Dreamland

Yes, this story has been told (The Graduate), but I loved this for the character of Monty, because I can relate to being a piano teacher, hustling around town to earn $25/lesson, and then the elation of getting that gig at the swanky hotel. And I love piano bars!

Monty has dreams of opening his own piano bar. I rooted for him.

The older woman was not that pretty in my opinion, I mean in some shots she looked really old, (sorry); but she was a good actress. This movie was not so much about the romance, more about a guy trying to make a living from his doing something he loves. (Piano bar). Plenty of humor in this, especially a hilarious scene with Jason Schwartzman. This movie stayed with me a long time. LOVED IT. There could have been more piano music/piano playing scenes. Recommended for anyone who loves piano bars.

Here's the setup - Monty Fagan is on the low end of the economic scale working jobs and trying to get a loan to open his dream piano bar. His girlfriend has become bored with their life together and having to live with her mother. Monty gets a break to perform on piano at a very high end restaurant and there he is taken by Olivia who is very much on the upper end of the economic scale. This situation cannot go well!

Director Robert Schwartzman presents a story any movie goer has seen before. Young man of average looks and struggling to make a life gets his heart stolen by a seductive older but beautiful and wealthy and bored woman. Each character is nicely performed and more entertaining, than being performed as being real. The plot keeps your interest with just enough twist, turns, and emotional suspense in the story to keep it lively.

As stated above this is a good afternoon flick for easy entertainment.

Where to begin - Johnny Simmons is actually a really great and underappreciated actor. He's young, charming and displays an element of sensitivity. All in all he has this human quality and is very believable.

His portrayal of the young "Graduate"esque Jazz pianist is delicate and smooth. The other actors and actresses are finely cast and do the job perfectly fine. One of my favourite things about this film is how the soundtrack fits the scenes perfectly. The synthy waves compliment the lonely back drop of the Los Angeles urbanscape.

Without further ado I move on to cinematography. It had the inherently indie vibe going on throughout - and it worked. It's a Los Angeles thing and artistically it's a great reflection of the city. Some people will use you, some will make you and others break you and you have try not to be too trusting in a city that can be quite unforgiving but equally beautiful and full of vibrance.

The message within the story really resonated with me - as a twenty something Jazz lover and lonely city dweller I felt a pull to the storyline and really connected with the main character. So if that makes for a biased review then so be it.

I really enjoyed and relished every moment and when the credits started rolling I was sad because I really didn't want the "dream" to end.

Off beat and plenty of soul to carry it along on a tight budget - bravo.

Maybe it's because I'm in the same age-range as director Robert Schwartzman..and because I'm also a white male musician. But this movie resonates more with me than anything I've seen in years! It's the only film I can remember within the past 10 years with an emotional resonance akin to the classic John Hughes films in the 80's. Excellent directing, casting, cinematography, sound-tracking choices make this a supremely enjoyable viewing experience.

Yes, yes…the reference point I keep seeing is The Graduate. Rightfully so. But Dreamland breathes new life into that premise quite well thanks to outstanding performances from Johnny Simmons as the boyish, awkward & oblivious Monty and Amy Landecker as the sexy, wealthy, married older-woman Olivia.

I have to wonder if the role was written specifically for Simmons, because I can't imagine another modern actor doing justice to this role the way he does. Additionally, Landecker is unbelievably sexy throughout, and gives a very convincing and even subtly emotional performance that does more to service the role of the older mistress than Anne Bancroft was able to portray as Mrs. Robinson.

Also worth mentioning are excellent supporting performances from Frankie Shaw as Liz, Alan Ruck as Walter, Beverly D' Angelo as Marie, Jason Schwartzman as Peter, and Nick Thune as Jason the plumber. Specifically Schwartzman and Thune bring their strong comedic talents to the table! I've found myself quoting both of these characters in day to day life..great writing, great performances!

Lastly, the sound-tracking to this film is impeccable. Robert Schwartzman's background in music really shines throughout Dreamland. The ambient pieces are beautiful and tie things together nicely. Theme song "Sad But True" is an EXCELLENT and potentially classic piece of songwriting. The use of Classixx's moody masterpiece "Borderline" as a theme throughout does the film does great service.

This film might not be for everyone, but I can't say enough good things about it! Looking forward to future projects from Robert Schwartzman. I'd love to see him become this generation's John Hughes.

I love the lessons this film provide:

• Monty relationship with Liz showed because your comfortable with a situation you shouldn't settle.

• Monty relationship with the older woman showed don't allow your happiness to be based off someone else because disappointment and false hope can follow behind.

Overall, great film.