Lucid dreams are experiences in which the dreamer is aware of being dreaming while being immersed in the dream itself, unlike conventional dreams, in which the person can be completely involved in the dream experience. In lucid dreams, the individual may feel that they have control over the dream environment, being able to make conscious choices and even influence the events that occur.
This theme is often explored in cinema, since the seventh art shares with dreams the ability to represent the unconscious and human desires. With this in mind, we list our selection of films about lucid dreaming. Watch!
Index:
Daydreaming (La Science des Rêves) – 2006
In this film, director Michel Gondry (from “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”) creates a universe in which the protagonist’s dreams intertwine with his reality in a visually striking and creative way.
After his father’s death, the young and shy Stephane returns to Paris and takes a monotonous job at a calendar publisher. However, in his dreams he becomes a charismatic TV presenter. As he tries to win over his neighbor Stephanie, Stephane searches for answers in his fantasies, where the line between reality and imagination becomes blurred.
The film stars Gael García Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg in the lead roles.
The Thief of Dreams (La Cité des enfants perdus) – 1995
Under the direction of Jean-Pierre Jeunet (of “Amélie Poulain”) and Marc Caro, this fantasy and science fiction film delves into a surrealist environment, where dreams and distorted realities intertwine.
In a dystopian world, Krank, a being incapable of dreaming, kidnaps children to steal their dreams and thus prolong his life. After his brother is kidnapped by the villain, One, a man of extraordinary strength, sets out to find him. In this adventure he is joined by Miette, a determined young woman, as they face the dangers of the city of lost children.
Paprika – 2006
A Japanese animated film directed by cult favorite Kon Satoshi, “Paprika” is an adaptation of Tsutsui Yasutaka’s novel of the same name.
A scientist has developed a powerful device called DC-Mini, which allows access to people’s dreams. When the device is stolen and researchers begin to go mad, Dr. Atsuko Chiba assumes her secret identity, Paprika, a “dream detective”, to investigate the mystery and delve into the world of the unconscious in search of the culprit.
The film received critical acclaim, being included by Time in its list of the 25 best animated films of all time. Many argue whether it influenced the film “Inception”, which is also on this list.
Beginning – 2010
Directed by Christopher Nolan (the “Dark Knight” trilogy, Oppenheimer and “Interstellar”), this action, suspense and science fiction film explores a world in which characters explore dreams to extract or implant information.
In the plot, Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is a skilled thief who specializes in extracting precious secrets from people’s dreams. After becoming an international fugitive, he receives an opportunity for redemption when he is hired for an impossible mission: not to steal an idea, but to plant it in the mind of his target.
The stellar cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, among others.
Waking Life – 2001
Directed by the acclaimed American director Richard Linklater, known for his trilogy “Before Sunrise”, “Before Sunset” and “Before Midnight”, this rotoscoped animated film explores a series of philosophical questions. The film follows a protagonist trapped in a lucid dream state, characterized by dense dialogue and surreal images.
In a dream reality where the boundary between dream and waking dissolves, a young man finds himself trapped in a state of lucid dreaming. Between surrealist landscapes and eccentric characters, he embarks on a profound philosophical journey, trying to understand the mysteries of human consciousness, existence and the nature of reality.
City of Dreams (Mulholland Drive) – 2001
Considered one of the best films of all time, “City of Dreams” is directed by cult director David Lynch, famous for his productions that explore surrealism and oneirism.
After an accident on Mulholland Drive, Rita loses her memory and finds refuge in a building. There she meets Betty, a young aspiring actress who tries to help her regain her lost identity. Meanwhile, director Adam Kesher faces dangerous mob challenges related to the production of his new film. All these events are intertwined in a mysterious and complex plot.
The film stars Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux and Anne Miller.
The Next 5 Lucid Dreaming Movies appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
