Thursday, November 11, 2021

Thursday Movie Picks- Dream Sequences

 


So, as I said, I am slowly on the mend...ever so slowly, but at least I am watching a lot of movies. I am sleeping like my old self again which means plenty of wonky dreams and I have truly wonky dreams that can be movies. This is the theme this week...all about dreams, a fun one which Wandering Through The Shelves came up with so here are my 3...

1.  SPELLBOUND-1945


This film is almost a given for this week’s theme because of the famous dream sequence created by the artist, Salvador Dali. Alfred Hitchcock directed this film that stars Gregory Peck as an amnesiac patient and the doctor, played by Ingrid Bergman, who wants to help him and, hopefully, make sure he is not a killer. It’s not my favourite Hitchcock film but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good and this dream sequence, when Pecks character is under hypnosis, is totally Dali and quite excellent.

2. THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY-1947


Yes, there is a remake and, yes, watch the original with the great tongue twister Danny Kaye who could sing a song  with a bunch of twists and turns that make you wonder how he could sing it with such precision. Good old Walter is teased and henpecked by everyone from his mom, the people at work to his girlfriend and  his best friend..so-called. What is the guy to do but daydream that he is a great man of adventure full of courage and charm. In his dreams is a ravishing blonde, played by Virginia Mayo, his oft screen partner,  who ends up to be more real than he realized when he runs into her. She gives him something for safekeeping and he is now on a real adventure. It is funny, charming as only these 2 leads can do and it's worth a look.

3.  DREAMSCAPE-1984


I saw this in the theatre when it first came out and really enjoyed it. I saw it years later and, even though the special effects don’t measure up as they used to, it is still a good movie that stars Dennis Quaid as a psychic who used to be part of an experiment that he no longer wanted to be part of. He is brought back in by his old mentor, played by Max Von Sydow to help a child who is having horrible nightmares but also to help the President of the United States who is also dealing with bad nightmares. Soon, he finds out there is a conspiracy to kill the president using dreams to do just that. I enjoy the originality of this movie that also co-stars Kate Campsaw and Christopher Plummer. Remember when the film was made when you think of the special effects since no CGI existed then and you will really enjoy this romp into nightmare land. Besides, I think the effects are not that bad to be honest. Oh, and don’t worry, it is not a horror movie.

Which films would you choose and do you have wild dreams?



37 comments:

  1. Hi, Birgit!

    I'm happy to see you again today, dear friend, and to know that you are snoozing better at night and watching lots of movies.

    I studied Hitchcock's Spellbound in my college film course and enjoyed reviewing that dream sequence narrated by Greg Peck. I wish I could dream in that much detail, especially if I were treated to a Salvador Dali art exhibition as I slept. We have a Dali museum near us and I have taken the docent tour several times. I especially liked the part of Peck's dream in which a girl appears with hardly anything on and walks around the room kissing people. That's my kinda girl!

    I saw that Walter Mitty film at a very young age, and it was a pleasure to watch that dream scene again. Danny Kaye was a big star there for a while. My family regularly watched his TV variety show.

    I haven't seen Dreamscape, but I know I'd like it because the techniques used in filmed dream sequences have always fascinated me. I loved the line, "Ever been married? Well, it's no picnic, let me tell ya." That's no dream. That's my reality! :) You made me laugh by writing "Oh, and don’t worry, it is not a horror movie." Thanks for the reassurance, dearie! The second my radar detects a horror movie, I change the channel! :)

    For my picks, I recommend Roger Corman's horrorific adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's Premature Burial (1962) in which Ray Milland obsesses over death. I also strongly urge you to binge watch all 99 installments of A Nightmare on Elm Street featuring my good buddy Freddy Krueger and the future Mrs. Shady, scream queen Heather Langenkamp.

    Have a happy and restful weekend, dear friend BB!

