Dream scenario

Kristoffer Borgli's Dream Scenario invites audiences on an eccentric, surreal journey, seamlessly blending the ethereal landscapes of dreams with the harsh realities of celebrity. At the heart of this captivating tale, Nicolas Cage delivers a performance that transcends the ordinary, immersing viewers in the tumultuous world of Paul Matthews, an unassuming university professor turned unexpected dream star.

The film opens with Paul as a docile academic, played with delightful irony by Nicolas Cage, struggling with unfulfilled ambitions and an uneventful life. However, his world takes a disconcerting turn when he becomes the central figure in the dreams of people all over the world, both acquaintances and strangers. Borgli has deftly crafted the opening stages of Dream Scenario as a tapestry of absurdity and hilarity, drawing parallels with the works of Charlie Kaufman.

Nicolas Cage flexes his comedic muscles during these early sequences, delivering a pitch-perfect portrayal that captures the essence of Paul's bewilderment and awkward charm. The film's strength lies not only in its exploration of the capricious nature of modern celebrity, but also in the outstanding performances of the supporting cast, notably Michael Cera and Julianne Nicholson, who contribute significantly to the film's overall effectiveness.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Paul's dream alter ego turns into a sinister figure, echoing the dark underbelly of celebrity culture - such as a libidinous Freddy Krueger). Kristoffer Borgli deftly weaves a metaphor about the pitfalls of celebrity in the age of social media, blurring the line between adoration and cancellation culture. Cage's versatility shines as he navigates Paul's descent into the clutches of an online fork crowd.

As Dream Scenario unfolds, a sci-fi subplot involving social media dreamfluencers adds an intriguing layer of commentary on meme culture and instant gratification. Although this subplot momentarily disrupts the film's circadian rhythm, it enriches the exploration of contemporary issues.

Kristoffer Borgli's direction emphasizes the dreamlike quality of the material, blurring the lines between reality and the subconscious. The use of flash images and unconventional storytelling techniques reinforces the film's surreal atmosphere. However, the film experiences some turbulence in its third act, veering towards infomercials and commerce, departing slightly from its main narrative.

Above all, Dream Scenario is a dizzying showcase for Nicolas Cage's resurgence and offers sharp observations on 21st-century society's obsession with celebrity. Despite the thematic complexities and occasional shifts in tone, the film's unique blend of twisted humor, social commentary and Nicolas Cage's outstanding performance make for an undeniably provocative cinematic experience.

Dream Scenario proves to be a stimulating exploration of the intersection between dreams and fame, propelled by Kristoffer Borgli's imaginative direction and Nicolas Cage's magnetic presence. With its surreal atmosphere, offbeat narrative and compelling performances, the film invites audiences to reflect on the consequences of our society's obsession with celebrity culture. It's no coincidence that the film is being distributed by Metropolitan Films, which continues to demonstrate the undeniable talent of the films it distributes in a country close to our hearts, France.

Dream Scenario
Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli
Produced by Lars Knudsen, Ari Aster, Tyler Campellone, Jacob Jaffke, Nicolas Cage
Starring Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Dylan Baker
Cinematography : Benjamin Loeb
Edited by Kristoffer Borgli
Music by Owen Pallett
Production companies : A24, Square Peg, Saturn Films
Distributed by A24 (United States), Metropolitan Films (France)
Release dates : September 9, 2023 (TIFF), November 10, 2023 (United States), December 27, 2023 (France)
Running time : 100 minutes

Seen December 6, 2023 at Max Linder Panorama

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