Movie spotlight
Dreamchild
80-year-old Alice Hargreaves is about to visit Columbia University to attend a reception in honour of author Lewis Carroll. As a child, Alice's close friendship with the writer was the creative catalyst for Carroll's most beloved work. However, as Alice reflects on her experiences with the author, she slowly realises the complexity of their bond has had lasting, deeply felt ramifications.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film revisits the story of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland through the eyes of the real Alice, Alice Liddell Hargreaves, as an elderly woman. As she reflects on her childhood visit to Oxford and her encounters with the author, the fantastical elements of Wonderland intrude upon her reality, blurring the lines between memory, imagination, and the present.
Critical Reception
Dreamchild received a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its unique visual style and thoughtful exploration of memory and fantasy. While some found its pacing a bit slow, many appreciated its artistic ambition and the poignant performance of Coral Browne as the elderly Alice.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its imaginative visuals and melancholic tone.
Coral Browne's performance as the aging Alice is a standout.
Some viewers found the film's structure to be less engaging than its concept.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Dreamchild (1985)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film features an early, uncredited cameo by Rhys Ifans, who would later gain fame for his roles in 'Notting Hill' and as the character Lizard in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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