Dreams on Film: The Cinematic Struggle Between Art and Science
by Leslie Halpern 

Foreword by Dr. Robert Smither
ISBN: 0-7864-1596-7
209 pages, photographs and illustrations, notes, filmography, bibliography, index, 2003

 
  • Examines the form and content of movie dream sequences in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other films.
  • Compares the physiology and psychology of sleep and dreams.
  • Studies filmic examples of Freudian and Jungian dream theories.
  • Reveals scientific inaccuracies in filmic depiction of sleep and dreams.
  • Cites dream sequence clichés.
  • Includes interviews with renowned actor Gabriel Byrne, Emmy-winning director Alan Berliner, and the producers of The Blair Witch Project.

Book Description

Films with dream sequences, or a dreamlike quality, allow directors to create their own rules of logic and nature to meet a variety of artistic needs. For instance, an opening dream immediately establishes what a character is feeling; a later dream—or series of them—provides viewers with a glimpse of the climax, and a concluding dream ties up loose ends. (In real life, of course, dreams do not occur at such convenient times or serve such useful purposes.)

This book explores why science is lost or distorted in the process of representing dreams on film and why audiences prefer this figurative truth of art over the literal truth of science. Part One discusses changes in form and considers the history of dream theory. Additionally, the physiology of sleeping and dreaming, dream structure, sleep deprivation, dreams under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and waking up, as depicted on film, are examined.

Part Two investigates changes in content, and delves into the psychology of sleeping and dreaming, dream interpretation, altered states of consciousness, visions and prophecies, dreams as wish fulfillment, sex and death, nightmares, and reality versus illusion. The author uses theories by Freud, Jung, and current experts in her analyses of dream sequences and their use in film.



Table of Contents
Acknowledgments   v
Foreword by Robert Smither 1
Preface   3
Introduction: The Dream Sequence 5
PART I
Technical Difficulties: Changes in Form

1. 

History of Dream Theory          13
2.  Physiology of Sleeping and Dreaming          21
3.  Dream Structure 29
4.  Sleep Deprivation 37
5.  Dreams Under the Influence 46
6.  Waking Up 54
PART II
Creative Differences: Changes in Content
7.  Psychology of Sleeping and Dreaming 67
8.  Dream Interpretation 73
9.  Altered States of Consciousness 82
10.  Visions and Prophesies 92
11.  Dreams as Wish Fulfillment 103
12.  Dream Themes: Sex and Death 114
13.  Nightmares 126
14.  Dream Elements 138
15.  Dream Symbols 147
16.  Reality vs. Illusion 161
Conclusion 178
Filmography 181
Notes 189
Bibliography 191
Index 195

 

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