the Thrillers. The brief plot description, "an insomniac who walks the street at night. One night, he witnesses a murder, which sets off a strange chain of events" was nonetheless somewhat intriguing, and given some of the actors it seemed worth a try.

I found it a hoot! Described here as an "Action, Thriller" a Comedy Thriller seems more accurate. The weirdness of the characters and dialogue make it unquestionably a deadpan black comedy. It might be riffing to a degree on film noir or some of the odder giallo films, though some characters could have wandered in from the 1990s' Slacker and Bound.

Cutting between scenes in earlier parts of film is peculiar - it takes a while to make sense of it, which seems purposeful. Editing and cinematography are merely professional here, not exceptional - it could have been lifted to something greater, perhaps. The writing and acting really do make it fun, though, for those into something different.

OK...so first of all i got this on DVD...really cheap. and after watching it i can understand why some people would dislike it. because its the kind of film that isn't exactly mainstream and the humour is very off-beat.

but anyway...i watched it...and i loved it...i think the actors are all very well cast and i think Stephen Baldwin plays his character, Desmand ( an insomniac) very well. i found some of the scenes to be all over the place...but it worked, and the soundtrack, at times...is some what crazy. the thing that got me the most about this movie is the fact that it was a dark comedy?...i had no idea?...but thats what made me really enjoy this film because its a bit on the eccentric side. i also loved the ending, it wasn't what i was expecting!

i think if you come across this movie on TV or for a cheap price, then give it a go, because you might enjoy it! if you cant get into the plot then the humour may carry you through :) (9/10)

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.

Needless to say, I really frigg'n LOVE this movie! I had seen it many years ago and I remember that it made a pretty strong impression on me. But, I hadn't seen it probably for over 15 years.

This is one of my very favourite types of films. Next to serious, Classic Horror or Science Fiction, this particular style I really love. It is very similar to Scorsese's Classic 'AFTER HOURS', but not quite as densely layered and quintessential, but pretty damn close. What I really like about these kinds of movies is that they are clearly NOT realistic in any way, but they are very stylized, usually including the use of photography and soundtrack, and this one has it pouring out every orifice.

The writing is stellar. It has an excellent sense of humour, but it is a very clever, dry, and extremely imaginative humour. This is 'Situational Humour' at its very best. There are a handful of films that are done in this style, and this one is supremely entertaining. I know Steven Baldwin is not who most people think of when they think of top-tier Baldwins, but for this movie and in this particular role he is bloody perfect. And man... Don't even get me started about Michael Ironside. This must absolutely be THE funniest role that he has ever had. Let me see if I can remember a few of the lines... "You ever seen midget cops?" The cop in the diner says, "Will someone tell this @sshole that there is no such thing as midget cops" The girl asks Baldwin, "You ever seen midget cops?" Ironside interrupts, saying, "Of course he hasn't... Not in uniform, they're undercover" "doing what?" the girl at the diner asks with a smirk. "When the circus comes to town... that's when the midget cops go to work" Baldwin asks kind of mockingly, "Is there really that much crime in the circus?" Ironside turns to him seriously and says, "Uh huh... Child prostitution" The girl says, "Oh c'mon... Ironside says gruffly, "Well, how do you think circuses make all their money...? From the beginning of time, children have been running off to join the circus. And, when they get there, what happens? They give them a shovel and point them at the elephant cage. Now, after a couple of days of shoveling tons of elephant dung, these kids get real miserable. ...and that is when the ringmaster steps in... He says, 'Hey little fella, want a new job? Well, tonight after the show, this guy is going to come around and you be reeeeeeeeal nice to him' " "That's why we need midget cops... to bust these perverts before they leave town with all our kids" "You are really sick" the cop says. "No, not me! Society... check out your fairy tails. You think the witch wanted Hansel & Gretel so that she could cook them, or Rumpelstiltskin wanted that kid because he liked changing diapers! How about the Pied Piper! He leaves town with every blond haired, blue eyed kid in Germany, and no every asks, 'Where did they go! What did they do when they got there!' And, what the PH*k is the Pied Piper anyway!" Heh... you really HAVE to see him and the way he delivers those lines. Absolutely Classic! And, there is a lot more; he easily dominates the film as the most standout character.

Anyway, sorry to get carried away, but there are a whole bunch of really great, funny, quirky characters in the film. And, I think along with the excellent writing, they are what really make this movie. Even some very subtle and throwaway lines, especially between the almost blind girl and Baldwin. Notice at the end when he asks here about her name. She mentions her 4th grade teacher... At that moment, you will pause and say, '4th grade teacher...??!' : )

I don't know why this film only is rated at about 5.1 or so, but I do notice that out of the people who actually wrote reviews, almost all of them are very favourable with 7-9 ratings, and I fully agree with them.

To me anyway, this is just one of those near perfect movies where the mood, atmosphere, writing, performances, everything just come together very well. Oh, the guy who plays the main cop too is fantastic! Even the story itself is surprisingly strong for this kind of film. Not to give anything away, but there are a few really good twists in it that I promise you will not see coming. FWIW, there is also a little snippet after the end credits roll for a little while. Nothing monumental, but just a nice closing touch.

This is one of those movies where it feels like there is a sense of 'Magic' to it. It is most definitely NOT realistic, but very stylish visually and in its use of soundtrack. I honestly feel that it is very well written with great performances all around. Just overall, a very very entertaining film. If you like movies along the lines of Scorsese's 'AFTER HOURS' you most likely will very much enjoy this one...

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.

One of a kind really. The script is super interesting and crafted. The acting is perfectly understated. Has the feel of Hitchcock vs. Bogart. Just to give you a hint of my taste; recent favs are Goliath series and Nightcrawler with Gyllenhaal. This film also reminds me a bit of Mr. Brooks.