Waking the Dead
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
One of the most powerful romances of recent years, it is as generous as they come.
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.
This wonderfully acted romance brings the touching fantasy "Truly, Madly, Deeply" to mind.
Has a good heart and some fine performances, but is too muddled at the story level to involve us emotionally.
Forever stumbling over itself and breaking its own spell.
Best Screenplay
Independent Spirit Awards (2001)
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