Dream for an Insomniac

Dream for an Insomniac is not a bad movie, nor is it a particularly good one. Writer/Director DeBartolo in her first attempt at doing either produces a film that has bright moments, a few good ideas, very little meaningful dialogue, and some moderately entertaining scenes.

The black-and-white to color transition when Frankie first meets David Schrader is perhaps the most metaphorical and artistic achievement this movie makes. It is unfortunate that it is neither touching as a metaphor nor very artistic.

The majority of the film centers around the interplay between Frankie and David. The interaction between the characters is labored and unbelievable, the dialogue being little more than witty banter and archaic quotes swapped back and forth. If DeBartolo had any intentions of the audience empathizing with the characters she failed to write them in such a way to elicit such empathy. Frankie remains reminiscent of a love-struck schoolgirl throughout the film, a glutton for punishment, while David Schrader feels two-faced, reluctant to leave his girlfriend but quite friendly and flirtatious with Frankie, who is quite obviously in love with him. If these characters existed in the real world, they would both seem too neurotic, emotionally unstable, needy, and self-centered to spend time getting to know. And yet in spite of this, DeBartolo manages to put together a film that is not terrible.

Aniston's character, an aspiring actress who speaks in false accents during conversations to become believable in them, provides a solid supporting character that is much needed throughout the film. Juice, the slacker musician, finds his way on screen just about exactly when some comic relief is due. Some of the conversations, especially the one concerning the Holy Trinity of rock and roll, seem similar to something that could actually be heard in the real world, or at least the world of Generation X. And the subplot of Rob, the coffee-shop waiter reluctant to tell his father that he is a practicing homosexual, is actually quite endearing and entertaining.

Dream for an Insomniac would have been a much better film had DeBartolo stepped down the massive intellectual undertones running rampant in the dialogue, given both main characters a healthy dose of Prozac, and focused on the basic but meaningful theme of romance in the 90s instead of showing off her obviously impressive knowledge of memorable quotes through her characters. If anything less than extraordinary is a waste of your time, then so is Dream for an Insomniac. If, however, you are willing to settle for a decent first attempt at a movie by a newcomer to writing and directing, lay down a couple of bucks for this film at your local video store.

This movie was perfect. At least in my humble opinion. I found it well thought out and written incredibly. I loved Skye's character, Frankie. She was amazing and her whit and intellect astounded me. The chemistry between her and Mackenzie Astin was fantastic. Of course, Jennifer Aniston (in my opinion) never makes a bad movie so her role as Allie was great too. I just appreciate a decent thought-provoking movie on love every once in awhile. What's wrong with that?

I just watched About a Boy; a movie about a man living off his father's singular hit. Do we have the same thing here? Writer/director Tiffanie DeBartolo only did this one film. It is a good one, and I can't understand why there has been no followup.

It may have been a little corny at times - a search for a may with the eyes and soul of Sinatra, but Ione Skye (Girls in Prison, Guncrazy, A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon) does a really great job as the dreamer that doesn't want to settle. As she says, "Pussy, pussy, pussy. pussy. We're all pussies. It's what we have to overcome in life, our pussiness." So true! It was also the best performance I have seen by Jennifer Aniston outside of "Friends." Maybe it was because she did it during the "Friends" period.

It was a cute movie, a little corny at times, but well worth watching.

A charming little movie, made just around the time "Friends" (and Jennifer Aniston) were becoming huge.

Jennifer Aniston, sporting her then famous 'The Rachel' haircut, is good in a supporting role; but it is Ione Skye that really shines.

A lovely, independent little romantic comedy drama, that managed to find a place in my heart (I know - aw shucks and all that).

Favourite line, issued by Ione Skye after the guy of her dreams has given her a cup of hot milk to help her slip (paraphrase): "You're not going to make me drink any more warm white fluids ... are you?!"

WICKED!

I'll admit that amongst my rabid obsession with horror films and morbid dramas, lies a deep love for witty romance films.

I loved this one.

The dialogue and characterization was surprisingly well done, and the story, although old, was played out well.

The cast was excellent, too. Ione Skye is so beautiful, and very talented. She played the lonely girl perfectly. I cannot imagine a better actress for her part...her eyes said something to me while watching, as did her heart and soul she put into this role. Jennifer Aniston, whom I'm not a big fan of, was actually well written, and her knack for switching accents though out the film was quite funny. The standout character was David, played by Mackenzie Astin.

He's a nice guy, plain and simple. His dialogue was witty, charming, and never went over the pretentious mark. His character actually meant something to me, and for once, I agreed with his role. I think he has a bright future ahead of him, and I even think he is a better actor than his older sibling, Sean.

I loved the romance that built between David and Frankie. Even though we have seen this kind of mushy clap trap on screen several times before, it just seemed to work differently here.

Overall, this is a surprisingly sweet, well acted and non-pretentious romance film that deserves more recognition.

I loved it, very much.