What Dreams May Come

Chris Nielsen(Williams) is killed whilst helping at the scene of an accident- a great way of making us all into a world of Samaritans. However, death is not- accordinbg to this movie anyway- The End.

Chris has had more than a decade of blissful marriage with his wife Annie (Sciorra- best known from her role in the Bond movie Goldeneye). The only blot on the landscape happened four years ago, when Chris and Annie's two children died in a car crash. Now Chris has joined them. One moment, he's trying to help someone trapped in a wreck; the next, he's walking towards the light. However, the afterlife is not at all like Chris was expecting. He has a guide- an old mentor named Albert (Cuba Gooding Jnr.). Plus he can wander around earth, except his continued presenc is somewhat upsetting to his grief-stricken wife. He realises this, and heads off into heaven- a place of beauty and light. However, Chris is not content- even thought he can meet again with his children. Then something happens which could sever his connection with Annie forever and Chris must go through hell (literally) to prevent that.

Watching What Dreams May Come is like observing a series of paintings come to life. Director Vincent Ward's view of heaven is surreal and spectacular, with special effects enhancing everything from the subtle greens of the mosses and grass to the crimsons, violets, oranges, and blues of the flower petals. It's a place where thought determines reality. Chris thinks in terms of a painting, so everything in his world is wet with fresh paint. His pallet is one of vibrant hues and magnificent vistas. Later, as we enter other compartments of the afterlife, we see images of celestial cities and angels, all of which will be familiar in style to anyone who has studied classical art. Likewise, hell is a grim, dark place, with the color leeched out almost to the point where everything is monochromatic. The sight of hundreds of lost souls capsizing Chris' boat is a chilling moment. For its spectacular cinematography, fascinating idea of the afterlife and wonderful storyline, What Dreams May Come is a definite film to watch.

Kathy Ruthven