Waking Life
R“Dreams. What are they? An escape from reality or reality itself?”
2001·101 min·Released
Studio: Detour Filmproduction, Flat Black Films, IFC Productions, Thousand Words
7.5TMDb
7.6IMDb
81%RT
Available on
Theatrical Oct 19, 2001Physical Jan 1, 2002
🇺🇸
USA · English · USA
Overview
Waking Life is about a young man in a persistent lucid dream-like state. The film follows its protagonist as he initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions that weave together issues like reality, free will, our relationships with others, and the meaning of life.
Trailer
Crew
DirectorRichard Linklater
WriterRichard Linklater
Cast
Ethan Hawke
Jesse
Julie Delpy
Celine
Wiley Wiggins
Main Character
Bill Wise
Boat Car Guy
Alex E. Jones
Man in Car with P.A.
Steven Soderbergh
Interviewed on Television
Ken Webster
Bartender
Charles Gunning
Angry Man in Jail
Lorelei Linklater
Young Girl Playing Paper Game
Trevor Jack Brooks
Young Boy Playing Paper Game
Glover Gill
Accordion Player
Lara Hicks
Violin Player
Ames Asbell
Viola Player
Leigh Mahoney
Viola Player
Sara Nelson
Cello Player
Jeanine Attaway
Piano Player
Erik Grostick
Bass Player
Robert C. Solomon
Philosophy Professor
Kim Krizan
Self
Eamonn Healy
Shape-Shifting Man
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Keywords
dreamsphilosophyparallel worldexistenceadult animation
Details
Budget
$2M
Revenue
$3M
TMDb Votes
946
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 3, 2026