It has been some time since I last saw DREAMERS and I look forward to seeing it again. I recall being very confused when I left the screening as to what about it had affected me so greatly. I also remember that the characters kept coming back to haunt me and I knew that I was very glad that I had seen it.
It doesnt have a huge Hollywood budget and so may disappoint those who want to see flash sets and cutting edge special effects - much like CELEBRATION turned off those who didnt believe that a good film could be made on video. What it does have are believable situations and a truth about Hollywood and American dreams that makes many uncomfortable.
No one is pulling any star turns. These are all the same sorts you would meet any day at any coffee shop in LA - full of hope and trying to avoid the reality of their situation at all costs. It is not a film for those who grew up here and realised the falseness of this place by the time they were in grammar school. It is certainly not for those who still think the place is marvelous and havent yet worked it out. Rather, it is for those who grew up someplace else - kept going by the dream that one day they would get here and their lives would be better - only to arrive and find the stars were glitter covered cardboard and the camera hadnt caught all of the grimy back alleys. Sure its been done before yet people still keep coming, being disappointed and making movies about it. This is a film about how to survive once youve made that realisation. Though it is quite cynical it somehow manages to avoid a dismal ending which is pretty amazing in this town.
It is also the only time that I have seen the real reason that you should love THE FOUR HUNDRED BLOWS (and it isnt because your film teacher told you that you should).
