A Million in the Morning

How long can you go without sleep? Have you ever tried? Some seem to think that sleep deprivation leads to insanity, or irreversible brain damage. That is frightening. The longest I ever stayed up was when I had to work at night once, so about 24 hours. By the end I felt oddly awake, like I tricked myself into thinking I got a full nights sleep, and then I slept for twelve hours. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be on the threshold of insanity, the mind is a scary place to travel. And because I am not brave enough, that makes “A Million in the Morning,” all the more impressive.

“A Million in the Morning,” is one of the best documentaries of all time… seriously. This film is like a roller coaster ride. Apparently the story goes that Netflix had a contest to see who could watch the most movies in a row to break a Guinness world record, and they hired Gavin McInnes (I never heard of him either, but after this movie I’m a fan) and a group of music video artists to document it as kind of a Netflix promotional video. Little did they know that instead they would make one of the most insane documentaries ever. It turns out that Netflix hated it, a lot actually, and wouldn’t release it. Lucky for you the producers have released it on DVD themselves on their website (Google it!). So what makes this movie so awesome you ask? Everything. The host, McInnes, also decides he will go without sleep, and he forces the crew filming him to do the same. By the end of the film they are all driven to the edge of pure madness, a world that no drug can replicate. They and the eventual winners of the world record challenge stayed awake for five days and watched 57 films in a row. This film is so gripping, because not only are you waiting to see who can complete the challenge, but you are also mesmerized by the thought of who will end up going crazy. It is a testament to the filmmakers’ talent that they could make a film about people watching movies not be boring, that is amazing. But McInnes is really what makes this film watchable for the length of the movie, he is hilarious. I really can’t remember the last time I saw a movie so perfect, especially a documentary. I just want to watch it again.

Here’s where I get to rant. Netflix you stupid idiots, this film is magic! These guys captured lightning in a bottle and you couldn’t even see how incredible that is. You didn’t even know what you had! Come on Netflix, you used to be cool, what happened? All I can say is that it is my sincere hope beyond hope that somehow someone makes the film available on your website someday because more people need to see it. Please hire some people who actually care about movies instead of just figuring out the next way to deliver them to the public. The delivery system is meaningless if it only delivers shit. Go back to making awesome movies, especially ones made by these guys. If I had your resources I would give them whatever amount of money they want and tell them to go nuts. That is all. And now, dear reader, I suggest you find a way to put this movie in your brain via your eyeballs, by any means necessary.