My chest hurts, my eyes hurt, and my voice is coarse as though I’ve been shouting, when really it’s been trapped open with silent cries. What Dreams May Come is hauntingly sad, while at the same time holding the view that love can win out. Full of great beauty and scope that you’ll wish you could take stills of the film and hang them in a gallery. Robin William takes you on a journey of love, grief and its bonds.
Now, before we talk a bit about the plot, first check the nostrils are plugged with tissues – check. Second, that there’s plenty of comfort food and takeaway menus for when you run out. Lastly, is there a blanket to curl up in and console yourself that everything will be okay? If you answered yes to all, then let’s begin; the story tells of soulmates Chris (Robin Williams) and Annie (Annabella Sciorra), I know “soulmates” sounds corny, but it’s done very well and very dark at times, anyhow, Chris and Annie fall in love, she’s an artist, he’s a doctor, they offset and balance each other perfectly, and together they also have the perfect family with two children they adore – would have been nice for Annie if they left it here, but no – the children die in a terrible accident leaving Annie and Chris to console and comfort one another, and in time they do, after all they have each other and are deeply in love – okay, so film makers leave it here please?? But no – Chris then dies leaving Annie all alone, and she can’t cope, and he knows it too. They’re tied together so tightly that the events in her life effect the heaven Chris finds himself in, for even death cannot break their ties, with Annie in turn feeling Chris’s presence wherever she goes, and instead of being comforted by it, she feels haunted by the loss. Okay I have to stop, I’ve not got water insurance for my laptop.
It might sound horribly depressing, but it’s so visually stunning and incredibly clever that you’ll instantly replay the film. Its tale providing a lovely view of the many different perspectives of what heaven, if it exists, could be like, whilst being sympathetic to grief, just as much as it is a story of love. Setting off in an adventure across heaven, Chris – being a newbie and all – is accompanied by the heavenly guide Albert (played by Cuba Gooding Jr) their partnership being made in…well, you get it.
Robin Williams was a world renowned and beloved actor, brilliant comedian, and just a kind human, and for me this is one of his most fabulous acting roles. Exuding the grief, loss and strength of his character so convincingly that you feel he’s more real than the neighbour you see once a year. Williams also brings far more to his character than what’s seen on the surface, adding a depth that resonates to the human spirit.
There are so many great actors in this film, that apologies if I don’t mention them all. Annabella Sciorra plays Annie, and so chillingly that you feel every sob like a stab to the chest, her emotions exposed and the bitterness of loss made real. Then of course there’s Cuba Gooding Jr who plays Albert and whose presence is a breath of fresh air in the film. His optimistic, kind and just full of light, but maybe he’s not telling you everything? Though he convinces and dismisses any doubts with that honest smile of his, while his eyes tell you that everything will be okay – but will it, Cuba!? Will it?
In addition to great acting, the set designs are – and I want to say out of this world, which is exactly what the plot demands, but it feels so clichéd, damn it I’m saying it – so out of this world that you wonder how big the budget was? Answer = Big at $85 million. Another nice surprise is that the graphics are pretty good for a film of this age, while the film’s plot points are as fresh now as they were then, maybe more so for its certainly a far cry from anything else that’s out in today’s market.
Director: Vincent Ward
Other notable works:
- The Last Samurai 2003
- Map of the Human Heart 1992
Writer: Ronald Bass
Other notable works:
- My Best Friend’s Wedding 1997
- The Joy Luck Club 1993
- Rain Man 1988
Based on the book What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson.
