Dreamers (R-rated) DVD

Set in the Spring of 1968; Produced and Released in 2003/2004. Bernardo Bertolucci's THE DREAMERS centers on three university students who adore the Cinematheque Francaise, and are fascinated by '60s culture--the music of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, the films of Jean-Luc Godard, and the writings of Susan Sontag and Chairman Mao. Their philosophical conversations about sexuality, love, politics, activism, and the Vietnam War; and their daily activities--going to the cinema, protesting in support of Henri Langlois, lounging around naked, and smoking dope--are a realistic reflection of the mood and energy of that era. The plot involves Parisians Theo (Louis Garrel) and Isa (Eva Green), a brother-sister team with a strangely intimate connection. They befriend their American classmate Matthew (Michael Pitt), and invite him to stay at their apartment for a month while their parents are on vacation. The trio is so engrossed by their film studies that they act out scenes in an ongoing game of trivia, referencing classics like Sam Fuller's SHOCK CORRIDOR, Godard's BANDE A PART, and Frank Tashlin's THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT. They challenge each other through mind games, deeply personal discussions, and sexual dares. Outside their sheltered apartment, the streets are teaming with violence leading up to the May 1968 Paris uprising. Nouvelle Vague icon Bertolucci weaves clips from classic films into this artful and entertaining movie, while a hard-rock '60s soundtrack adds a palpable edginess.

Theatrical Release Date: February 6, 2004 (LIMITED) At its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, THE DREAMERS' subject matter and frankness caused quite a stir. Many believed the film would be censored for American distribution. Instead the studio agreed to release the film with an MPAA rating of NC-17. Although based on a novel by Gilbert Adair, THE DREAMERS is said to closely emulate Bernardo Bertolucci's experiences in Paris during the 1960s. He has said that it is the period during which he discovered sex, politics and cinema. Novelist Gilbert Adair also penned the similarly themed LOVE AND DEATH ON LONG ISLAND and THE HOLY INNOCENTS.

Dreamers (R-rated) Reviews:

"Bertolucci provokes audiences instead of pacifying them. Boy, do we need him now." -- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"THE DREAMERS looks wonderful. The superb Parisian flat is photographed in fluid takes with exquisite lighting. The soundtrack is a pleasurable 1960s pot-pourri." -- Ginette Vincendeau, Sight and Sound

"[D]isarmingly sweet and completely enchanting..."-- A. O. Scott, New York Times

"THE DREAMERS does have its pleasures."-- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

"The soundtrack is fabulous....The film clips are equally great."-- Mike Clark, USA Today

"Some of the moments are inspired..."-- Annlee Ellingson, Box Office

"[T]his picture strikes the perfect balance between rosy fantasy and the creeping dark reality of adulthood." -- Premiere Staff, Premiere

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