The Dreamers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An American dude goes to France, hooks up with some twins, watches a lot of movies naked, and then throws a Molotov cocktail… or something.

🍿 The Dreamers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An American in Paris

Matthew, a young American exchange student, arrives in Paris in 1968. He quickly immerses himself in the city’s vibrant film culture, attending screenings at the Cinémathèque Française. He becomes involved in student protests against the government’s decision to fire Henri Langlois, the head of the Cinémathèque.

Meeting Theo and Isabelle

During the protests, Matthew meets Theo and Isabelle, a pair of enigmatic twins from a privileged background. They share a deep passion for cinema and invite Matthew to join them in their family’s spacious apartment while their parents are away. He accepts, drawn to their unconventional lifestyle and shared interests. The apartment becomes a refuge from the outside world, a space for intellectual exploration and personal discovery.

Inside the Apartment: Games and Intimacy

Inside the apartment, the trio engages in a series of games, discussions, and experiments that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. They explore their sexuality, challenge societal norms, and delve into the world of cinema. As their bond deepens, Matthew becomes increasingly entangled in the twins’ complex and at times unsettling relationship. Nudity and sexual exploration become commonplace, testing the boundaries of their connection.

Breaking the Fourth Wall

The Dreamers frequently incorporates clips from classic films, blurring the line between the characters’ lives and the movies they love. The characters often reenact scenes and discuss their favorite films, emphasizing the profound influence of cinema on their identities and relationships. This technique enhances the film’s meta-narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of storytelling and its ability to shape our perceptions of reality.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matthew (Michael Pitt): A young American student in Paris who gets drawn into the intense world of a French brother and sister.
• Theo (Louis Garrel): An intellectual and politically charged French student deeply connected to his twin sister.
• Isabelle (Eva Green): A complex and enigmatic French student with a strong, almost inseparable bond with her twin brother.
• Mother (Anna Chancellor): The twins’ English mother, an intellectual figure who seems somewhat detached from her children’s intense relationship.
• Father (Robin Renucci): The twins’ French poet father, whose political views clash with Theo’s radicalism.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matthew: “Yes, I’m drunk. And you’re beautiful. And tomorrow morning, I’ll be sober but you’ll still be beautiful.” – Matthew expresses his admiration for Isabelle, capturing the film’s romantic and youthful spirit.
• Isabelle: “He is always inside me.” – Isabelle’s unsettling comment highlights the intense, almost suffocating, bond she shares with her twin brother, Theo.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,532,228
• Worldwide Gross: $23,676,340

💥 The Dreamers Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit, the first time I saw this, I was mostly just shocked. But after watching it again, I really got into the whole vibe – the obsession with movies, the way they just lived in their own world, shutting out everything else. Eva Green is amazing, she’s just so captivating, and the way they recreate that scene from ‘Band of Outsiders’ in the Louvre is pure movie magic. The ending’s a bit jarring, but it kinda makes sense when you think about it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bernardo Bertolucci”
  • “Viewers interested in European cinema”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring sexuality and identity”
  • “Individuals interested in the historical context of the 1968 Paris student riots”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic nudity”
  • “Explicit sexual content”
  • “Incestuous themes”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Bertolucci crafts a visually stunning, erotically charged film, but the narrative meanders, struggling to connect the intimate drama of the trio with the larger political context of 1968 Paris. Eva Green’s breakout performance is a highlight, but the film’s exploration of radicalism feels somewhat superficial.
• The Guardian: “A visually arresting film that’s both seductive and unsettling, it captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and sexual exploration against the backdrop of political turmoil. However, the characters occasionally veer into caricature, and the ending feels somewhat abrupt.
• RogerEbert.com: “Roger Ebert appreciated the film deeply, but the themes of sexual exploration, political idealism, and the power of cinema are explored with daring and complexity. The performances are uniformly excellent, and Bertolucci’s direction is masterful, creating a world that is both dreamlike and intensely real.

Audience Reactions

Eva Green’s performance is mesmerizing and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s bold exploration of sexuality and its immersive portrayal of 1968 Paris.

The movie is weird, but beautiful and thought-provoking: Those who appreciate art-house cinema find this one a must-see.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but controversial film that provokes strong reactions. Praised for its performances and exploration of sexuality and radicalism, it is often criticized for its perceived pretentiousness and lack of narrative focus.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To prepare the actors for nude scenes, director Bernardo Bertolucci encouraged them to be nude around each other long before filming.”
• “The film includes newsreel footage from the 1960s featuring Jean-Pierre Léaud and Jean-Pierre Kalfon, who re-enacted their roles for the film alongside the original footage.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Dreamers?

The Dreamers is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and through video-on-demand services such as Vudu and Google Play. You can also purchase the film on DVD and Blu-ray from major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Dreamers, you might like these similar films:

• Jules and Jim (1962): Explores a similar love triangle dynamic and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of historical events.
• Last Tango in Paris (1972): Another Bertolucci film that delves into the themes of sexuality, alienation, and personal exploration in Paris.
• Before Sunrise (1995): Shares a focus on intellectual and romantic connection between young people exploring a foreign city.

🛒 The Dreamers Related Products

• The Dreamers [Blu-ray]: Own the film in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray features include exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and director commentary, providing a deeper look into the making of the movie.
• The Holy Innocents: Delve deeper into the story with the original novel that inspired the film. Gilbert Adair’s novel provides a more complete picture of the character’s motivations and feelings, and additional layers to the film’s themes.
• Paris 1968 Revolution Poster: Evocative poster capturing the atmosphere of 1968 Paris.
• French New Wave Cinema Collection [DVD]: An extensive collection of classic French New Wave films including Truffaut and Godard.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Dreamers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Third Stone from the Sun” – performed by Jimi Hendrix
• “Non, je ne regrette rien” – performed by Édith Piaf
• “Hey Joe” – performed by Jimi Hendrix

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Eva Green Talks Nudity, Her Twin Sister, and Her Crush on Jack Nicholson | W Magazine

Curious about Eva Green’s experiences and thoughts on her role in The Dreamers? This interview gives us a fascinating glimpse into her mind, revealing her bold perspectives and personal struggles. Get ready for an intriguing listen!

Analyzing Evil: Frank Booth From Blue Velvet

Ever wondered what makes a character truly evil? This analysis of Frank Booth from Blue Velvet, directed by the same mastermind behind The Dreamers, will give you a chilling look into the dark complexities of a villain’s mind.

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