“The Dreamers”, good things come in threes

Bernardo Bertolucci, the undisputed master of erotic drama, fictionalized “The Dreamers” as a new-wave journey about obsessions. The movie comes together in such a French way that you could smell the cigarettes from the screen.

Cinematic brilliance is celebrated in the narrative as lustful shots, moody environments and homages to old classics. Movies, opinions and anything French, The Dreamers picks its topics with pure dedication. Bernardo Bertolucci opens up his book of obsessions, referencing Blonde Venus, Charlie Chaplin, Top Hat, Jules et Jim, Scarface and many more. He captures scenes from his references and recreates them as a conveyor of moments. The constant game of silent cinema fills the air with nostalgia first, then leaving its place to ever-growing tension. We meet, live, get tense and break with intricate games. Just as we do in life.

Laminar spaces with yellow and orange tones create a feast for the eye. While muted greens contrast in a very analog way. Textured hallways, very tall ceilings, rugged walls, checkered floorings… Picture design overwhelms the narrative, you can often find yourself dazed in the coziness of the image instead of the story. Theo, Matthew and Isabelle are not only actors, but also complimentary elements on the scenery, completing the image.

The trio is obsessed with sex. Not the act of it but the beauty and obscurity around it. They’re totally taken over with the movement of the late-60s, counter-culture and bohemian lifestyle… There’s a distinctly uneasy undertone to the film. Unconventional relationships are handled with eccentric characters.

Subtleness about the script and the stories of the characters takes our focus to the main event of the movie: human connection and the thrill of experiencing it. While Matthew experienced the Parisienne way of life in a very American fashion. He examines the world around him, matching cosmic dots in a peculiar way to find connections but truly, he is looking for a place for himself. It’s all about being a part of it, being one and existing in total harmony.

We leave you with a playlist inspired by the movie: