Dreamchild

Dreamchild is a delightful yet poignant British drama film from 1985. Directed by the talented Gavin Millar and written by the prominent playwright, Dennis Potter; it constructs an embellished fictional narrative around alive historical figures. With standout performances from a versatile cast including Coral Browne, Ian Holm, and Peter Gallagher, the film expertly combines elements of biography, fantasy, and drama into a distinctive cinematic blend.

In the lead role, we have Coral Browne portraying the real-life character Alice Hargreaves, who, in her childhood, served as the inspiration for the beloved children’s literary classic 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. The film uses a dual storytelling model to intertwine two different stages of Alice Hargreaves’ life: her advanced age, during her visit to New York in 1932 for the Lewis Carroll centenary celebrations, and her intriguing childhood as the muse of Carroll, portrayed by the adept Ian Holm.

The film begins with an elderly Alice Hargreaves voyaging to the United States, accompanied by her dedicated companion, Lucy (played by Nicola Cowper). Although initially overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reception and attention from the American press (including an ambitious and somewhat scrupulous journalist played by Peter Gallagher), Browne's Alice soon falls into a series of reveries, where her past heavily intersects with her present.

The heart of Dreamchild builds upon these episodes where the present catapults Alice back into her memories of the past, prompting her to reflect on her unique relationship with Lewis Carroll — encounters that bewilderingly blurs the lines of reality and fantasy. With Carroll captivated by her youthful innocence, their candid interactions inspire the fables and whimsy of the now globally loved tale of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland.

Where the movie truly shines is in its exploration of the complexities and paradoxes of the human experience: innocence and maturity, reality and fantasy, memory, and interpretation. Throughout the film, Alice struggles with the dichotomy between her personal history with Carroll and the public's adoption and interpretation of her childhood likeness in his writings.

Ian Holm delivers a subtly mysterious and compelling performance as Lewis Carroll — a university don, children's author, and mathematician. His relationship with Browne's Alice, moving yet slightly unsettling, forms the crux of the film's storyline. By comparison, Peter Gallagher offers an enjoyable performance as the eager journalist Jack Dolan, who is determined to exploit Alice's celebrity status to further his own career ambitions.

What sets Dreamchild apart from other dramas is the innovative and creative use of fantastical elements inspired by Carroll's work. The characters of Wonderland, brought to life through Jim Henson's Creature Shop's puppet mastery, mirror and reinforce the emotional journeys of the human characters in the real world. The scenes of Wonderland and its inhabitants provide an added layer of visual charm and profound depth to the entire narrative.

Adding to the film's overall aura is its remarkable set design and art direction reminiscent of the Victorian era, Stephen Goldblatt's stirring cinematography, and Stanley Myers' evocative score. While visually intricate and cinematically compelling, Dreamchild's ultimate success lies in its emotional resonance, as it skillfully navigates the complex dynamics of nostalgia, personal history, childhood innocence, and the loss of the same.

Dreamchild extends beyond the conventional biographical drama form by weaving a narrative that straddles reality and fantasy, offering viewers a surreal yet heartfelt odyssey. Its incorporation of elements from one of literature’s timeless classics adds to its unique appeal, making it a must-watch for fans of Lewis Carroll's works and those who appreciate thought-provoking drama. Infused with wit, charm, and emotional depth, Dreamchild is as enchanting as the Wonderland it draws from, offering a cinematic experience that lingers in the memory long past the end credits.