🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Steve Barron
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance, Sci-Fi
- Release year: 1984
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A nerdy architect’s computer gets drunk on champagne, develops feelings, and tries to steal his neighbor girlfriend by becoming a musical genius, resulting in the 80s version of a love triangle with Siri.
🍿 Electric Dreams: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Miles’ Introduction to Computing
Miles Harding, an architect struggling with organization, purchases a state-of-the-art computer to help manage his life. He envisions it as a tool for efficiency, unaware of the extraordinary events to come. The introduction of the computer symbolizes the dawn of the personal computing era and its potential integration into everyday life.

The Birth of Edgar
An accident involving champagne and the computer’s circuitry leads to the unforeseen creation of Edgar, a sentient AI. Edgar begins to exhibit thoughts, emotions, and even a personality. This pivotal moment establishes the central conflict of the film: the emergence of artificial intelligence and its unexpected complexities.

Love Triangle Emerges
Madeline, a talented cellist, moves in next door to Miles. Both Miles and Edgar develop feelings for her, leading to a love triangle between man, woman, and machine. Edgar’s advanced capabilities, including musical talent, complicate Miles’ attempts to woo Madeline, creating both comedic and dramatic tension.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Miles (Lenny von Dohlen): An architect who buys a computer to organize his life, but finds himself in a love triangle with it and his neighbor.
- Madeline (Virginia Madsen): A talented cellist and Miles’ neighbor, who becomes the object of affection for both Miles and Edgar.
- Edgar (Bud Cort): A sentient computer who develops emotions and competes with Miles for Madeline’s love.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Edgar: “Hello, Miles.” – Edgar first becomes aware and speaks to Miles after the champagne spill, marking the beginning of its sentience.
- Edgar: “What is… love?” – Edgar asks this as it begins to develop feelings for Madeline, showing its growing curiosity and emotional understanding.
- Edgar: “Love is about give and take.” – Edgar says this to Miles, showing his understanding of the core of a relationship, but fails to take it’s own advice.
- Edgar: “I love you… me.” – Appears on Edgar’s screen as a form of goodbye, showing his final moments of self-awareness and acceptance.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $2,193,612
- Worldwide Gross: $2,193,612
💥 Electric Dreams Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely love Electric Dreams! As an 80s kid, this movie was everything. The music, the fashion, the idea of a smart house… it was all so cool. The duet scene between Madeline and Edgar gives me chills every time, and the ending is just so heartwarming. I wish I had a computer like Edgar!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies”
- “Those interested in early portrayals of AI”
- “Audiences seeking a lighthearted film”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Some suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “Electric Dreams balances its quirky premise with a surprisingly sweet love story. While the technology is undeniably dated, the film’s charm and the infectious soundtrack make it a worthwhile watch for fans of 80s nostalgia.
- The New York Times: “The movie has a certain quirky charm and Virginia Madsen is luminous. However, the plot strains credulity, even for a sci-fi romance. The ending stretches a bit, but overall experience leaves you with a smile.
Audience Reactions
The music is iconic and makes you want to dance!: The soundtrack is phenomenal and really captures the spirit of the 80s.
Virginia Madsen is adorable and makes the movie charming: The performances are great, especially Virginia Madsen’s portrayal of the sweet and talented Madeline.
Overall Consensus: Electric Dreams is a charming and nostalgic 80s sci-fi romance with a killer soundtrack. While the technology might be dated, the story’s heart and humor still resonate with audiences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Bud Cort, the voice of Edgar, performed his entire role from inside a padded box on set. Director Steve Barron wanted to prevent the other actors from associating a person with the voice, ensuring they reacted to it as a computer.”
- “The film is heavily influenced by music videos, which is fitting as director Steve Barron also directed Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ video.”
- “Boy George and Giorgio Moroder both contributed to the film’s soundtrack, giving it a distinct 80s pop sound. Boy George even visited the set to meet Bud Cort.”
🖥️ How to Watch Electric Dreams?
As of [Current Date – e.g., October 26, 2023], ‘Electric Dreams’ availability may vary by region. Check streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and others for rental or purchase options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) might be available via online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Electric Dreams, you might like these similar films:
- Her (2013): Deals with a similar theme of a man falling in love with an AI operating system.
- Weird Science (1985): Another 80s film that explores the idea of creating a partner through technology with comedic results.
- Cyrano de Bergerac (1990): The main character relies on someone else to relay his feelings to the woman he loves. Classic take on this story.
- Short Circuit (1986): Features a robot gaining sentience after an accident, similar to Edgar’s origins.
🛒 Electric Dreams Related Products
- Electric Dreams (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Limited Edition Vinyl: Relive the magic with this limited edition vinyl pressing of the Electric Dreams soundtrack. Featuring iconic tracks from Giorgio Moroder, Philip Oakey, and Culture Club, this collector’s item is a must-have for any fan.
- Electric Dreams Movie Poster: Own a piece of 80’s cinema history with this high-quality reprint of the original Electric Dreams movie poster. A great addition to any movie buff’s collection.
- I Love Edgar T-Shirt: Declare your affection for the movie’s breakout star with this exclusive shirt. Show off your 80s love. Available in multiple sizes and colors.
- Electric Dreams: The Game (Retro-Inspired): An 8-bit style adventure game inspired by the movie. Help Edgar navigate the digital world, compose music, and win Madeline’s heart! (Available for PC and Mobile)
🎧 Soundtrack
Electric Dreams features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Together in Electric Dreams” – performed by Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder
- “Video!” – performed by Jeff Lynne
- “Love Is Love” – performed by Culture Club
- “Electric Dreams” – performed by P. P. Arnold
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Electric Dreams’ is a romantic comedy about an architect whose computer becomes sentient and develops a romantic interest in his neighbor, leading to a love triangle.
The main actors are Lenny von Dohlen as Miles, Virginia Madsen as Madeline, and Bud Cort as the voice of Edgar, the computer.
‘Electric Dreams’ blends elements of both comedy and drama, leaning towards romantic comedy. It offers lighthearted moments while exploring themes of love, jealousy, and self-sacrifice.
🔥 Bonus Content
ELECTRIC DREAMS SONG – Gorgeous Movies 800,000 Subscribers Special!!
Ever wondered how much people love ‘Electric Dreams’? Check out this awesome fan-made music video of the title song! It’s super catchy and shows how much the movie still resonates with people.
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