What Dreams May Come (1998)

                    Film reviewed by Sue

This is going to sound an incredibly depressing storyline but bear
with me.

When Chris (Robin Williams) and Annie (Annabella Sciorra)
Nielsen's children are tragically killed in a car crash, both of
them are understandably very deeply affected. Annie, an artist,
throws herself into her work, but has increasing difficulty
coping. She has a nervous breakdown but with Chris's understanding
is seemingly able to come through it. Chris, a doctor, still
has to support her greatly, solving problems for her when they
threaten to overwhelm her.  But more tragedy strikes and Chris,
going to help a motorist injured after an accident, is himself
killed. Annie struggles alone trying to cope but is unable to and
commits suicide.


Okay, I know this doesn't sound at all promising. But it gets
better ... well, it couldn't get any worse, could it?

Well, actually, it could. Having died, Chris finds himself in his
own heaven which he has created out of one of Annie's paintings.
As he walks, the brightly coloured flowers smear. He swims in a
lake of paint. And for all this he has a companion, Albert (Cuba
Gooding Jr) who tries to explain how this world can be whatever he
wants. Chris's dog also turns up - oh yes, I forgot to mention,
during the first part of the story Chris and Annie had to have
their dog put to sleep as well.

From clues and changes in the painting, Chris realises Annie's
increasing unhappiness but it is Albert who breaks the news of her
death to him. He also has to explain to Chris that Annie has gone
to her own personal hell, just as he, Chris, has found his own
heaven. Chris decides that he can't accept this and with Albert's
help enlists the assistance of The Tracker (Max von Sydow).
Together the three of them travel to find Annie in the hope that
Chris can rescue her and bring her back to heaven.

This is a sad story, especially the first part of it where
characters are dying left, right and centre, even the dog.  But it
is also inspiring. The scenes of heaven and hell are amazing.
Chris's heaven is a truly beautiful place and the special effects
are very well done. Hell is just the sort of despairing place you
can imagine. The ending, which I won't divulge, is excellent and I
was left with a very satisfied feeling. If you can get through the
first part, not easy I'll admit, I think you'll enjoy it too.










                              - o -