Dream Lover (1994)

So much average

Let's be realistic.

Beautiful, moving film.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Dream Lover is not a high body count, stab at the air with a knife movie, so back off if that's what you're expecting. This film is 100 percent psychological horror. This is gaslighting at its best. James Spader plays Ray, a very successful business man who has just gone through a very painful divorce. From there, he meets Lena, and at first, she seems like everything that he has every dreamed of. They begin to have a family together, and then everything starts to come apart at the seams. Slowly. When i say slowly, you must have patience with this movie. It very slowly, unveils Lenas ultimate plan, a secret plan that will turn Rays life for the worst. Her plan goes undetected at first, and by the time he realizes what is really going on, it is much too late...and he can't go back. If you think that this is a boring movie, rest assured, it is NOT! The film is very strategic, very cunning, and very clever with the dialouge, the acting, and the script altogether. Dream Lover is obviously not a movie for everyone, but those that who will dig it, I must warn you....this one is going for your head, and it is going to stay there. You will be wary of women for the rest of your life. Just be assured, they are not all bad. I know. I married one.

After an intense divorce, Ray accidentally bumps into the beautiful Lena at an art gallery. While their first encounter is unpleasant, subsequent meetings result in a romantic relationship that soon turns into a marriage with children. Nearly two years, into their marriage Ray begins to discover that Lena isn't the person he thought she was. Secrets begin to unravel and as Ray begins to discover the truth, Lena has an alternate plan for him.Nicholas Kazan's 'Dream Lover' mainly focuses on the relationship between Ray and Lena. Initially, it may give the impression of being just another 'relationship thriller' but the film does succeed in creating a tense atmosphere especially as Ray becomes more and more suspicious of his wife. The director and actors already hint from the very beginning of Ray and Lena's relationship that something is not quite right. I felt the story itself was at a disadvantage mostly because not enough background was provided on Lena. As a result of which much of the character remains a question mark.'Dream Lover' is executed brilliantly. The dream sequences were excellently shot as it successfully creates a surreal, scary and colourful world. The cinematography is wonderful particularly in the way it captures the interiors of Ray's house and background score is beautiful.James Spader and Mädchen Amick are in top form. Spader displays Ray's vulnerability, humbleness and strength with conviction while Amick's luring beauty and restraint make her just right for the part. The rest of the cast does a fine job in providing support.'Dream Lover' is pretty much about Ray's illusion in finding the perfect partner. He thought he had already found her once and lost her (the divorce) but after meeting Lena he's convinced that she is her. This may not be everyone's kind of film but 'DreamLover' is more about the intensity and mystery of the relationship than the actual story.

Another one of those "if you've seen the video cover, you've seen the movie" thrillers. Quite honestly, I can't understand where some people saw the "twists" here; "Dream Lover" is as predictable as yesterday's news and as obvious as its overwrought dream scenes. Essentially this is nothing more than a more expensive, better acted and directed version of those Shannon Tweed/Andrew Stevens straight-to-video soft-core thrillers. But Spader and Amick do make an attractive couple, and there are some genuinely erotic moments in the early parts of the film, so as long as you know why you're watching the film (it's certainly not for the "twists"), you'll probably be satisfied. (**1/2)

Perhaps the allusions to Hitchcock are not warranted, but the first time I saw this I was knocked out. DREAM LOVER has a tightly wound plot and fine performances by the entire cast. Nick Kazan has some great dialogue in here like "What you think is paranoia is heightened awareness." Some folks might fault Spader's character as very stupid (really, you should find out as much as you can about a potential mate before marrying them!) Still, this a great neo noir thriller that really goes to show that beauty is often skin deep. Definitely worth a rent.