In a nod to Bend’s vibrant indie film community, the Tower Theatre has secured five consecutive first-run screenings from November 17 – 21.  

You’ve just woefully peeled yourself out of that theatre seat after BendFilm’s last credits have dissolved onto the screen, and have buddied up to the thought that you’re going to have to patiently wait a whole year until you get to watch another high-quality independent movie on the big screen again. Heroically, the Tower Theatre however has come to your rescue! In a nod to Bend’s vibrant indie film community, the Tower Theatre has secured five consecutive first-run screenings of the 2012 Sundance Audience Award Winner Sleepwalk With Me from November 17 – 21.  

Written, directed by and starring Mike Birbiglia, this semi-autobiographical, hilarious comedy about the trials of a sleepwalking bottom-rung comedian with commitment issues is based on Birbiglia’s off-Broadway show and bestselling book. It’s also the first movie co-written by Ira Glass and co-produced by This American Life. The cast is populated by the lovely Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under), Daily Show correspondents Kristen Schaal and Wyatt Cenac, among many other comedic talents.  

The movie entertains and charms with the story of a stand-up comedian’s struggles with a stalled career and a stale relationship under marriage pressures – both which induced wild spurts of severe sleepwalking he is desperate to ignore. It all adds up to a fine, funny exercise in disheveled self-deprecation: a self-portrait of a guy who can’t control a major portion of his life. Which – when you get right down to it – could describe almost any of us.

Film critic and part-time curmudgeon Roger Ebert said “I like this movie. It’s surprisingly successful,” and promptly gave it 3 ½ stars (out of 4). Time Magazine called it “an amiable, Woody Allenesque comedy”. And the New York Times lauded its “visual pizzazz”. But don’t listen to them. Instead watch the trailer (http://youtu.be/8adsYbCfT-I), make up your own mind, and buy that ticket. Because you know – a year is simply too long to wait for that next really great indie.  

What:  Sleepwalk with Me – Not Rated, 90 Minutes  
When: Saturday, November 17 – Wednesday, November 21, Show starts at 7:00pm
Where: Tower Theatre – 835 NW Wall Street – Bend
Tickets: $9 – General Admission
541-317-0700 or http://www.towertheatre.org/tickets-and-events/Sleepwalk_with_Me_1