NateWatchesCoolMovies Dead Awake is like Memento meets The Machinist via a quirky undercover B movie gem with a hectic plot, offbeat elements that put you into the confused mindset of an insomniac and a neat little mystery that socks you with plot turn after plot turn until you're just as weary-boned as the protagonist, here played by Stephen Baldwin in one of the few appearances that didn't tick me off. Let's face it, the guy is plain mediocre, yet here manages to carry his end not too shabbily as Desmond Caine, a high profile corporate executive who suffers from extreme insomnia, spending his nights wandering about the dense urban inner city where he lives. One night he witnesses a murder, setting off an odd chain of events which pave the way to more murders, dark humour, kooky nocturnal weirdos and a general 'After Hours' esque vibe of strangeness. There's an all night diner he frequents, populated by an eclectic bunch. The waitress (gorgeous Macha Grenon) hides several secrets and the lazy beat cop does nothing for his borough. It's manic homeless drifter Skay (Michael Ironside) who provides the excitement. Ironside is always terrific, and he breaks out of his usual reserved and stern shell for a wind up toy performance that rivals anything in Jim Carrey or Robin Williams's legacy. There's also a squirrelly homicide detective (Edward Yankie) who does little to help Caine solve the mystery besides provide puzzling idle chatter. Caine's girlfriend, secretary and associate may all be involved, if only he could coherently gather his thoughts, get a little sleep and figure it all out. The film does a nice job of making an uncomfortable yet darkly amusing atmosphere for the viewer, where everything appears arbitrary and nothing fits together, as it must for an individual who never sleeps. Overlooked stuff.

Zoe OK...so first of all i got this on DVD...really cheap. and after watching it i can understand why some people would dislike it. because its the kind of film that isn't exactly mainstream and the humour is very off-beat.but anyway...i watched it...and i loved it...i think the actors are all very well cast and i think Stephen Baldwin plays his character, Desmand ( an insomniac) very well. i found some of the scenes to be all over the place...but it worked, and the soundtrack, at times...is some what crazy. the thing that got me the most about this movie is the fact that it was a dark comedy?...i had no idea?...but thats what made me really enjoy this film because its a bit on the eccentric side. i also loved the ending, it wasn't what i was expecting!i think if you come across this movie on TV or for a cheap price, then give it a go, because you might enjoy it! if you cant get into the plot then the humour may carry you through :) (9/10)

RNMorton Geez, I've lost my faith in the IMDb reviewers when I see this putting up a 4.6 on the IMDb board. I just checked, that's 1 1/2 points less than a piece of putrid trash like Wet Hot American Summer. I'm guessing this one went over too many people's heads. Baldwin is a distracted, washed-out genius making big bucks in the business world. His insomnia and penchant for habitual late night walks make him the perfect chump in a murder scam. When he's not being made the fall guy he hangs with the wacky late-night losers at the Snow White Diner and falls asleep (with eyes wide open) at work.Lipper - Y'know, you should be a contestant on Jeopardy. Baldwin - There's a conflict. Lipper - Why? Baldwin - I used to write the questions..There's a campy but unpretentious camaraderie with the Snow White crew that makes this hang together, not the least due to Ironside's brain-damaged Skay. I also enjoyed Yankie as the luckiest detective in town, Roy as the over-focused girlfriend and Grenon as the shy waitress. This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen and an atmospheric gem. Ignore the lousy ratings and enjoy.

carlyanderson In this noir-flavored thriller, Desmond Craine (Stephen Baldwin) is cursed with insomnia; on nights when he can't sleep, he takes long walks through the city streets, hoping to clear his mind and allow himself to relax. However, quite the opposite occurs one evening when he unwittingly becomes a witness to murder, and suddenly getting a good night's sleep becomes the least of his worries. Dead Awake also features Michael Ironside and Macha Grenon. — Mark Deming, allmovie.com-----Me: What the hell? Most bizarre film I've seen in a long time.Enjoyable, and random. Caught on Showcase (Canada). Great murder mystery, very David Lynch-esquire thriller/modern noir. Creepy, great night watch. Recommended for the Blue Velvet/Twin Peaks lover.