by Thomas Willett
September 20, 2012
Comedian Mike Birbiglia in his autobiographical film “Sleepwalk With Me”
Stand-up comedy may be one of the most psychologically fascinating careers someone could have that doesn’t involve violent tendencies. The sense of self necessary to exude confidence and stamina for every gig seems daunting to those who haven’t tried. With Sleepwalk with Me, co-director, co-writer and star Mike Birbiglia attempts to weave a narrative that not only explores his rise to popularity as a comedian, but the psychological tolls that come with it. As the title suggests, sleepwalking will be involved, though hopefully not metaphorically. Does this little passion project based off of his one-man show live up to the origins, or is it best to just buy the album?
Birbiglia plays Matt Pandamiglio, an exaggerated version of himself. The movie focuses on the origins of his comedy as well as a parallel relationship that is equally as rocky. The story splices in narration from Pandamiglio from “the future”, as he puts it, as he goes around town doing errands. This provides the chance for the character to meditate in a way that adds vulnerability to the plot. It is a familiar technique, but for those familiar with Birbiglia’s routines, the asides are well worth the time.
For the most part, the plot focuses on how the road impacts his relationship with Abby (Lauren Ambrose), who is adorable, but a problem in the overall picture. When Pandamiglio takes gigs that overlap with personal schedules, there is a concern that he isn’t there for her. In fact, it is around this time that the sleepwalking comes in. The dreams become clear. He is running through fields and having perverse dreams about a pizza pillow. We also get the real world scenario, which usually involves him climbing furniture or screaming in the shower. He is all sorts of messed up and seeks help from family (James Rebhorn and Carol Kane), which only adds to the neurosis of his character.
The reason that the movie works is because it plays everything simple. It also helps that the central issues are respectively taken care of in a realistic way. Some elements in this story are portrayed in an Annie Hall style where the visuals are metaphorical. Instead of him reading a book by William C. Dement, we have an actual conversation. Birbiglia doesn’t go overboard with this technique and instead relies on cameos to progress the story, including excellent appearances by Alex Karpovsky, Wyatt Cenac, Kristen Schaal, and Marc Maron, which all embody Birbiglia’s desires in some way.
While there are numerous comedic routines scattered throughout, similar to that of television’s Louie, it is the behind the scenes that really captures this character. Early scenes where he discusses marriage with David Wain provide awkward yet relatable looks into this character’s psyche. It is these moments that define the stage persona, and they are often far more interesting than the jokes that he crafts from them. Whether it is dealing with bad shows or lunatic cohorts, there is an underdog sense to this tale that, while his rise may seem too convenient, it is acceptable. There are bigger issues to be concerned with.
Sleepwalk with Me is one of the most honest looks at stand-up. While there is a romantic plotline mixed in, do not be fooled. This is a simple mislead that is used to take away focus from the bigger issue: a unity between a deviant career and sleep. It may not be all that scientific, but the tale of sleep therapy is an interesting one that only helps the jokes to make more sense. With a brilliant cast featuring the current alternative comedian icons, this is not a story strictly for those that like performing. This is a movie for anyone that has overcome the struggles of everyday life in all of its humorous forms. It manages to touch on bleak subjects without going dark and it also serves as a gateway to sleep study as well as Birbiglia’s stand-up.
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