What Dreams May Come (1998)

After he dies in a car crash, a man searches heaven and hell for his beloved wife.

Director:

Vincent Ward

Writers:

Richard Matheson (novel), Ronald Bass (screenplay) (as Ron Bass)

Stars:

Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Annabella Sciorra

Won 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robin Williams	...	Chris Nielsen
Cuba Gooding Jr.	...	Albert Lewis
Annabella Sciorra	...	Annie Collins-Nielsen
Max von Sydow	...	The Tracker
Jessica Brooks Grant	...	Marie Nielsen
Josh Paddock	...	Ian Nielsen
Rosalind Chao	...	Leona
Lucinda Jenney	...	Mrs. Jacobs
Maggie McCarthy	...	Stacey Jacobs
Wilma Bonet	...	Angie
Matt Salinger	...	Reverend Hanley
Carin Sprague	...	Best Friend Cindy
June Carryl	...	Woman in Car Accident (as June Lomena)
Paul P. Card IV	...	Paramedic
Werner Herzog	...	Face

Storyline

After Chris Nielsen dies in a car accident, he is guided through the afterlife by his spirit guide, Albert. His new world is beautiful and can be whatever Chris imagines. Even his children are there. But, when his wife, Annie, commits suicide and is sent to hell, Chris ignores Albert's warnings and journeys there to save her. Upon arrival, Chris finds that rescuing Annie will be more difficult than he'd imagined.

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Plot Keywords:

heaven | soul mate | afterlife | hell | soul | 

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Taglines:

After life there is more. The end is just the beginning.

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements involving death, some disturbing images and language

Details

Country:

USA New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 October 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Más allá de los sueños

Filming Locations:

Ross, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$85,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$15,833,592, 4 October 1998, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$55,485,043

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$71,485,043

Company Credits

Production Co:

Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Interscope Communications, Metafilmics

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Annette Bening auditioned for the role of Annie Nielsen.

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Goofs

When Annie and Chris are reunited in Heaven, as they are facing each other talking, Annie's hair is in her face. The shot briefly changes, and when it returns her hair is fixed.

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Quotes

The Tracker: You'll hear a lot of smart stuff around here.It's usually right.Don't let it screw you up.

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Crazy Credits

Disclaimer after the end credits: "The persons and events in this production are fictitious. No similarity to actual persons, living, dead or reincarnated is intended or should be inferred."

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Connections

Referenced in The Exes: What Dreams May Come (2015)

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Soundtracks

Chris & Annie's Theme
Based on variations of "Beside You"
Composed by Mark Snow (as Martin Fulterman) and Michael Kamen

User Reviews

absolutely stunning

I love this movie because it is truly romantic- it shows that love does not just happen in an instant, or at first glance, but is something that you have to commit to and work at. It's not just 'boys meets girl, stuff happens, they get married and live happily ever after' - Annie and Chris have to deal with real adversity and issues, which are shown through numerous flashbacks throughout the film. (ie- Chris being embarrassed to dance, teaching his daughter about death)

You're not supposed to watch this film for the visual effects. They're great, but they're not the point. If you have a short attention span, and are expecting action thrown at you every five seconds, then go watch something else, and don't complain that this film is boring.

This film was very simple and very human. If you want inspiration that REAL love exists (and not that stupid teen movie crap), then I highly recommend it.