Waking the Dead

1999 Drama

A man finds his melancholy turning to madness in this thriller. Young lawyer Fielding Pierce (Billy Crudup) has just thrown his hat in the ring for an upcoming congressional election. He has also been haunted by the memory of his girlfriend Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), who recently died in a car bombing -- and haunted not just figuratively but literally: he's seeing apparitions of Sarah everywhere, and he's starting to wonder if she's really there or if he's going mad. Waking the Dead is based on a novel by Scott Spencer, who also wrote Endless Love, and directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Keith Gordon.

Director: Keith Gordon

Starring: Billy Crudup, Jennifer Connelly, Molly Parker, Janet McTeer, Sandra Oh

Reviews

  • One of the most powerful romances of recent years, it is as generous as they come.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    20 January 2013

  • It is a film of uncommon intelligence and rigor that illuminates a complex era, and the romance at its center is also one of exceptional passion and honesty.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    20 January 2013

  • This wonderfully acted romance brings the touching fantasy "Truly, Madly, Deeply" to mind.

    Rita Kempley - The Washington Post

    20 January 2013

  • Has a good heart and some fine performances, but is too muddled at the story level to involve us emotionally.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    20 January 2013

  • Forever stumbling over itself and breaking its own spell.

    Stephen Holden - The New York Times

    20 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Screenplay

    Independent Spirit Awards (2001)