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    1. I knew you had seen Spellbound and friends of mine have been to the Dali museum a few years back. Danny Kaye was a big draw in the 40s and he could not read music at all. Yes, the comment is funny and true. That poor guy who had major insecurities but I think we all do in some form.
      I have not see the Corman film and I think I shall continue to avoid the nightmare films.

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  2. I haven't seen any of your picks but Spellbound is one I'd like to see. I might have to add that to my Blind Spot list.

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    1. I think Spellbound would be a good one to add.

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  3. I saw Spellbound many years ago. My first thought about 'dreams' was Groundhog Day. And speaking of dreams I had a horrible night with crazy dreams last night which is very unusual for me.

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    1. Oh yes, Groundhog Day is a good one. You should look up dreammoods.com to find out about your bad dream.

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  4. Hi Birgit ..great to hear that you are on the mend...at least as you say lots of films for you to watch...take care xxx

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    1. I am slowly on the mend. It feels like bad bruising inside now. I have a ton of movies so I pick from my huge stash.

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  5. May your recovery continue to go well! I enjoyed the first two films on your list, but haven't seen Dreamscape. It sounds intriguing! Easy Rider,C arrie and Mulholland Drive had interesting dream sequences.

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    1. I am getting better..slowly. Carrie is a great pick but I still have to see the other 2.

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  6. This is a great topic--one of my favorites. I've always had an interest in dreams and watch any film that features dreaming. I've seen your picks and they are all excellent.

    I'll add Vertigo as another Hitchcock entry. Also, the obvious of Inception, Fellini's 8 1/2, and maybe 9 to 5 for the fantasy/dream sequence that played on Disney's Snow White (if I remember that correctly.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. I, too love dreams and the meanings behind it. I swear my dreams are, as my ex calls them, Birgie dreams. Inception is a biggie 8 1/2 is a great pick and I can’t quite recall the dream in 9 to 5..I have to see that film again.

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    2. The animated Snow White sequence might have been more of a fantasy or daydream than a sleep dream. It's been so long since I've seen it my memory is hazy.

      Lee

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  7. BIRGIT ~

    I'm truly pleased to learn that you are on the mend, even if isn't the rapid pace you'd prefer. At least you're going in the right direction.

    'SPELLBOUND' was an excellent choice!

    I've seen 'WALTER MITTY' but it's been so long that I've forgotten most of it and really should watch that one again.

    The first movie that came to my mind was 'FATHER OF THE BRIDE' (1950) with Spencer Tracy. There's a wonderfully wacky and funny dream scene in that movie -- it always makes me laugh!

    If daydreams count as much as night dreams, then I'd also have to select 'BETTER OFF DEAD'. While he was working in the kitchen of a sleazy hamburger joint, John Cusack's character has a daydream in which the burger he's flipping becomes David Lee Roth of the Rock group Van Halen. It's hilarious!

    Speaking of Spencer Tracy... have you finally gotten around to watching 'TORTILLA FLAT', which I recommended to you about three decades ago? If so, what'd ya think of it? (It's easily Top 10 all-time for me!) And if not, well... while you are "on the mend...ever so slowly... watching a lot of movies", this might be a PERFECT time to catch this criminally underrated movie! It's fantastic in every possible way, and it includes a bunch of great dogs that are sure to put a smile on your face. (No dogs die during the movie -- no, not even one!!)

    [Link> 'TORTILLA FLAT' : trailer

    Dang! Suddenly I feel like getting me a jug of wine and wasting the rest of this day! :^D

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS

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    1. Yes! I did watch Tortilla Flat which is quite good and I enjoyed it very much. Gene Tierney was so good and just so beautiful. I love that you chose Father of the Bride!! I wish I would have remembered that scene as it was hilarious. I now remember Tough Guys when Ryan Gosling is dreaming about. Giant bee. I think I have seen Better Off Dead but I can’t quite remember the scene.

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    2. Gene Tierney?!
      I take it you meant Hedley Lamarr?
      Er... I meant, Hedy Lamarr?

