Still Dreaming (2015)

I wanted to but couldn't!

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I was drawn to watch this documentary because I had performed at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood NJ more than 20 years ago with a volunteer variety show. On weekends we visited senior centers, retirement homes and hospitals and put on an Ed Sullivan type variety show with various song and dance acts by the volunteers. The crowd at the Actor's Home was the toughest we ever faced, with a few female audience members booing and yelling out "You Stink" during our performance. It was a bizarre but memorable experience. The following week we performed at a mental hospital and were treated like rock stars, our most appreciative audience. An equally bizarre and memorable experience. With these memories in mind I looked forward to what I expected would be a bizarre documentary and to some extent it was, but it was also heartwarming and very human as well. The prospect of performing Shakespeare's "Mid Summer Nights Dream" is met with enthusiasm as well as anxiety by the home residents. The two young directors have six weeks in which to put together a performance and are often as bewildered as we were when we performed there. I got a real kick at some of the testier challenges the directors had to cope with from the residents. It becomes evident that the residents have a variety of physical and mental impediments to the performance. Most of the actors have to perform with a script in their hands but Dimo Condos, a leading character in the play, shows himself to be a true dramatic actor, memorizing his lines and working on his delivery during walks in the woods. Some of the residents show real skills despite their age and years of inactivity at their craft. One resident who plays piano is a masterful musician. Along the way, the prospect of being in the play proves too much for some of the residents, but most make it through and perform a much better than expected play to an appreciative audience of family and friends. A very film, reminiscent of a 1930's musical. Despite all the obstacles the show must go on.

Even after years of sedentary life within a retirement home, the talent within each of these individuals is clear and wonderful to witness. "Still Dreaming" reminds me that being active in the pursuit of a passion is essential to happiness. There is plenty of comedy that ensues between the young directors of the play and the former actors and actresses. The playfulness and spirit of everyone involved was refreshing. The older generations have so much to offer and this documentary helps us to keep them in our minds. I also have a greater appreciation of Shakespeare after seeing this film. Beautiful film and highly recommended!