Horror History: DREAMLAND Is Now 1 Year Old
Josh Millican
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“From the weirdos that brought you Pontypool”, the bizarre and vibrant nightmare Dreamland dropped with little fanfare during the height of a pandemic. Directed by Bruce McDonald from a screenplay penned by Tony Burgess and Patrick Whistler, the film stars Stephen McHattie, Henry Rollins, and Juliette Lewis.
Related Article: Interview: Director Bruce McDonald Talks Vampires, Henry Rollins & Chet Baker in DREAMLAND
It makes sense that a film called Dreamland would be surreal, but buddy, you don’t know the half of it. It’s a world of overlaping eras, both bueatiful and gritty, sometimes sharp and often hazy. McHattie plays two character (a hitman and his target), making for many layers of subtext, Rollis plays an unhinged crime boss and Juliette Lewis is a vampire. Yeah, it’s a wild ride to be certain!
It’s also ironic that a film called Dreamland is a certified sleeper–meaning I doubt many of you reading this have seen it for yourself. If your curious about the spiraling insanity that awaits you, check out the trailer and synopsis below.
Synopsis:
On the night of the strangest weddings in cinema history, a grotesque gang boss hires a stone-cold killer to bring him the finger of a fading, drug-addicted jazz legend.
Also Read: Dreamland Review: A Satisfying Mix of Neo-Noir Horror and Jazz Age Cool
Trivia:
Bruce McDonald said that the only reason he had Stephen McHattie play two parts was to make the film more “dreamlike”. (Source)
Though credited as “The Trumpet Player”, the musician played by McHattie is named Chet Baker. Chet Baker is an actual jazz trumpeter and vocalist. He is known for major innovations within the cool jazz subgenre leading him to be nicknamed the “prince of cool”. Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals. (Source)
McHattie’s hitman character in Dreamland is named Johnny Deadeyes. There is a post-credits scene in Pontypool where McHattie plays a different character, also named Johnny Deadeyes. What does it mean?
Related Article: Interview: Stephen McHattie Talks Dual Roles As A Hitman & A Junkie In DREAMLAND
Have you seen Dreamland? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican. Dread Central on Google News!
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