LOS ANGELES (AP) — Much of the best comedy derives from personal pain, and comic turned filmmaker Mike Birbiglia deftly transposes his stand-up routine to the big screen in “Sleepwalk With Me.”
The comedy percolates in large part because of the likable lead performances of Birbiglia, whose easy self-deprecating ways overcoats Matt’s character flaws.
Birbiglia and co-director Seth Barrish keep the comedy from tilting into pathos, while maintaining a steady hand on the complex relationship issues which inspire the mirth.
The technical contributions are tops, from editor Geoffrey Richman’s invigorating pace to cinematographer Adam Beckman’s comic eye for framing.
Credit costume designer Ciera Wells for Matt’s apt, hang-dog duds.
