What Dreams May Come (1998)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Vincent Ward

Writers (WGA):

Richard Matheson (novel)
Ronald Bass (screenplay)

Release Date:

2 October 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance

Tagline:

After life there is more. The end is just the beginning.

Plot:

Chris Neilson dies to find himself in a heaven more amazing than he could have ever dreamed of. There is one thing missing: his wife...

Plot Keywords:

Heaven | Hell | Soul | Death | Car Accident

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Robin Williams	...	Chris Nielsen
Cuba Gooding Jr.	...	Albert Lewis
Annabella Sciorra	...	Annie Collins-Nielsen
Max von Sydow	...	The Tracker
Jessica Brooks Grant	...	Marie Nielsen
Josh Paddock	...	Ian Nielsen
Rosalind Chao	...	Leona
Lucinda Jenney	...	Mrs. Jacobs
Maggie McCarthy	...	Stacey Jacobs
Wilma Bonet	...	Angie
Matt Salinger	...	Reverend Hanley
Carin Sprague	...	Best Friend Cindy
June Carryl	...	Woman in Car Accident (as June Lomena)
Paul P. Card IV	...	Paramedic
Werner Herzog	...	Face

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements involving death, some disturbing images and language.

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA | New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS

Certification:

Iceland:14 (original rating) | Iceland:16 (video rating) | Philippines:PG-13 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:Livre | France:U | Germany:12 (bw) | Hong Kong:IIA | Italy:T | Netherlands:12 | Peru:14 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | South Korea:12 | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company:

Interscope Communications

Trivia:

The original prints of the film, which were stored at a video vault in Universal Studios Hollywood's backlot, were lost in the June 1st, 2008 backlot fire.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Christy and Ann are in the park watching the clouds, the leaves in her hair disappear and reappear between shots.

Quotes:

Annie Nielsen: Can I sit here?
Chris Nielsen: Actually, no. Two years ago, I reserved this specific area.
Annie Nielsen: What if I say please ?
Chris Nielsen: That's the one exception.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in 13 Hours in a Warehouse (2008)

Soundtrack:

Chris & Annie's Theme

Major tear-jerker

It's been a while since I last saw this one, but I will always remember this as one of the saddest movies I ever saw, in a good way of course!

There are hardly any cheerful tones throughout the movie, so it is not for people who like soppy stories. But the effects are amazing and the vision of heaven is very original. Robin Williams is, as always, very good at performing. This was the first serious movie I saw featuring Williams, and I was amazed. I had thought Williams would be the type who could only act decently in comedies, but this one proved me wrong. He can put down a serious character with all ease not only that, he can truly touch you with his oh so tear-jerking lines.

My conclusion: if you are planning on watching this movie, keep your tissues at hand, and some food and drinks as well since the movie isn't exactly what you call short.