Friday
Mar042011
When you wake up in the middle of the night...
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 3:21AM Do you watch movies? If so, what kind? which one? (Staring off into space just isn't cutting it anymore.)
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Reader Comments (18)
Sometimes, I do if I really lost the sleepiness.
I usually watch films like The Reader, Chocolat, and other slow dramas to put me back to sleep. I love those films though, but I just think they're helpful to bring me to sleep.
But if I'm in the mood for some late night sleeping, Little Miss Sunshine, Up, Titanic, Fargo, and other exciting films are perfect for me.
it seems like i always stare off into space but maybe it'd be a perfect time to watch movies. catch up on stuff i maybe have seen before but don't remember well (i,e. since i might only be half there)
Always something comforting. 'The Parent Trap' (60's version) or a Disney film/Pixar film (the latter usually wins out.
This actually happened to me the other night, and without hesitation I went for (500) Days Of Summer. It's one of those films that I could watch any time of the day, every day. It's also weird in that despite people thinking it's a bright, bubbly film, it's got quite a sleepy, twilight (time of day, not the franchise) mood to it, especially the score, which made it perfect for my insomnia.
A big and bold MGM musical. The other night it happened to be An American in Paris. Everything from the montage when Henri describes his beautiful girl (a nymphet Leslie Caron dancing up a storm), to the stunning simple "Our Love is Here to Stay" by the River Seine, can't be beat.
Oh and the stunning blue section of the An American in Paris ballet section on the fountain; gorgeous, sexy, and wailing trumpet.
Helped me ease back into sleep.
I've actually never done that (woke up in the middle of the night and then watched a movie). Mostly, I'll just lay awake staring into space. If I feel the need to do something I usually go on the computer.
I guess if I HAD to watch a movie, it'd be something mellow, but nothing too depressing. Maybe something like Billy Elliot.
This has actually happened to me a lot in the past couple of weeks (which is why I am coming out of my natural "lurking" state to comment) as I've been battling insomnia. Since I like sleep, I generally turn the TV to Turner Classic and watch whatever's on. If it does nothing for me, I reach for one of my favorite classics. Must be black & white for late at night, as color just wakes me up. I try pick films I've watched a million times because I already know them by heart, so I won't feel bad if I miss what happens. Recurring choices: Casablanca, The Philadelphia Story, The Thin Man, Cocteau's Beauty & the Beast, Sabrina, and To Kill a Mockinbird.
Terrence Malick or David Gordon Green films can be nice to fall asleep to. Though if you conk out at the wrong moment you could get nightmares.
If I am in a good mood: Cries & Whisper, Far from Heaven or The Hours
If I am in a bad mood: Glitter or Bad horror film
In ANY mood: ANY John Water with DIVINE
p.s. my rule is: if you watch a Masterpiece you HAVE to immediatly follow with mediocrety (keeps you humble)
"Pump up the Volume" is a markedly better movie after 2 am.
Dave -- hee.
stjeans -- i like this rule. interesting.
denny -- black and white. i'll try it next time.
Last time I tried this, it was 'The Assassination of Jesse James', and it didn't work. It's slow, but it's too visually interesting.
BENJAMIN BUTTON is nice against the insomnia and Fincher's commentary is again better
I find it's easier to watch TV series - you're less annoyed if you fall asleep in the middle and come back later. Movies though? Something light and upbeat, like The Devil Wears Prada or Mean Girls.
I like to watch films set at night. I suppose it just fits the situation which is comforting. Here's ten of the best: http://www.top10films.co.uk/archives/5851
I’ll watch anything that doesn’t scare. And what I wouldn’t mind going to sleep on – then waking up again in the middle of.
During the time I had VHS in my house – Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Fight Club, and The Abyss: Special Edition – were my favorite go to sleep on / white noise background cinema.
Usually sci-fi/fantasy epics, like Dune or LOTR. These movies are so much better in the dark and quiet of the early morning hours.
Something I've seen a thousand times before so I don't feel bad sleeping during it. Yesterday it was Finding Neverland. Another really great one is A River Runs Through It.