Watch Insomniac,The
- 2013
- 1 hr 34 min
-
4.8 (254)
Insomniac is an American comedy film released in 2013, directed by Monty Miranda and starring actors Eddy Salazar, Clare Grant, and Danny Trejo. The movie follows the journey of John Figg (Eddy Salazar), a creative writer who is suffering from a profound lack of sleep due to his anxiety and insomnia. As the story goes along, we get to see the numerous problems that arise from his chronic insomnia, including his failing relationship, his day job troubles, as well as his wavering mental and emotional state.
At the outset of the movie, we see John Figg as a writer who is struggling to put his ideas down on paper. However, as he battles with insomnia, he also becomes apathetic about life and the people around him. John's character is further developed as we see his daily routine being disturbed by frequent visits to his psychiatrist and his inability to function properly during the day. His worsening insomnia leads to John trying everything from medication to self-help books to marijuana, but all in vain.
Despite the grimness of John's situation, the movie maintains a light-hearted and somewhat absurd tone throughout. The film's comedic elements are exacerbated by the supporting characters who bring their own set of eccentricities to the storyline. One of these characters is neighborhood bully, Billy (Danny Trejo), who seems to torment John on a daily basis. Another hilarious character is Cordelia (Clare Grant), John's girlfriend, who, in spite of her love for him, finds it hard to deal with his emotional instability.
As the movie proceeds, John's emotional breakdown and unusual behavior begins to challenge his relationship with Cordelia. She finds it hard to understand his behavior and struggles to put up with it. Meanwhile, Johnâs boss expresses frustration with his worsening work performance, which threatens to culminate in a loss of employment.
The story takes a turn around the mid-movie point, as John embarks on a road trip with his neighbor, Julio (Irineo Alvarez). The road trip provides a backdrop for John's hallucinations, as he remains awake for long periods while struggling to separate reality from his dreams. This surreal trip forces John to make some decisions, as he comes to some realizations about his life while still struggling with his deteriorating health.
The film's overall quality is enhanced by its character development, especially the protagonist's journey in dealing with his insomnia. Eddy Salazar's performance as John Figg is noteworthy, as he artfully portrays the character's struggle with his mental and physical health. The movie handles the subject of insomnia â a challenging and significant issue - with sensitivity and humor.
Overall, Insomniac is a successful movie in both comedy and dramatic aspects. Director Monty Miranda's decision to bring these seemingly disparate genres together works well, and the combination results in unique and entertaining viewing experiences. Although the film may not leave a lasting impression or a deep message, it's an enjoyable, light-hearted movie.