Dream a Little Dream 1989
Directed by
Marc Rocco
Made by
Vestron Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Dream a Little Dream (1989). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As Bobby Keller embarks on a fateful night drive through a shortcut, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Lainie Diamond, the girl he’s recently grown fond of. At the same time, the elderly professor Coleman Ettinger is immersed in a quest with his wife Gena to master the art of meditation in their serene backyard sanctuary, aiming to unite their minds for an eternal bond. However, destiny takes a twist when Bobby’s reckless actions lead to a collision with Lainie, leaving both high schoolers unconscious and triggering a surreal series of events that merges the consciousness of two distinct pairs: Coleman and Gena find themselves ensnared in the bodies of Bobby and Lainie.
Upon awakening in Bobby’s bedroom, Coleman is met with bewilderment and confusion. His best friend Dinger and parents are anxiously inquiring about his condition, but “Bobby” is lost, having completely detached from his own identity. Attempting to regain control over this unusual situation, Coleman adopts the persona of Bobby Keller, exploring his new environment with a blend of curiosity and desperation. He becomes increasingly fixated on reuniting with Gena, only to face mounting frustration as he struggles to grasp the bizarre reality that has enveloped him.
As Coleman succumbs to sleep, his subconscious conjures a dreamscape where he encounters the real Bobby Keller, who is caught in a limbo partially shaped by Coleman’s own psyche. The trapped Bobby delivers a grave warning: Gena, who was initially skeptical of her husband’s “dream state” theory, has found herself ensnared alongside Lainie in a shared dream, running the risk of being eternally lost within its convoluted pathways. With time slipping away to avert this looming disaster, Bobby implores Coleman to devise a way to rescue Gena before she forgets him entirely and goes missing forever in the dream’s depths.
In his new identity as Bobby, Coleman faces a complicated dilemma. The real Bobby claims to hold the key to reversing their peculiar situation but hesitates to provide assistance, finding comfort in the dreamlike existence he’s come to inhabit. This otherworldly realm, spawned from the chaos of his troubled teenage years, has become more enchanting than the harsh realities of the world he once lived in. Meanwhile, Coleman’s time is running short; he must traverse a complicated landscape of generational divides, navigate the dynamics of high school cliques, and confront personal fears to effect meaningful change in Bobby’s life.
Matters become even more critical with the looming threat of Joel, Lainie’s aggressive boyfriend, whose violent outbursts pose a serious risk to the fragile equilibrium. Bobby’s connections with his family and friends also require healing, alongside his tense relationship with Lainie, who has her own grievances with her counterpart. For Coleman to succeed in this intricate rescue mission, he must skillfully orchestrate a blend of elements while persuading Lainie to replicate the meditation experiment that might just save both Gena and Bobby’s relationship.
Timeline
Track the key events of Dream a Little Dream (1989) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Bobby's Night Drive
Bobby Keller decides to take a shortcut during a late-night drive. Little does he know that this fateful decision will lead him to a life-altering encounter with Lainie Diamond, a girl he has recently developed feelings for.
Coleman and Gena's Meditation Journey
Meanwhile, elderly professor Coleman Ettinger and his wife Gena are immersed in a quest to master meditation in their backyard. Their goal is to connect their minds and strengthen their bond, seeking tranquility and unity.
The Collision
In a series of reckless decisions, Bobby collides with Lainie, resulting in both of them being knocked unconscious. This shocking incident sets in motion a surreal chain of events that will intertwine their lives with Coleman and Gena.
Awakening in Bobby's Bedroom
Coleman wakes up in Bobby's bedroom, surrounded by concerned friends and family. Confusion reigns as he realizes he has taken on Bobby's identity, leading to a bewildering exploration of his new surroundings.
Coleman's Search for Gena
Now living as Bobby, Coleman anxiously seeks a way to reconnect with his wife Gena. As he adapts to this strange reality, he grapples with the growing sense of disconnect from his own identity.
Bobby's Dream Encounter
Coleman's subconscious transports him into a dream where he meets the real Bobby Keller. In this limbo state, Bobby warns him that Gena is in danger of becoming lost in a shared dream with Lainie.
