Customer Reviews

Dream for an Insomniac (Repackaged)

5 star:		(79)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

"Anything less than extraordinary is a waste of my time." ~Frankie

From the surprising subtle intensity of the black-and-white opening to the casual softness of the ending, this movie is a masterpiece. There is an immediate sense of familiarity and if you love being absorbed into a character's world, Frankie will take you into her mind.

Frankie (Ione Skye) has a longing for the poetic life. While working in a San Francisco café, she bides her time until she can pursue her acting career in Los Angeles. I was amazed at how interesting a movie can be when most of the scenes are filmed in the coffee shop or Frankie's bedroom. The set is beautiful, but the script takes center stage and at times it can be rather mesmerizing.

Frankie's best-friend-acting-pal Jennifer Aniston adds an adorable sensitivity and there is a scene where she is comforting Frankie that adds warmth to their friendship. If you like "Friends," I can almost guarantee you will love the "close circle" in this movie. The character development shows a deep understanding of human interaction and the meeting of the minds is intriguing to say the least. The various elements of the soundtrack, including Frank Sinatra's music could not be more perfect. The music blends scenes perfectly all while creating a subtle intimacy.

Up until the time Frankie and Sir David (Mackenzie Astin) meet, the entire film is without color. I didn't even notice the lack of color at first, but suddenly you see David's blue eyes. This was quite intuitive as when you fall "in love" the entire world seems more colorful and the world literally sparkles with life. They take this element of the blue eyes and weave it through the movie in various ways. This movie has two of the most romantic/caring scenes I've ever seen.

There are quite a few laughs and listening to Ione Skye say just about anything might be audible bliss. That thing she does with her right eyebrow is kinda sexy. She quotes Aristotle, recognizes quotes by Tennyson and can whip out quotes in an enviable fashion. She also loves a challenge.

Once Frankie and David realize they share a love for writing they develop an instant connection and the chemistry is definitely working in this movie. It goes beyond casual infatuation to something akin to a deep mind connection with the added benefit of passion.

I love the physical comedy as much as the surprisingly witty script. When playing Scrabble, Frankie says: "David, you better hide your letters, I tend to glance." Just the way her body moves inspires a sly smile or laugh. When David and Frankie walk on the beach, David says Frankie is living in a dream world and she says: "Don't I wish."

You could lose sleep yourself because you might want to keep watching this movie night after night. I became a bit addicted to the way this movie reveals new elements on each viewing. You might also want to get a few doughnuts and a cup of coffee before you watch this movie. Otherwise, those doughnuts on the counter will make you rather hungry.

After watching this movie, I went out and bought something pink and had my hair dyed darker. Now, if only I had a photographic mind. I collect quotes, but spinning them off the way Frankie does is sheer fantasy.

"Dream for an Insomniac" is steeped in intellectual romance and the dreamy script is at times rather sexy.

~The Rebecca Review

I have watched this movie over and over. I disagree with the editorial review that says that Frankie is "utterly spoiled and obnoxious." Do these people watch the movies they review at all?? She is an aspiring actress, and as such, she is perhaps overly dramatic and prone to overly contrived speeches. But, aren't all aspiring actresses (professional or merely by lifestyle) that way? And don't our friends love us anyway? Are we not entitled to love?

I am sprawled across my red, velvet chaise, wrapped in a marabou stole utterly distraught over that review. I cannot go on.....

"Dream for an Insomniac" is an incredible movie that I truly didn't think I would enjoy. When I first saw it, I thought it was going nowhere, but it turned out to be one of my favorite movies ever (second only to "Gone With the Wind.")

I know a lot of people think this movie in unrealistic and fails where other Gen X movies succeeded. My note to them is that this movie isn't a typical Hollywood romantic comedy, which is why it was done independently. You have to acknowledge and respect Tiffani DeBartolo (writer and director) for her wonderful sense of language. I realize some people do not talk like Frankie, David, Allison, Roberto, and Juice, but that is not the point. Enjoy this movie for the lessons in life and love it has to offer. There are so many lines from this movie that have become my mottos.

"Anything less than mad, passionate, extraordinary love is a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life to deal with and love shouldn't be one of them."

"I either get what I want or I change my mind."

Please just give this movie a chance. I know not everyone will like it, but don't knock it until you see it.

I picked this movie up by chance one night while looking for some "hidden treasure" among the aisles at my local video store. I found it in Dream for an Insomniac. Although I am the eternal optimist, I found myself able to relate to Frankie and crew even through the sometimes cheezy dialoug. (Hey it happens in real life too!) I found myself repeating lines as I went about work the next day, "Anything less than mad passionate extraordinary is a waste of time." I have tuned some of my friends into believers as well. Not everyone will appreciate the romance and the humor, no. But not everyone understands Shakespeare either! If you are one of the few who fell in love with someone who "when they are not with you, you wish that they were in your arms..." then I reccommend you watching DFI. You make not fall head over heels, like I did. But some parts of you will be touched.

This movie is for all the romantics out there. I couldn't have picked a cuter movie if I wanted to. Ione Skye, Jennifer Anniston, and Mackenzie Astin are absolutely fabulous. The writing, the creativity and the chemistry is amazing. I can't say enough good things about this film. I fell in love with it and finally found it to buy and jumped at the chance. To this day I still watch it over and over. The characters are smart, witty, and charming. If you are into romantic comedies this one is for you.

This movie is not well know, but is one of the best romantic comedies I own. I highly recommend it.

I saw the title of this film, and by chance I picked it up and decided to rent it. I watched it right after I watched Reality Bites (I was into a whole depressive thing today I guess), and I watched it through the eyes of someone who knows what its like to not sleep. At first I thought something was wrong when the movie started out in Black and white, but it was made clear of the purpose for that once Frankie meets *the One*. I loved this movie because I imagine all the time that the guy I love (who sadly knows not about that) would try to help me sleep... (hes an insomniac too), because I know what its like to not go to sleep because of being tired of being alone. Watch this movie if you are in love :)

Never before have I seen such a breathtaking romance. I disagree with anyone that says Aniston should have the leading role- I don't think she's intelligent enough to pull of what Ione Skye did. This is the epitome of intellectualism in a cynical society that has turned its back on the true beauty of life: beautiful words that go deeper than simply sounding pleasing to the ear. Though some may argue about its unrealistic plot, what in this world is idealistic anyway? It's emotionaly inspiring and intellectually stimulating- not to mention incredible characters. A must see for anyone with a true appreciation for literature and romance.

Awesome romantic comedy. Intelligent as hell. Highly recommended. Ione Skye fans should also check out Gas Food Lodging and Say Anything. Dream For An Insomniac is a Dream Come True for a Hopeless Romantic (such as myself). Rent it. Buy it from amazon.com. It's inexpensive. You'll thank me. -Skip Frederiksen

Unfortunately, I have read numerous terrible reviews of this movie but, I have to disagree with them. I understand that this movie lacks in many aspects when comparing it to the "big budget" movies of the day and that the "movie reviewers" have an obligation to trash movies that aren't complex both technically and script wise. I feel in love with this movie and since first watching it 6 months ago, I have showed it to over 20 people...all who have fallen in love with "Dream for an Insomniac". The movie is perfect for all of you hopeless romantics who are wishing upon that star for your soulmate to enter your life and "make everything wonderful". Who cares if it isn't realistic!!! Sometimes we all need a little magic in our lives...that's where movies come in.