seymourblack-1
Shadows of the past hang heavily over the present in Mike Figgis' haunting tale of an adulterous affair that seems to be driven by the hand of fate. The chilling connection between the present-day affair and another one, three decades earlier, creates an uneasy atmosphere that's beautifully complemented by the Franz Liszt composition that gives this movie its title.Nick Kaminsky (Kevin Anderson) is a professor of architecture in upstate New York who visits the small Illinois town of Elderstown to visit his dying mother who gave him up for adoption at a very young age and now wants to tell him a secret from the past. When he looks out of his hotel window, Nick immediately becomes fascinated by The Ralston Building, a cast-iron structure that used to be a department store until it was closed over thirty years earlier following an incident in which an adulterous couple were apparently shot by the woman's jealous husband who subsequently turned the gun on himself.When he goes to take a closer look at the building, Nick's surprised to meet Paul Kessler (Bill Pullman) an old college friend who's been hired to supervise its demolition. Nick saves Paul's life when he quickly pushes him out of the path of a large metal object that falls to the ground from the roof of the tall building and Paul shows his appreciation by inviting Nick to a party at his place. At the party, Nick meets Paul's wife Jane (Pamela Gidley) who'd previously enjoyed reading some of Nick's books and shares his appreciation of the architectural beauty and significance of the building that's now due for demolition.Due to the seriousness of her condition, Nick's mother isn't coherent and so after being granted permission to study the interior of The Ralston Building, he spends a good deal of his time there with Jane who's a photographer. It transpires that Paul and Jane's relationship is a dysfunctional one and gradually Nick and Jane are drawn to each other with the same passion and inevitability that drew them to the building that they would both prefer to see saved from the developers who intend to replace it with a shopping mall. Through his own investigations, Nick gradually learns more about his biological mother, the dramatic events that took place over thirty years ago and eventually, some disturbing information that has a direct bearing on his relationship with Jane."Liebestraum" (Dream Of Love) is well-directed, visually stunning and fascinatingly mysterious. Its story unfolds in a style that's dreamy and creepy and not everything is as it initially appears to be. These qualities and its glacial pace combine effectively to create a rather hypnotic mood that's enhanced by a style of acting in which thoughts and feelings are so often, clearly felt without necessarily being expressed verbally. Kevin Anderson is particularly laconic and Pamela Gidley is also more reined-in than is initially apparent in this stylish tale in which lust, betrayal and jealousy all play important roles.
Popeye Barrnumb
As far as I can see, pretty much everyone has gotten the "plot twist" of this film wrong, from IMDb commenters to all of the "pro" reviewers. Although my comments/"review" are effectively a spoiler, I think people just might enjoy the film more if you knew this information beforehand. Or just come back here and check to see if you got it right afterward. If you even see this, since I am so far down. Anyway, I'll give you a hint first, and then get into the spoiler. (and "review")Hint: Keep a VERY close eye on the TRUE relationship between the two main characters: Nick and Jane. What are you missing? (if you are)And now for the rest of the story. But first, let me say that, although the film is beautifully shot, and very nourish, and the acting is pretty good, considering, the film eventually fails I think because most people will not "get it", and end up irritated and frustrated.So here's the spoiler: Nick and Jane were blood-related. Stop now and watch the movie if you want to "figure it out for yourself". Otherwise, continue on and follow closely.The man and woman who were having sex "years ago" and were shot (by a (pregnant) WOMAN, NOT! a man! -- work with me here, people -- at least pay attention), they were related to the current time people as follows. The man who was shot was Nick's father. (notice the resemblance in the police report photos, like Nick does) Who was (obviously?) married to Nick's dieing mother. Nick's father was having an affair with a BLONDE woman who we end up finding out was a Ralston (IF you are really paying attention), possibly the wife of the man who owned the building, or maybe just a rich daughter -- whatever. So, the WOMAN who shot them was Nick's mother, who was pregnant (big belly) with Nick at the time. She went whacko, as was mentioned, and so Nick had to be adopted out, because he lost his mother and his father.And now for Jane. At the end of the movie, she "freaks out" when she sees the (BLONDE!) woman in the wheelchair. See where I'm going with this? That woman was her mother. Remember, she was adopted, too, and didn't know her parents, either. So, the woman was shot in the head (they kind of made a point of showing the scar), and didn't die. Only Nick's father died. This is also the reason Nick's mother freaked out when Jane went into her hospital room. She either knew who she was, or, was near-dieing confused and thought she was the blonde woman she shot. Again, what-ev-er.(also, remember Nick's mother freaking out when she found out she was back in the town? -- it sure would have been nice if all of this was more evident, which is why the film really fails)Now, what I'm thinking is this, and it needs some stretching and "guessing" and both deductive and inductive logic. (this is why I always make a point of stating that film, TV, whatever, should always be watched "intelligently" -- even if it's only watched for entertainment -- you will (and do, regardless) get things out of it that you won't even recognize or understand or know about, until MAYBE later -- although much of it is subconscious -- regardless, it's ALL good -- people who don't watch film and TV and such tend to be almost as bad as people who don't read books -- somewhat (or a lot) shallow; lacking in wisdom; common sense escapes them; not as able to deal with and solve life's problems; and a host of other unfortunate traits -- it is AS BAD as someone who is uneducated or under-educated -- but I digress)Anyway, I think Nick's father impregnated the blonde Ralston woman, who was Jane's mother, which make Nick and Jane step brother and sister. THAT is the real (final and major) "plot twist" of the film. Did they figure it out, and know, and have sex anyway? I don't know.As for why Jane's husband was acting the way he was, maybe he knew who Jane really was, and some other stuff, or maybe he was just a jealous husband and land developer on a tight schedule who was having marital problems with his wife. What do you think? I think I got a HELL of a lot closer than anyone else. Anyway, the film is better if you know what I've written about here. No irritation and frustration at the end. I hate when that happens. (sorry this is so long)
jackijoe
I was living in the upstate NY town that this was filmed in. I wanted to see the movie as soon as it was available, mainly for that reason and I was pleasantly surprised at this unique movie. The story line is quite intriguing and really draws you in, slowly but surely. So, not only do I have in my video library a fine, interesting film, but also on film a town that I grew up in and love. A definite must see! Note: I also loved the use of the classical music.
George Parker
"Lebestraum", a second rate noirish drama, tells of murder, infidelity, and other stuff. It includes a hair-raising ride in a police car and some prostitute diddling stuff and a big "N" falling off the top of a building almost on our hero's head and some nightmares with the old wake up screaming thing going on and, oh, yeah, and the old cat jumping out during a suspenseful moment. Betwixt and between such trite nonsense is the real story, the real nonsense, which takes itself so seriously as to be almost laughable. Don't waste your time with this loser.Note: The audio quality of the Tivo'd version I watched was awful and there were no subtitles to help fill in the blanks. I had to watch under headphones.
