What Dreams May Come

Stellar film and visual effects!
There is such a profound sense of drama, magic and emotion behind the story in "What Dreams May Come," a film based on the novel by Richard Matheson. There is a strong story with which anyone who loves someone else can identify, as well as an austentatious and elegant scope of visual and auditory imagery that jumps right for your eyes onscreen. Matheson's visions of heaven and hell are magnificently realized here, as well as the love between two people that is unbreakable, even after death.

The movie begins with the chance meeting of two American tourists traveling in Switzerland. Soon after, Chris and Annie become inseperable, and after their wedding, they bear two children. Many years later, Ian and Marie are killed in a car collision, leaving their parents distraught yet overcoming. Another couple of years later, Chris dies in a car accident as well, on his way to celebrate the "Double D" anniversary of his wife's emotional recovery from their childrens'...

A spiritual film for the senses
When I first saw this film in 1998, I was horrified because it was so different from the novel I had just read. I wanted to see a film more faithful to the novel and the beauty and awe I felt when I read it. This is not that movie.

I decided to watch this film again on its own merits. I haven't read the novel for years, so I'm able to see this film with fresh eyes, and judge it on its own merits. Its not the novel, and maybe someday there will be a film that is a closer representation of the novel, but this film presents the director's vision and still provides excellent insights into the afterlife. For that, its worth watching and owning.

This film is visually stunning as they recreated a world as one might expect if a person lived in a painting, or a place that resembled a painting. Having seen some actual works by Renoir, I know the feeling of being transported into another realm on the basis of a painting. This film does it perfectly. The symbology...

What if it were true
The acting in this film is wonderful. The story line was heart felt and thought provoking. Robin Williams is at his best. I have shared this movie with many of my friends. It brings about questions of faith but most of all it gives us hope about our live here on earth and after. No matter what your religion or whether you have a religion at all, it provides dreams.

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