Lathe of Heaven (2002)

In a near future society, a man claims that his dreams physically change reality. His therapist is confused at first, but soon decides to use him for his own gain.

Director:

Philip Haas

Writers:

Ursula K. Le Guin (novel), Alan Sharp (teleplay)

Stars:

James Caan, Lukas Haas, Lisa Bonet

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Caan	...	Dr. William Haber
Lukas Haas	...	George Orr
Lisa Bonet	...	Heather Lelache
David Strathairn	...	Mannie
Sheila McCarthy	...	Penny
Serge Houde	...	Judge
Suzanne Desautels	...	Lelache's Secretary
Belinda Hum	...	Mrs. Nakumisi
Tetsuro Shigematsu	...	Mr. Nakumisi
Jonathan Higgins	...	Medic
Danny Blanco Hall	...	Security Officer (as Danny Blanco-Hall)
Conrad Pla	...	Search Man #1
Daniel Do	...	Waker / Host
Daniel Pilon	...	President Murtle
Steve Adams	...	Game Show Host

Storyline

In a near future society, a man claims that his dreams physically change reality. His therapist is confused at first, but soon decides to use him for his own gain.

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Plot Keywords:

therapist | dream | utopia quest | psychiatrist | central pontine myelinosis | 

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Taglines:

His dreams control our destiny, but who controls his dreams.

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Genres:

Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 September 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

O Flagelo dos Céus

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&E Television Networks, Alliance Atlantis Communications, Baumgarten Merims Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Bruce Davison, who played George Orr in the 1980 teleplay, was a co-producer on this movie.

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Connections

Remake of The Lathe of Heaven (1980)

User Reviews

Emblematic of what's wrong with movies today

I agree with the consensus. This film stinks. The true plot is brusquely steamrolled over in order to force the emphasis toward a badly cast romance between George and Heather.

This type of butchery is very common these days. Look at most of the `original series' on the Sci-fi (sic) channel. Get a bunch of young and beautiful people into spaceships, fill it with flashing lights, a crotchety alien with a bony forehead and the personality of your uncle Irving, derivative dialog about `shields failing' and `re-routing emergency power', don't EVER have an original or though provoking story-line and voila you get the distilled pap that passes these days as science fiction.

Its unfortunate that style, special effects and sex-appeal are what now count instead of real dialog and story. The original Lathe of Heaven wasn't perfect, but everything about it, from the slow build-up of George's relation with Dr. Haber, to the philosophical discussions about righting the world's wrongs made for an engaging and genuine exercise in science fiction.

Big budgets, merchandising tie-ins, vapid music and a bland dumbed-down appeal characterize far too many productions these days.