Customer Reviews

Dreamlover [VHS]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Here is a quietly intriguing obscurity starring James Spader as lonely divorcee Ray Reardon, an architect looking to build a relationship.

A little too conveniently, Ray meets Lena Mathers, played by a convincingly mysterious Maedchen Amick (more recently seen in "The List"). Lena not so accidently bumps into Ray at a party, where he's been set up with a desperately shrill loser he is trying to politely ditch. After a hostile first meet due to a spilled drink, Ray sees Lena again at the local market, and there begins the end of a uneventful lonely life for Ray Reardon.

After a few dates, and some artful and acrobatic lovemaking scenes worthy of a "Kamma Sutra" addendum, the couple marries in a passionate whirlwind. (Incidently, I read that James Spader worked out heavily for the explicit nude scenes, and I must say, it was worth it to watch the film for that alone). After Ray makes Lena Mrs. Reardon, she soon has his baby, after which, some suspicions arise. It seems that the "Dream Lover" of the title, is not the same inside, as the "petite dark and beautiful" facade Ray assumed to be genuine through and through. Things aren't adding up, and soon Spader's Ray becomes insecure, anxious and riddled with jealousy. He sets out on a mission to clarify the facts, and alleviate the doubts. Does Ray accomplish this daunting task? You'll have to see for yourself.

As always, the softly handsome Spader, a personal favorite, makes a terrific victim for the stronger, more devious personality, much like in Curtis Hansons "Bad Influence"(see my review), or against rival John Cusack in "True Colors". We find ourselves rooting for Ray, even when he does things he shouldn't, because we are sympathetic to how he's been duped. Maedchen Amick is worthy of Hitchcockian ice-princess status as Lena Mathers, (although Hitchcocks were invariably blondes). She is darkly forboding, and deliciously sexy in her ingenious seduction of Ray. She hooks him with seemingly well practiced expertise, only to turn into an evil witch, thus ruining any "Ray" of hope for the fairy tale meeting and marriage.

As far as the subject of endings go, this one left me a bit puzzled. I'm not sure I buy it, but that's only my opinion. Let's face it, the story plot is not terribly original, yet somehow, it comes off that way regardless.

One thing is certain, "Dream Lover" is a very interesting character study, and a quietly sexy noir thriller that will not disappoint, particularly for those who enjoy the sympathetic character performances of James Spader.

...because his performance here is spot-on perfect, especially when the suspicion starts to brew. You can truly feel his anguish. Madchen Amick is also in the groove as her psychosis slowly comes to fruition. The secondary characters are thankfully left in the background, as they're not very interesting and the focus is kept on the burgeoning tension between man and wife. When Spader finally snaps you wish you were there with him laying the smack down.
That they didn't release the unrated version is a travesty, but fortunately no plot is lost in this version (only some great nudity and hot sex with Madchen). At any rate this dvd is worth it for James Spader's performance of a lifetime, and the superb if unoriginal story.

"Dream Lover" on VHS, was available as both the cut-to-shreds R-rated version, and as the Special Unrated Version, which was absolutely superior. I cannot get an answer from MGM, so I wonder, will this yet-to-be-released R-rated DVD be the two-thumbs down cut version, or has MGM made the only worthwhile decision to release this wonderful film in all its uncut unrated splendor (!)???

MGM has made the weak decision to release this wonderful film in the cut-to-shreds R-rated version, instead of the Special Unrated Version, in all its original uncut unrated splendor. MGM blows! Don't waste your money, just wait for the Special Unrated Version. Some company of worth will release it soon, we hope!

The story is quite engrossing. With the incredibly sexy Madchen Amick and excellent acting by James Spader this movie is a must watch. However, I am waiting for the unrated version before I buy.

Finally, 'Dream Lover' makes it's debut on dvd. I thoroughly enjoyed this film the first time I saw it. I bought the unrated VHS version and waited for it to appear on dvd. Ironically, MGM chose not to use the unrated version and in the process, cheating viewers out of about 10 minutes of additional footage. If you watch the trailer, you can see scenes not in this 'R' rated version. The video is very clean with no artifacts, colours are fine. Choice of both widescreen and full-frame are available. No extras except the original trailer. Sound is dolby digital or stereo surround. Of course the visual treat here is Madchen Amick who is just stunning throughout the film. Other notable actors are Bess Armstrong and Larry Miller. If you want to see the entire film, seek out the vhs unrated version. Recommended for fans of Spader and Amick, both are superb. 1 hr 44 minutes.

First of all I should mention that I saw the unrated version of this movie and I advise you to do so, too. The story is about yuppie Spader who meets and falls in love with mysterious Amick. But since this is a thriller/drama she has a dark secret...

The strenghts of this underrated and rather unknown movie are especially the outstanding performances by James Spader (who is great as usual) and Maedchen Amick who for the first time really shows how much sex-appeal she's got. Furthermore she's completely believable in this role as a beautiful, untransparent and sort of crazy young woman.

The problem of this movie is that it goes on too long especially after Spader's and Amick's characters meet and fall in love. For this reason the tension decreases a little bit towards the end. Another weakness is the ending which is not completely satisfying since it leaves the viewer with quite a strange feeling. Nevertheless "Dream Lover" is a smart and extremely sexy and well-acted film - that's why you won't regret watching it (at least I didn't).

By the way: if anyone knows where to get a copy of the DVD of "Dream Lover" (unrated) please inform me. I've been looking for it since I first saw the movie!

I'll be honest - I rented this film without knowing a single thing about it save the blurb on the back cover. I just hoped to be somewhat entertained by the always pleasant James Spader and the beautiful Madchen Amick. However, the film surpassed all my expectations as it got more and more interesting as the plot developed. I've seen more than a hundred movies since I saw this one, but the briliantly executed psychological twists are still very fresh in my mind.

In order that I do not spoil the plot for you...I just want to say that 'you never know what you're going to get'...never...so be careful with every single relationship! It is so true.
Of course, this story is an extreme but it's also a wake up call. It's simply one of my favorite films. It's one smart diabolical thriller. Oh yeah...go for it! This is a great DVD for anyone's library. It will bring about good dinner table conversation for a good week afterwards.

James Spader plays a wealthy architect named Ray who divorces from his first wife then fears he may never find love again until one day he bumps into a woman who he thinks is perfect for him. They meet again a couple weeks down the road and end up hitting it off. Not long after that they end up getting married, wife, kids, the usual deal.. then Ray becomes suspicious..he starts to investigate and what he finds you wont believe.

Picture this: Your own wife is a psychopath and you dont find out until 2-3 years into the marriage and start piecing together clues as the years go by and then all of a sudden you find out this woman isnt who she says she is, everything shes said has been a lie and worse..

When he finds out and confronts her... well i'll let you find out for yourself, all i can tell you is its insane what she does to him, she fools and manipulates everyone into believing hes the 'crazy' one, then the twist of an ending.. This is the worst case scenario that could happen to someone. This woman is your worst nightmare. This combined with weird dreamlike carnival sequences make this a very good thriller. It also has a dark humor to it. Excellent performance by Spader. Highly Recommended.