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.

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.

Dreamland is a heavy hitter in both its honest and intimate portrayal of lost romantic opportunity and the lessons learned in this quirky and serious coming of age film.

At first glance this film may come off like an adult romance cliche but don't let that fool you. This is a fresh work and a brilliant first feature by Robert Schwartzman. The film has a way of grabbing your attention with each stage of the film. Monty's dream of becoming a jazz bar owner and the realization that love may not always come in neatly decorated packages.

Johnny Simmons and Amy Landecker create a fresh look at an overlooked cliche and instead deliver an honest view of love lost that is both charmingly playful and heartbreakingly dreamy.

Lastly, the music composition of the film was pieced together incredibly well. Jumping like a heartbeat, between awkward adolescence and the uncertainty of love to its more mature and intimate moments reminiscent of The Graduate (as another reviewer has commented on).

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.

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.