The (NC-17) Cover

As Matthew learns more about the twins and becomes more deeply entwined in their infantile behavior, he comes to realize that Isabelle and Theo are not really of this world. With their various experimentations, some disturbingly explicit, the two are willing to flaunt conventional definitions of sex, family and politics, although one suspects that they don't know that they're doing it.

The plot of The Dreamers is dream-like to be sure, but the power in the film lies not in its storylines but its presentation and performances. Bertolucci's confidence behind the camera is obvious, but so is his love of cinema. Using classic films of the French New Wave and golden-era of cinema, Bertolucci intercuts classic sequences while Matthew, Theo and Isabelle either act out the scenes or speak passionately about their love of them. The device isn't a crutch, but rather simply enhances the feeling that every one of these characters has a love of moving pictures that goes beyond the simple entertainment aspect.

With all the explicit sexuality that this role required, these mainstream actors were extremely brave to bare themselves so obviously for the story. And it's not just the nudity where they are required to be stripped down and paraded upon screen - this movie requires that the actors be emotionally raw in front of the camera as well. Michael Pitt, who I have enjoyed tremendously in Bully and even the rather lame Murder by Numbers, is fantastically sedate as the wide-eyed and shy American. And Louis Garrel does a passable job as the rather morose Theo. But the one that really steals the show is Eva Green, and not simply because she's willing to bare herself for the camera. Green has an eroticism and charisma that draws you to her frame of the movie that she inhabits. She's part alluring woman, part impudent child; a combination of naïveté and maturity that's almost impossible to reconcile in your mind. And that impudence and sexuality describes exactly what The Dreamers is about, all the while getting lost in sex and cinema.

Movie Grade: A+

Video: 3 out of 5
The movie looks good enough, but suffers from a bit of the old European softness. Probably intentional, but I did notice a slight bit of artifacting at points.
Widescreen Anamorphic - 1.85:1

Eva entices

Audio: 3 out of 5
The surrounds are too terribly active as they only kick in during musical moments and during some of the riot scenes. Otherwise, it's fairly front-oriented.
English and French (Dolby 5.1), English (Stereo 2.0)

Extras: 4 out of 5
The hour making of is EXCELLENT. Docs of this quality are a rare thing indeed on DVD. Some great interviews with the actors, Bertolucci, and others who experienced those very turbulent times first hand. There's also a good historical featurette that talks about the era as well, but it's a little redundant. The other major extra is the commentary with Bertolucci, the writer and a producer. I would have liked a commentary with the three leads better, but it's good hearing such an accomplished and confident director. A music video with Michael Pitt singing a cover of "Hey Joe" is included - it's a fine rendition, but I'll stick with Jimi. Next to that, some trailers and other assorted useless doodads.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5
The Dreamers great film for anyone willing to suspend their need for easy answers. And with Eva Green, it's amazingly sultry and sexy. Mind you, it's sexy in a rather disturbing way and there's a ton that you're bound to be uncomfortable with. If you're looking for cheap thrills, they'll not be found here. This is mature, erotic examination of life and youth.

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