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What Dreams May Come (starring Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Annabella Sciorra and Max von Sydow; screenplay by Ron Bass, based on the novel by Richard Matheson; directed by Vincent Ward; rated PG-13).
"…For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause…" – Hamlet, Act III, Scene I
Okay, before you scurry off to brush up your Shakespeare, you probably already know that What Dreams May Come is in no way connected to "Hamlet." Its antecedents are much more ancient. This lush, breathtakingly gorgeous film derives its basic premise from Greek mythology’s classic tale of "Orpheus and Euridice." Robin Williams is Chris, a doctor madly in love with his "soulmate" wife, Annie. But he’s an unlucky sort -- in the first reel, he loses his kids, his dog, and then his own life. Welcome to Eternity.
At this point, the picture really starts cooking.
Chris arrives in a Heaven of his own making – a world where he lives in the artwork created by his wife (a brilliant painter who could give Monet a run for his money). After being reunited with his dog and kids (we don’t want to give away too much here), Heaven can wait – he can’t function without his beloved. Tough luck – Annie has shuffled off her own mortal coil, by her own hand, and is doomed to hell for her suicide. Chris’ quest, then, is to cross the river (could that be the Styx?), get past the Hieronymus Bosch landscape, and rescue Annie.
This is no ordinary film. The union of set decoration and special effects (those incredible paintings-come-to-life), and classic holy-grail quest theme are something short of mystical. Academy-award winner Williams ("Good Will Hunting") turns in another incredible performance. This imaginative movie is certainly a landmark, and although most critics haven’t been as kind as I would have liked (although Siskel & Ebert gave it two thumbs up), I urge you to see it – even more – to experience it, for What Dreams May Come goes beyond filmmaking and becomes an exceptionally entertaining adventure. (And check out the cool website under <http://www.whatdreamsmay.com>).
FIVE OWLS (OUT OF FIVE – And I’d love to give it SIX!)