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'FERRET-FACED FASCIST FRIENDS'

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  8. Pleased to hear that you are on the mend Birgit, just take things slowly and allow yourself to heal. I've only seen Spellbound, and thought it a fabulous film.
    Salvador Dali is a favourite artist of mine and a few years ago whilst on holiday in Spain we went to visit his house, just a little place really, somehow I was expecting a palace almost, take care of yourself, Kate x

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    1. Thank you for your caring as it is hard for me to just sit right now except for some walks.i would love to see Dali’s place and I’m not surprised that it is not huge. I love his work as well.

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  9. I would like to see Dreamscape. I like Dennis Quaid.
    I am glad you are mending.
    Hugs

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    1. I hope you get to see this film one day...it’s a fun one to see.

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  10. Oh man, I've been having some doozies lately. I hate horror movies, yet my brain has decided to give me horror in my dreams. We're talking zombies, scary red coats (it's hard to remember, but they were awful), and people without mouths. Very creepy. I wake up weirded out.

    I think I've seen Spellbound. Of course I've heard of Walter Mitty, and Dreamscape, but I haven't seen either. I'm not much a fan of dream sequences, although perhaps I would go with one of the dance/dream sequences from a '50s musical. I think that would be my theme within a theme.

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    1. Oh wow...that is nightmarish and I hope I don’t have your dream. I often dream of Dracula or aliens taking over our bodies plus the most disgusting toilets ever. Oh man, now I remember the dream sequence in an Astaire-Rogers musical...I think Carefree.

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  11. Glad you are doing well Brigit. I need to check these movies out! They sound pretty interesting.

    Check out my Thursday Movie Picks!

    Ronyell @ The Surreal Movies and TV Blog

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    1. They are good films to check out. Love what you listed.

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  12. Hi Birgit - yes - glad you're improving ... and giving us some interesting (to put it mildly) films to have a look at ... I don't like 'frightening' films - but I'm a bit more practical as I get older - and don't often dream. Take care and continue on improving ... Hilary

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    1. Walter Mitty is a good film to check out. I am slowly doing better and want to move more but I can tell I am not there yet...not totally. I am not that practical so my dreams are nutty.

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  13. Dreamscape... That was the original PG-13 movie, right?

    Good choices!

    Does The Wizard of Oz count?

    The Big Lebowski has a great one.

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    1. I have to rewatch The Big Lebowski as I cant remember much but I was so tired when I watched it and certain I fell asleep. The Wizard f Oz counts for sure...great choice.

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  14. I hope you get to see this comment, because I feel SO bad. Last Thursday, I stopped by and read your synopses and saw the trailers. However, when I tried to leave a message, I got a "Google error 502." It said to come back later. With my stressed out brain, I completely forgot, and now I feel bad about it.

    I haven't seen any of these, but I SO loved the Dali sequence in Spellbound. I loved it, and it brought back memories of my visit to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, FL. I am a BIG fan of Dali and that sequence had so many wonderful images I could relate to. I'm so glad you shared this one. It made me feel happy.

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    1. No worries! It is tough when the internet acts up. I would love to visit the Dali museum because I love his work

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  15. I can't believe I forgot about Spellbound. It's a perfect pick 😅

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  16. Walter Mitty sounds like fun. Hope today has been a good one for you.

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    1. It’s a lot of fun. I am getting better..slowly but happily.

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  17. Birgit,

    I have a lot of wonky dreams, too. I didn't realize the most recent Walter Mitty film was a remake. I haven't watched it but the original with Danny Kaye has me interested. He was a fun actor. I'm not sure that we've seen Dreamscape but I found it available on YT so maybe we can watch that this weekend. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm glad you're feeling better again even if it's slow recovery. :)

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    1. I love the original with Danny Kaye but I love Danny Kaye. I hope you like Dreamscapes. One day we must compare wonky dreams.

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  18. I've seen Spellbound, but it's not one that I particularly like so don't remember much.

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