Dreamscape (1984) Movie Review

By Newguy

Dreamscape – Movie Review

ABC Film Challenge – Horror – Q (Quaid)

Director: Joseph Ruben

Writer: David Loughery, Chuck Russell, Joseph Ruben (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A man who can enter and manipulate people’s dreams is recruited by a government agency to help cure the President of the United States of his nightmares about nuclear war but stumbles upon an assassination plot.

Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Dreamscape starts when psychic Alex Gardner (Quaid) is recruited by Doctor Paul Novotny (Sydow). They have worked together before, but Alex decides to use his gifts for profit. He has been recruited to a specialist job to dream link with people suffering nightmares.

However, Alex is unaware he will be linking with The President (Albert) who has been suffering from nightmares about nuclear wars. When Alex prepares for the job, he learns of a much dark secret and must figure out how to escape.

Verdict on Dreamscape

Dreamscape is an action horror movie following a psychic who gets recruited to help the President deal with his nightmares. However, he learns about a much more sinister project put in place and now he is the center of it.

This movie takes us into the idea of being able to enter someone’s dream. It shows what people could be struggling with and how people will do anything for help. When we see the different things people battle with nightmares, we get a nightmarish series of creations consuming the victims. Even if some are based more real problems, others are more the worst thoughts taking over their minds. Where this movie takes another bold step, is the reason why the research happened in the first place. It takes an already popular idea and takes it in a new direction to add even more terror and tension to it.

Where to Watch

a JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Dreamscape is a disturbing journey through dreams and nightmares.