Dreamscape

A fine example of a 1980s sci-fi political thriller, “Dreamscape” is competently directed by Joseph Ruben, who gives a nod to Freud and psychoanalysis in general, but without straying far from a pure entertainment context.

After a somewhat understated opening showing us Dr. Novotny’s stunning scientific breakthroughs, the story gradually becomes tenser and more frenzied, right up to a cathartic finale that’s not without a sprinkling of well-timed horror (the ripped-out heart, the train with people back from the dead, the attack of the hellhounds).

The cast is impressive, with a particularly inspired roster of antagonists: David Patrick Kelly (Luther in “The Warriors”, 1979) is excellent as always in the role of a psychopath, and Christopher Plummer is fully in his element playing a slimy politician. Paradoxically, the weak link in the cast is arguably the protagonist himself, a young Dennis Quaid who shows basically one emotion the entire film – a smart-alecky little smirk plastered on his face for three-quarters of the film.

The dreamlike aspect of the film is quite well conveyed through an appropriate mix of atmospheric cinematography and imaginative special effects.

Cult-favorite scene: Young Buddy’s expressionist nightmare.