It's a lovely concept, isn't it - a fictionalized reflection on a person who had an indirect role in the creation of major classics of English literature. It's the type of idea that practically screams "TV movie," so it's a little surprising that it actually found its way to the Silver Screen in 1985. I really didn't know what to expect as I sat to watch, and that feeling rather continued for no small part of the runtime. I think 'Dreamchild' takes a while to begin to gel and find its legs, perhaps one-third its length; there are points where it seems that, even heading into the last third, it's a bit scattered and unsure of itself. Furthermore, the pacing comes off as overly relaxed (incidentally also echoing the sense of a television production), and so even as the digital timer advances it feels a tad as though the feature is just kind of treading water. For whatever value the title has to offer, I'm of a mind that those behind the production aimed a little higher than where it truly would have fit.
Be that as it may, it's still fairly well done overall. The production design and art direction are terrific, as well as those modest effects that are employed. Though they fill only a tiny portion of the runtime, the puppets and otherwise special wizardry of the Jim Henson workshop, accordingly choreographed by none other than Gates McFadden, are surely the single most fetching aspect all around. The cast give restrained but commendably heartfelt performances, and I appreciate the tact with which Ian Holm, Nicola Cowper, Peter Gallagher, and Coral Browne, among others, help to bring the tale to life. It's well made from a technical standpoint, with Gavin Millar's gentle but steady direction guiding the proceedings, and though Dennis Potter's screenplay is rather unbothered, there's keen intelligence underlying every last bit of it. Yes, there are echoes of very antiquated values and social norms (mind the notes of racism, homophobia, and sexism, and even a touch of ableism), and Potter also dallies with the notion (of questionable foundation in real life) that Lewis Carroll may have had untoward perspectives on children. Yet while there is no significant spark achieved at any point in these 94 minutes, nonetheless Potter's writing, and for that matter every contribution to follow, are considered only with utmost good-natured earnestness and heart. That sincerity counts for a lot, and the end result is softly charming even if it doesn't really go anywhere.
I can't specifically see myself making a recommendation of this to anyone offhand; if you're a diehard fan of someone involved, or of Carroll, then perhaps there may be especial worth in one's viewership. Blithely enjoyable as 'Dreamchild' is, it just sort of comes and goes, and never strikes me as saying or doing anything of major note. It's a nice idea, just not maybe one that needed the treatment it received. Still, despite being broadly unremarkable, there are also no abject flaws to sully the experience, and it's not a bad way to pass the time. There's no need to go out of one's way for this feature, but it's fine for a lazy day if you happen to come across it. Be aware of its somewhat middling nonchalance, but otherwise just kick back and relax.
Be that as it may, it's still fairly well done overall. The production design and art direction are terrific, as well as those modest effects that are employed. Though they fill only a tiny portion of the runtime, the puppets and otherwise special wizardry of the Jim Henson workshop, accordingly choreographed by none other than Gates McFadden, are surely the single most fetching aspect all around. The cast give restrained but commendably heartfelt performances, and I appreciate the tact with which Ian Holm, Nicola Cowper, Peter Gallagher, and Coral Browne, among others, help to bring the tale to life. It's well made from a technical standpoint, with Gavin Millar's gentle but steady direction guiding the proceedings, and though Dennis Potter's screenplay is rather unbothered, there's keen intelligence underlying every last bit of it. Yes, there are echoes of very antiquated values and social norms (mind the notes of racism, homophobia, and sexism, and even a touch of ableism), and Potter also dallies with the notion (of questionable foundation in real life) that Lewis Carroll may have had untoward perspectives on children. Yet while there is no significant spark achieved at any point in these 94 minutes, nonetheless Potter's writing, and for that matter every contribution to follow, are considered only with utmost good-natured earnestness and heart. That sincerity counts for a lot, and the end result is softly charming even if it doesn't really go anywhere.
I can't specifically see myself making a recommendation of this to anyone offhand; if you're a diehard fan of someone involved, or of Carroll, then perhaps there may be especial worth in one's viewership. Blithely enjoyable as 'Dreamchild' is, it just sort of comes and goes, and never strikes me as saying or doing anything of major note. It's a nice idea, just not maybe one that needed the treatment it received. Still, despite being broadly unremarkable, there are also no abject flaws to sully the experience, and it's not a bad way to pass the time. There's no need to go out of one's way for this feature, but it's fine for a lazy day if you happen to come across it. Be aware of its somewhat middling nonchalance, but otherwise just kick back and relax.