In one pivotal scene in the Jim Sheridan directed “Dream House”, main character Will Atenton (played by Daniel Craig) drops to his knees in sorrow after finding out devastating news. Orchestra music reminiscent of “The Sound of Music” swells as the camera pans out to the freshly fallen snow. Two minutes later, Atenton happily eats dinner with his family. Two minutes after that, he is again clutching his chest in agony.
For a film with an A-list cast and an original story idea, the schizophrenic "Dream House" can’t decide whether it’s a horror film, a romance, a suspense, or even a drama.
The film follows Will Atenton, a loving father of two girls and a workaholic at a Manhattan Publishing company. Atenton decides to quit his job and move his family to a house in Connecticut to spend more time with his family and write a novel. It isn’t long before Atenton’s wife, Libby (Rachel Weisz) notices something not quite right with the house. Stalkers, devil worshipers, and ghosts abound in a strange mix of occurrences that leaves Atenton realizing this is not their dream home. Aided by neighbor Ann Patterson (Naomi Watts), Atenton embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind his suburban nightmare.
With more twists and turns and roadblocks than I-90 construction , "Dream House" can’t decide what ‘dream’ it is trying to be. Is it a nightmare filled with trips to the mental hospital, late night stalkers staring through windows, and erie séances? Or is it a dream turned dreary soap opera due to suburban paranoia of lustful neighbors and vengeful ex’s?
Sheridan's "Dream House" could have been a great movie with a focused storyline using the actors' talents to complement the tone of the film- unfortunately, it was all just a dream.
Sheridan's "Dream House" could have been a great movie with a focused storyline using the actors' talents to complement the tone of the film- unfortunately, it was all just a dream.
*1 and half stars out of 4.
*PG-13
