IN DREAMS
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 1999 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ** 1/2
As Claire Cooper, Annette Bening has been having some dreams lately, and
they're not of sugarplums dancing in her head. Asleep and awake, she
has horrific visions of a man who leads little girls to their death. In
his best creepy style Robert Downey Jr. plays the serial killer, whose
demonic acts have seized control of Claire's brain.
Written and directed by THE CRYING GAME's Neil Jordan, IN DREAMS wants
to be more than the typical psychological horror film, but it only
partially succeeds. Jordan is well versed in ways of divulging facts in
bits and pieces so that he can maintain the suspense. However, the
movie is rooted in the over-the-top horror movie genre, and this proves
to be its downfall.
The plot involves a town that 25 years ago was flooded to make way for a
new reservoir. The killer claims to have been chained to a bed in the
town when it was flooded. He's now a grown man who goes around the
thick woods, stealing little girls and then killing them. Apparently he
wants to stop so he causes Claire to dream his future violent actions.
As is de rigueur in this genre, everyone around Claire thinks she's nuts
when she predicts the upcoming crimes. Aidan Quinn plays her confused
husband, who thinks the answer to Claire's difficulties is medical help.
As Dr. Silverman, Claire's psychiatrist, Stephen Rea doesn't believe a
word Claire says. She has a simple explanation for her bizarre
behavior. "I'm not obsessed; I'm possessed!" Claire with wild, bleary
eyes tells her doctor.
As the movie grinds on, it becomes increasing familiar. Claire spends
more and more of her time in padded rooms and strapped to beds, while
her doctors drug her to calm her down. Annette Bening does the best she
can with a role that almost demands overacting.
By the predictable last act, in which Claire finally gets to confront
the man from her dreams, the movie has deteriorated from intriguing to
tiresome. At least the way in which Claire ultimately gets back at her
tormentor is satisfying.
IN DREAMS runs 1:40. It is rated R for violence and profanity and would
be fine for teenagers.
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Have I Seen This Movie: Yes
And What Did I Think?: This is a pretty clever movie although
it tries a little too hard at times. There are some downright
spooky scenes like the town underwater and the visions that
Claire (Annete Bening) has. The film starts out erily enough
but left something to be desired at times. There were a number
of questions that weren't answered as well. The film's ending
was kind of sad, but also a little happy too. Also, I wasn't too
thrilled with Robert Downey Jr. playing the killer, I think
someone else might have played the part better. I wanted to see
this movie in the theater, but I'm glad I waited until it came
on video. Basicly, its good, but not something you want to waste
$8 on. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Review written June 3, 1999
