Waking the Dead 2000

The film opens with Fielding Pierce (Billy Crudup) observing news footage that reveals the tragic death of Sarah Williams (Jennifer Connelly), who was killed in a suspected car bombing. As the reporter explains, Sarah was an activist from Chicago dedicated to aiding refugees fleeing the Chilean government, and her demise could change the dynamics of the movement. Overcome with grief, Fielding’s emotional turmoil sets the stage for the story to unfold.

The narrative navigates through two timelines spanning the 1970s and early 1980s, depicting the tumultuous relationship between Fielding and Sarah alongside Fielding’s rise in the political arena. Their journey begins when Fielding, returning from his service in the Coast Guard, reunites with his brother, a newspaper editor. During a lunch with both men, Fielding’s outspoken political beliefs immediately draw Sarah’s attention, sparking a connection fueled by mutual intrigue—Fielding’s interest being more overtly sexual, whereas Sarah’s is grounded in curiosity. Despite their evident ideological differences, a series of dates blossom into a passionate romance. When Sarah inquires about Fielding’s political aspirations, he asserts his intent not just to be a senator, but to aim for the presidency. Sarah poignantly remarks, > “Ambition is the ice in the lake of emotion.” As Fielding grapples with his fears about impending Vietnam deployment, Sarah challenges his values, insisting, > “But if you go over there, you’ll be shooting at the guys that I want to win.” Nevertheless, their intense love overshadows their disparities, leading to a deepening commitment between them.

As the story progresses, Fielding finds himself on a political career path shaped by the influence of the current governor, partly due to the scandal surrounding Jerry Carmichael (Ed Harris), which involves his resignation over his sexual orientation. Fielding’s ambivalence regarding his ascent hints at a broader internal conflict, perhaps catalyzed by Sarah’s impact on his aspirations. The pressure from the governor and his advisor, Isaac (Hal Holbrook), creates tension as they disapprove of his lack of enthusiasm for the political machine. This conflict foreshadows the emotional turmoil Fielding will later face, leading him down a path of insecurity and haunting recollections of Sarah.

In a subsequent timeline, Fielding is now in a relationship with Isaac’s daughter, but their bond pales in comparison to his past love with Sarah. Discussions with his sister, Caroline (Janet McTeer), reveal how vivid memories of Sarah distract him, sparking conversations about his struggles with the past and his family’s efforts to support him in his political journey.

When Fielding and Sarah move to Chicago, they cohabit as he pursues his law degree while she engages in missionary work led by Father Steven ([John Carrol Lynch]). As Fielding becomes more entrenched in his political ambitions, Sarah’s growing disillusionment with the system threatens their relationship. An explosive confrontation at one of Fielding’s events culminates in Sarah’s outburst, crying, > “It is so infuriating loving you!” Fielding’s amused acknowledgment reveals the depth of their strained but passionate connection. However, jealousy soon clouds his judgment, as he wrongly suspects Sarah is involved with Father Steven due to her long hours spent away.

As Fielding embarks on his campaign trail, memories of Sarah blur the lines of reality, prompting him to chase figures he believes may be her. Desperation mounts when he reaches a church, yet his quest yields only hollow echoes of his memories, pushing him further towards emotional collapse. Simultaneously, his relationship with Molly deteriorates as he withdraws emotionally, leaving her feeling neglected.

Sarah’s commitment to her missionary work soon evolves into activism in Chile, where she aids political refugees. An uncomfortable dinner unfolds as Fielding announces his political aspirations, prompting pushback from the refugees, who see the American political landscape as tainted by corruption. Despite Fielding’s attempts to assure them of his integrity and intentions, the climate remains hostile, leading to a painful moment when Sarah tells him, > “You are alone in this conversation.” This isolation culminates in a sense of despair as Fielding grapples with his growing distance from Sarah, with no reconciliation in sight. Following this tumult, Sarah embarks on a fateful trip to Milwaukee, setting the stage for the heart-wrenching conclusion of their intertwined fates.