This month, I decided to watch the movie Sleepwalk With Me. This movie immediately piqued my interested because I am a fan of Mike Birbiglia.
I was surprised when I first started watching because I didn't realize it was...an actual movie. When I made the initial selection, I thought it was a stand-up special. Rather, I was treated to a movie with plot and characters and conflict and all the other stuff that makes a work of fiction.
n spite of these bells and whistles, Sleepwalk With Me is barely a work of fiction. Really, it's more like a memoir recounting the start of Mike Birbiglia's stand up career.
At least, that's what it feels like. I never met Mike Birbiglia, so the whole thing could be completely made up. But, the fact that the main character's name is Matt Pandamiglio kinda of steers me in the direction that this story is rooted in reality...
Either way, it's funny and hit very close to home for me. I think anyone who is pursuing any kind of creative endeavor should watch this movie.
It just captures the struggle so well. In the beginning, Matt has this sense of worthlessness that I immediately identified with. He wanted to be a stand-up comedian, but was working as a bartender. He felt like a faker, and I think a lot of people feel that way when they're first starting out as artists.
But it was very rewarding to watch him start experiencing success and gave me hope for my own success as an artist.
Check it out!