Dream Scenario: When Dreams Turn Nightmares
Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage), a balding and somewhat uninspired university biology professor, lives a comfortable life with his beloved wife, Janet (Julianne Nicholson), and their two daughters, Sophie (Lily Bird) and Hannah (Jessica Clement). His life takes an unexpected turn when he inexplicably begins appearing in the dreams of thousands of people worldwide. In these dreams, while bizarre and sometimes dangerous events unfold around him, Paul simply stands by, an uninvolved observer. This phenomenon catapults him to global fame. He grants interviews, attracts the attention of talent agencies, and basks in the glow of newfound celebrity, all while secretly yearning to publish his long-gestating book about ants. However, Paul’s life is once again upended when, in these shared dreams, he transforms from a passive bystander into a menacing figure, tormenting and even killing dreamers. As a result, everyone turns their backs on the professor.
Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews in a scene from “Dream Scenario”
“Dream Scenario” marks the third feature film by Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli. Following the mockumentary “DRIB,” Borgli presented the absurd and occasionally repulsive comedy “Sick of Myself” in the “Un Certain Regard” section at Cannes. “Dream Scenario” is produced by Ari Aster and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Casting Brilliance: Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews
A stroke of genius lies in the casting of Nicolas Cage in the lead role. It’s hard to imagine anyone else embodying Paul Matthews. Cage, known for his daring and self-deprecating performances, is perfectly suited to play the ordinary professor thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Having shone in films like “Adaptation” and “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” Cage adds “Dream Scenario” to his list of remarkable works.
Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews in a scene from “Dream Scenario”
Fame, Dreams, and the Absurdity of Modern Life
While “Sick of Myself” saw Borgli conducting a disturbing exploration of modern society’s obsession with attention, even in the absence of talent, his new film bestows upon its hapless protagonist a gift or a curse. Matthews has been developing a book on the collective intelligence of ants for years, only to see a former classmate publish a groundbreaking article on the same topic, which he believes was stolen from him. While disappointed, Paul doesn’t expect any major upheavals in his life. However, he finds it undeniably pleasant when people recognize him and talk about him. Borgli treats his character cruelly, turning fleeting success into lasting misery, making Paul’s fall from grace all the more painful.
Exploring the Unconscious: From Freddy Krueger to Paul Matthews
“Dream Scenario” immediately grabs attention with its original and darkly humorous concept. The film highlights the human inability to control the unconscious. Freddy Krueger, in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, demonstrated the vulnerability of sleepers and blurred the lines between dreams and reality. However, Krueger was a bloodthirsty maniac. Paul, on the other hand, has no idea how he’s entering people’s dreams or how to stop it. The situation is surreal from every angle: neither the professor nor the dreamers understand what’s happening.
Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews in a scene from “Dream Scenario”
A Commentary on Modern Society
It’s important to note that Borgli isn’t a science fiction writer; he’s not particularly interested in explaining the mechanics of this strange phenomenon or creating a far-fetched explanation. Instead, the Norwegian director sets the stage for a funny story and places an ordinary family man at its center. Borgli is interested in exploring how modern society reacts to such events. In the pursuit of sensationalism and fleeting news, Paul is bombarded by media outlets and advertising agencies, while social media instantly transforms the simple professor into a star. The director is interested in the phenomenon of instant fame and the swarms of parasites who want to feed off and profit from someone else’s celebrity. At the same time, Borgli gently mocks cancel culture, which can target even a random man from people’s dreams. One can only feel sorry for Matthews, who has always been in the shadows and secretly longed to add some excitement to his life. The professor had no control over other people’s dreams, and ultimately, no control over his own destiny.
“Dream Scenario” stands out as one of the most original, funny, and relevant films of the year. The comedy is filled with both hilarious and awkward moments, capturing the professor’s confused and insecure state. It’s easy to imagine oneself in Paul’s shoes. As a result, the laughter gradually turns to horror, and the lighthearted comedy transforms into a disturbing thriller.