Dream Sequences - Good Fun or bad storytelling ??

Some of the best scenes in movies have been dream sequences..........However they really are a cheat either to get ummph into a movie or to relate something to the audience a good director should be able to convey without resorting to......

Not a fan myself...........

I think that a Nightmare on Elm Street would have suffered without them 8)

Dreamscape was a good film

You're taking me out of context............But It's fairplay!!

In similar vein, Inception would have been a pretty short and boring film otherwise...

Seriously though, this device has its place - but has to be used sparingly and for a good reason (and in a sufficiently believable manner).

Perhaps the best example I can think of though comes from TV rather than film - Buffy the Vampire Slayer (involving Spike having a very surprising dream about his mortal enemy; and the false daydreams which Buffy was experiencing when her mother died - in which Buffy managed to save her).

I suppose going the other way is its use in comedy which can also be effective - e.g. Wayne's World.

Depends how they are used, like almost any storytelling technique!

Tend to be a staple of lazy directors or inadequate ones...

But you're right they do have their place..sometimes.

The problem with dreams is that they can solve a lot of iffy storyline issues.

Inception was all a dream... and wasn't I grateful it was as I didn't have to go back over the movie with a fine tooth comb to expose the undoubted flaws in the storyline.

I think in such a movie that tries to amaze you with complexity it's a cheat to have it all turn out to be a dream in the end.

I think the dream sequences in Shutter Island were very good and played an integral part of the film

Bobby Ewing in Dallas!!

To hell with Bobby and his soap... JR is the only reason Bobby's shower scene is a cult memory in the first place. Here's to the memories (real ones) of JR.

kingjohn7 wrote:I think the dream sequences in Shutter Island were very good and played an integral part of the film

Indeed, I really enjoyed that film. Keeps you guessing right to the end.