Polygram Films, Rated PG-13
Directed by Vincent Ward
Written by Ron Bass adapted from a novel by Richard Matheson
Leave it to Hollywood to have a touchy-feely ending to a film with such a powerful subject as the afterlife. The ending is one of the many flaws of "What Dreams May Come," but it is still in many ways a fantastic film, though by no means a masterpiece. It stars a trio of Oscar winning actors: Robin Williams, as Chris Nielsen, who is tragically killed soon after his children die; Annabelle Sciorra as his wife Annie, who eventually commits suicide after all the grief she goes through; and a miscast Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Albert, Chris' guide into Heaven. Heaven, in this movie anyway, is individually constructed and Chris visualizes it as one of Annie's paintings. The visuals in the Heaven scenes are marvelous, making this the most visually stunning film of the year after Dark City.
When Chris learns of Annie's death, he soon decides to set off after her in Hell, where all suicides automatically go. He and Albert enlist the help of a Tracker, played by Max Von Sydow of all people. Max, this ain't exactly The Seventh Seal, but it's good to see you. In fact, if this film had had an ending similar to The Seventh Seal, I would've given it another 1/2 *. However, it does not. The Hell scenes, though a visual delight at first, soon become tiresome as does the film on the whole. All the art direction in the world can't make up for a(for all intents and purposes) by-the-numbers script. Of the three big names here, Sciorra's performance is easily the best, and seeing as hers is the most challenging, that's no small feat. Williams' performance like most of his dramatic ones, is made up mostly of the same longing, helpless, or angry expression. He was certainly better in Good Will Hunting, but neither performance is really deserving of an Oscar. Gooding gives an earnest performance, too bad he has the wrong role. If any Oscars should come this films' way, it should be for Best Art Direction, but if there's any justice Dark City will at least be nominated as well. I wouldn't mind seeing a nomination for Sciorra either. These are two very strong points in an otherwise weak film. ***