As the mother of a preteen daughter who has dragged me to a number of teen movies, I was captivated by this strange mutant of a movie. There is skill here, and some poignant scenes that stayed with me, including a first kiss scene that's one of the bette
Dreamland (2006)
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Audrey lives in Dreamland, a small cluster of mobile homes located somewhere in the middle of the vast, dusty desert of New Mexico. This tiny, sun-drenched oasis is also home to Audrey's best friend, Calista, who dreams of beauty pageants and love affairs while struggling... Eighteen-year-old Audrey lives in Dreamland, a small cluster of mobile homes located somewhere in the middle of the vast, dusty desert of New Mexico. This tiny, sun-drenched oasis is also home to Audrey's best friend, Calista, who dreams of beauty pageants and love affairs while struggling with illness and fear of the future. Dependable, level-headed Audrey is equally uncertain about what the future holds. Surrounded by loved ones who need taking care of, including her devoted, agoraphobic father and the ethereal Calista, Audrey can't imagine a life away from the familiar open skies and languid pace of Dreamland. At the same time, her poetry reflects a deep longing for something more. The arrival of a teenage boy, spending a last summer with his family before college, awakens something in Audrey. Poised in the still, breathless moment between adolescence and adulthood, she must decide what sort of life she wants to lead. Dreamland suggests that even in the wide-open spaces where the desert meets the sky, the human heart can feel constrained and confined. First-time feature filmmaker Jason Matzner has crafted a deeply felt drama that boasts strong performances all around, particularly from Agnes Bruckner; her portrayal of Audrey is one of the highlights of this visually stunning and emotionally charged film. -- © Sundance Film Festival [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Agnes Bruckner, Kelli Garner, Justin Long, Chris Mulkey, Gina Gershon
DVD Info
Release:
Jul 12, 2007
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Reviews
The cast is solid, the characters fascinating, the direction notable, the story shaky.
...there's little doubt that the film heralds the arrival of a promising new director.
The performances are all fine, with Bruckner and Corbett the standouts as a parent and child with roles reversed after a death in the family.
The filmmakers were clearly not interested in the ending but in exploring the characters and the situation, and they do that with sophistication and genuine feeling, both for the people and the environment.
As swoony and verbose and serious as an adolescent's journal entry.
The awe-inspiring New Mexico scenery and light and the performance of lead actress Agnes Bruckner lift this teen drama above the usual fare.
The gossamer spell is undone when the script topples into melodrama and then a too-tidy resolution.
An atmospheric ensemble piece boasting several richly portrayed characters.
After all the put-upon jokes about trailer trash, finally here is a place where the terminology of community really defines itself.
Despite some sketchy story elements, much of it is pretty intoxicating -- that is, until the unambiguous life lessons bring pic down to earth with an earnest splat.
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by: collateral fan 7/21/07


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