PIECES OF DREAMS

US, 1970, 99 minutes, Colour.
Robert Forster, Lauren Hutton, Will Geer, Ivor Francis.
Directed by Daniel Haller.

Pieces of Dreams may turn out to be a period piece. It is a story about a priest who is in torment as regards his conscience and his staying in the priesthood. Made in 1970, it reflects the problems faced by so many priests and religious in the Catholic church, questioning their vocation and opting out of priesthood or religious life. As such, it is quite interesting in its presentation of the issues and there is quite strong characterisation in Robert Forster's priest. The social setting, the background of his parish priest, family expectations, training, are all to the fore. The film also focuses on problems of celibacy? this is especially in the form of actress model Lauren Hutton. On the whole, the film is interesting though non-Catholics may be puzzled by the issues and touch of lyricism and romanticism about the priest and the celibacy question. This is especially seen and heard in the theme song written and sung by Peggy Lee? Pieces of Dreams.

1. The meaning of the title? Its relationship to the themes? The song and its use throughout the film?

2. Was this an enjoyable film? How interesting was its topic? How real and authentic did it seem? How well did it reflect religious crises of the 60s and 70s?

3. How convincing was the plot, characterization, resolution of the themes? Did the atmosphere of the film seem authentic? Were the issues real or contrived by the screenwriter? The quality of the solution? How well did the film give insight into a special era in the church and of crises? What value does a film like this have?

4. How well did the film focus on Greg? The narrative direction of his career and crisis? The nature of the flashbacks? The putting together of various time phases? Did this add to or detract from the treatment of the theme? What kind of man was he? As a priest, how effective, how Christlike? Why had he become a priest? The family background, the pride of his deserted mother, the sister and her admiration? The isolated seminary? why was he ordained? How strong was vocation, ideals, motivation? His work in his appointment? The criticism of him, his relationship with the parish priest, the small talk at the table? His involvement with social issues and their clash with Church doctrine and authority? His association with the workers and the need for answers to their question? The priesthood and celibacy as a burden?

5. How maturely did he confront the burden of his life? The picture of him at work, at home, in his room, the presbytery, the parish priest and his taunts? Why did he so quickly enter the liaison with Pamela? Was there any love? How desperate was he? How credible was his behaviour? Was he compatible with Pamela? How was his behaviour compatible with his priestly life? Was the celibacy issue the primary difficulty? was it presented clearly in the film?

6. The fact that he went into retreat and sought advice? The platitudinous nature of his advice? The small easy talk of the Monsignor, his not being interviewed by the Bishop, his wanting another appointment?

7. His facing of the Pamela-situation? How attractive was she, the confrontations, her charm, her work, background, her wanting no ties, her love for him? The abortion issue and the Mexican family?

8. The importance of the visit home? The impact of his mother's words and his sister's loss of faith with him? The reason for taking time off from the priesthood? The work that he did and his response to this? What effect did the time off have?

9. Why did he go back? Had he really tested his vocation and life away from the priesthood?

10. Comment on the presentation of the parish priest, especially his drunken scene, and his discussions about altars, confessions etc.?

11. Comment on the happiness interludes. Were they too romantic and colourful? The fact that the song was sung during these romantic interludes?

12. How important was the interview with the Bishop? What kind of man was the Bishop, understanding? The issues raised? Or was this merely the end and an announcement by Greg that he would leave?

13. How reasonable was his leaving the priesthood? How mature his decision?

14. How courageous was this film in presenting such a theme?

15. What idea of religion did the film presuppose in its audiences? How much demand did it make on them? Its insight into life, fulfilment, love, maturity, dedication?