

"Dreams. What are they? An escape from reality or reality itself?"
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.
Jesse

Celine

Main Character

Boat Car Guy

Man in Car with P.A.

Interviewed on Television

Bartender

Angry Man in Jail

Young Girl Playing Paper Game

Young Boy Playing Paper Game
Accordion Player
Violin Player
Viola Player
Viola Player
Cello Player
Piano Player
Bass Player
Philosophy Professor
Self

Shape-Shifting Man
Burning Man
Self
Self
Self
Coffee Shop Chatter
Coffee Shop Chatter
Chimpanzee
Self
Man Writing a Novel at the Bar
Woman Talking to the Novel Writer (as Violet Nichols)
Man Talking to the Bartender

Woman on TV
Man on TV
Man with the Long Hair
Self

Guy Talking about Turning the Light on in Dreams
Self

Man Talking to Caveh
One of Four Men

One of Four Men

One of Four Men

One of Four Men
Man on the Lamppost
Mr. Debord
Man on the Train
Self / Young Disappearing Guy
Soap Opera Woman
Self

Goatee Man

Friendly Girl
Old Man
Quiet Woman at Restaurant

Older Artist in the Park
Old Woman Sitting for a Portrait
Kierkegaard Disciple

Pinball Playing Man / Man on Back of Boat

Goth Girl (uncredited)