The Warning
Bobby warns Coleman of the risk of Gena forgetting him forever while trapped in the dream's complexities. Coleman realizes the urgency of rescuing Gena before it's too late, heightening the stakes of their situation.
Bobby's Reluctance
Despite the looming danger, Bobby hesitates to help Coleman reverse their predicament. He is drawn to the dream world, finding it a comforting escape from the harshness of reality he once faced.
Navigating High School Challenges
Coleman, as Bobby, faces the challenges of high school life, including cliques and social dynamics that differ vastly from his experiences as an adult. He must navigate these waters while trying to enact change for Bobby’s life.
Threat of Joel
The situation becomes more precarious with the presence of Joel, Lainie's aggressive boyfriend. His volatile nature poses a significant threat to the already fragile circumstances surrounding both Bobby and Lainie.
Healing Family Connections
For Coleman to effectively restore Bobby's life, he knows he must address lingering issues within Bobby’s family relationships. This includes mending the ties that have been strained during Bobby's reckless period.
Lainie's Grievances
In addition to the external threats, Lainie also harbors her grievances against Bobby. Coleman must carefully address these feelings to heal their relationship while maintaining his own identity.
The Meditation Experiment
Coleman realizes that replicating the meditation experiment with Lainie may be the key to saving both Gena and Bobby's relationship. He strategizes on how to convince Lainie to participate in this life-saving endeavor.
Desperate Measures
With time running out and Gena’s and Lainie's futures hanging in the balance, Coleman must take desperate measures. He finds himself in a race against time to enact the changes needed to reunite with Gena and restore balance.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Dream a Little Dream (1989) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bobby Keller
Bobby is a high school student who finds himself entangled in a surreal situation after a fateful encounter with Lainie. Initially carefree, his character evolves as he confronts the consequences of his actions and the complexities of his relationships. Bobby's struggle between his current reality and the dream-like existence reflects his desire for escape and understanding.
Coleman Ettinger
Coleman is an elderly professor who embodies wisdom and a deep commitment to his wife, Gena. His character undergoes a transformative journey as he navigates Bobby's life, facing challenges and dilemmas that force him to reassess his values and priorities. Throughout the film, he demonstrates resilience and an earnest desire to bridge generational gaps.
Lainie Diamond
Lainie is a spirited high school girl who captures Bobby's affection. Her character is marked by her spirited nature and the longing for connection, but she also harbors frustrations stemming from her relationship with Bobby and the emerging dynamics with Joel. Lainie's journey mirrors the trials of adolescence and the search for identity.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Dream a Little Dream (1989), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the film unfold in a contemporary time frame, likely set in the late 1980s or early 1990s, reflecting the concerns and dynamics of youth during that era. Themes of growing up, identity exploration, and the impact of generational differences are prevalent, highlighting a period of transition for both the teenagers and the older characters.
Location
Backyard Sanctuary, Bobby's Bedroom, High School
The story takes place primarily in a serene backyard sanctuary where Coleman and Gena practice meditation, aiming to strengthen their bond. Bobby's bedroom serves as a significant location where Coleman, confused and displaced, grapples with his new identity. High school settings provide a backdrop for the youthful relationships and conflicts that shape the narrative.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Dream a Little Dream (1989). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Dreams
Dreams play a central role as they create a surreal connection between the characters. The merging of consciousness between Coleman and Bobby reflects the exploration of identity and self-discovery. This theme emphasizes the power of dreams to influence real life and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.
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Love
The film delves into the complexities of love and relationships. Bobby's connection with Lainie and Coleman's devotion to Gena are tested by external pressures and miscommunication. The quest to save their relationships underscores the theme of love overcoming challenges, even in the most bizarre circumstances.
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Meditation
Meditation serves as a pivotal theme in the film, reflecting the search for inner peace and connection. The couple's attempts to master meditation highlight their desire to strengthen their bond, while Coleman's journey through Bobby's mind illustrates the struggle to attain clarity and resolution amidst chaotic circumstances.
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