Watch Waking Dreams

Waking Dreams is a thought-provoking and melancholic drama that tells the story of a group of interconnected New Yorkers whose paths cross during a hot summer day. The film, directed and written by Joseph Le Doux, was released in 2004 and starred a talented cast of actors including Ben Shenkman, Tina Holmes, and Stephanie McVay. The movie opens with a montage of different characters as they wake up to face a new day. There's Alex (Ben Shenkman), an ambitious young man who just got a promotion and is struggling to balance his career and his personal life with his girlfriend Nina (Tina Holmes). She's an artist who's feeling the pressures of the city's competitive art scene and their relationship is slowly starting to unravel.

Meanwhile, across town, there's Rosa (Stephanie McVay), an aspiring actress who's dealing with a difficult breakup and trying to find her place in the world. She goes on an audition and meets David (Larry Pine), a seasoned actor who's risen to fame but is now struggling with his own demons.

As the day unfolds, the characters' lives intertwine in unexpected ways. They meet and talk, form alliances and rivalries, and confront their own fears and ambitions. They visit art galleries, parks, and cafés, and the city's rhythms and sounds become a central character in the film.

Waking Dreams is a movie that's more about feelings and emotions than plot. It's a meditation on the human condition and the search for happiness, meaning, and connection in a world that's often indifferent and fragmented. The film captures the mood and atmosphere of New York City in the early 2000s, a time when the city was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks and the dot-com bubble had just burst.

The movie has a documentary-like quality to it, with scenes that look like candid snapshots of everyday life. The characters feel real and relatable, with their flaws and aspirations on full display. There's a sense of unfulfilled longing that permeates the film, as if the characters are chasing a dream that's always just out of reach.

The acting is superb, with each actor delivering a nuanced and natural performance. Ben Shenkman is especially impressive as Alex, a complex character who's torn between his ambition and his love for Nina. Tina Holmes is also excellent as Nina, a woman on the brink of a breakdown who's trying to find her artistic voice. Stephanie McVay gives a heartfelt performance as Rosa, a woman who's trying to hold onto her dreams despite all the setbacks.

The cinematography is another highlight of the film. The camera captures the beauty and hustle of New York City in a way that's both gritty and poetic. There are many memorable shots, such as when Alex and Nina stand on a rooftop and look over the city at sunset, or when Rosa performs a monologue in a small theater.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, with songs by indie artists such as The Shins, The New Pornographers, and Iron & Wine. The music adds another layer of emotion and introspection to the film, and reflects the indie spirit of the early 2000s.

In conclusion, Waking Dreams is a haunting and poignant film that's worth watching for anyone who's interested in character-driven dramas. It's a movie that captures the spirit of a particular place and time, but also speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. It's a reminder that in life, as in dreams, it's not always about the destination, but the journey.

Waking Dreams is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.