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Dream Lover

  • 19861986
  • RR
  • 1h 44m
IMDb RATING
4.8/10
615
YOUR RATING
Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
CrimeDramaThriller
After she's been attacked in her apartment, Cathy starts reliving the event in her dreams. She seeks help at a sleep disorder research center, but in doing so she encounters some unexpected ... Read allAfter she's been attacked in her apartment, Cathy starts reliving the event in her dreams. She seeks help at a sleep disorder research center, but in doing so she encounters some unexpected results ...After she's been attacked in her apartment, Cathy starts reliving the event in her dreams. She seeks help at a sleep disorder research center, but in doing so she encounters some unexpected results ...
IMDb RATING
4.8/10
615
YOUR RATING
    • Alan J. Pakula
    • Jon Boorstin
  • Stars
    • Kristy McNichol
    • Ben Masters
    • Paul Shenar
    • Alan J. Pakula
    • Jon Boorstin
  • Stars
    • Kristy McNichol
    • Ben Masters
    • Paul Shenar
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 10User reviews
    • 11Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Photos28

    Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol and Justin Deas in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol in Dream Lover (1986)
    Paul Shenar in Dream Lover (1986)
    Kristy McNichol and Paul Shenar in Dream Lover (1986)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Kristy McNichol
    Kristy McNichol
    • Kathy Gardner
    Ben Masters
    Ben Masters
    • Michael Hansen
    Paul Shenar
    Paul Shenar
    • Ben Gardner
    Justin Deas
    Justin Deas
    • Kevin McCann
    John McMartin
    John McMartin
    • Martin
    Gayle Hunnicutt
    Gayle Hunnicutt
    • Claire
    Joseph Culp
    Joseph Culp
    • Danny
    Matthew Penn
    Matthew Penn
    • Billy
    Paul West
    • Shep
    Matthew Long
    • Vaughn Capisi
    Jon Polito
    Jon Polito
    • Dr. James
    Ellen Parker
    • Nurse Jennifer
    Lynn Webster
    • Policewoman
    Brenda Cowling
    Brenda Cowling
    • Hotel Manager
    Charles West
    • Man at Hilton Hotel
    Dennis Creaghan
    Dennis Creaghan
    • Policeman
    Dolores Sutton
    Dolores Sutton
    • Additional Voice
    • (voice)
    Denise Stephenson
    Denise Stephenson
    • Additional Voice
    • (voice)
      • Alan J. Pakula
      • Jon Boorstin
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Kristy McNichol previously portrayed a flutist in Just the Way You Are (1984).

    User reviews10

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    4/10
    Not good enough to be a dream, not bad enough to be a snore
    The involvement of lead actress Kristy McNicohl, director Alan J. Pakula and cinematographer Sven Nykvist (best known for his regular work with Ingmar Bergman), as well as a fascinating premise, were four good reasons to see 'Dream Lover'.

    Really hate to see one of the dissenting voices here but 'Dream Lover' didn't do it for me. Can see why it was panned by critics because to me there were some big problems, while not finding it anywhere as dreadful as reputed (certainly do not agree that 'Dream Lover' didn't have redeeming values). 'Dream Lover' was just a film that could have executed a good idea much better. It had all the makings of a thought-provoking and creepy film, but both of these only came in spurts rather than an overall whole.

    'Dream Lover's' best asset is Nykvist's cinematography, frighteningly surreal and beautifully dreamy 'Dream Lover' looks striking in this regard. The sets and lighting are similarly atmospheric. Some sequences actually are pretty unsettling and have suspense and creepiness.

    The cast are also a strength and do their best with the wanting material with professional. McNichol is in an atypically darker role to usual and gives plenty of intensity and vulnerability, it's a great lead performance in a challenging and different role for her. Plus she looks sensational. Paul Shenar, who if he made better career choices and hadn't died so young just three years later would have made it bigger, plays one of the creepiest domineering father figures personally seen in any film recently. His chemistry with McNichol has moments of pathos and chills.

    Ben Masters is charming and Justin Deas makes the most of a role that isn't developed enough. There are a few thought-provoking moments.

    On the other hand, the story and pacing spoil 'Dream Lover'. Some of the pace is leaden and like riding on the back of a lethargic snail. In terms of atmosphere, there is a lack of tension and suspense in general and too often is too sterile. The story is dull with parts that feel like overlong and irrelevant padding and not always easy to follow (downright confusing even in some places), while the ending is anti-climactic and preposterous.

    Pakula's direction is uninspired at best and somnambulist at worst, don't think he was that interested in the film or knew what to do with it. While the production values are generally good some of the editing is amateurish, especially the shocking gaffes in day/night scenes.

    Rest of the cast struggle to do anything with sketchily written plot device characters (true of the characters here in general) and weak dialogue. The script has thoughtful moments but generally is flabby and gets bogged down by too much confused and rambling psychobabble and overkill histrionics. The music score is forgettable and doesn't really gel with the atmosphere of the film.

    On the whole, not that bad but to me it was far from a dream. 4/10 Bethany Cox
    helpful•5
    2
    • TheLittleSongbird
    • Nov 7, 2017

    Details

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    • Release date
      • April 2, 1986 (France)
      • United States
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • London, England, UK
    • Production company
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 1 hour 44 minutes
      • Color
      • Mono

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