Cast
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Jason Robards
as Coleman Ettinger
Corey Feldman
as Bobby Keller
Piper Laurie
as Gena Ettinger
Meredith Salenger
as Lainie Diamond
Harry Dean Stanton
as Ike Baker
Corey Haim
as Dinger
Susan Blakely
as Cherry Diamond
William McNamara
as Joel
Matt Adler
as Dumas
Victoria Jackson
as Kit Keller
Alex Rocco
as Gus Keller
Ria Pavia
as Maureen
Lala Sloatman
as Shelley
Laura Lee Norton
as Marge
John Ward
as Derek
Crew
Director
- Marc Rocco
Producer
- D.E. Eisenberg
- Marc Rocco
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Dream a Little Dream represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Marc Rocco brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dream a Little Dream took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dream a Little Dream shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In and Out, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dream a Little Dream offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like EuroTrip and She's the Man explore similar territory, Dream a Little Dream stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 3, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Revenue: $5,552,441
