I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
US, 2015, 92 minutes, Colour.
Blythe Danner, June Squibb, Rhea Perlman, Mary Kay Place, Martin Starr, Sam Elliott, Max Gail.
Directed by Brett Haley.
The title of the film is that of the popular song of the 40s and 50s, memorably sung by Doris Day in the film with that title.
This is a film for an older audience, especially in older women’s audience. At the centre is a former singer and former teacher, in her 70s, widow of 20 years after the accidental death of her husband, Carol, still living comfortably at home. She is played by veteran actress, Blythe Danner, always sympathetic on screen.
Down the road is a home for aged care with three of her friends, often meeting together, gossiping, playing cards. They are played by veterans Mary Kay Place, Rhea Perlman, there 70s, with June Squibb, still making films into her 90s. They like to gossip about Carol and possible relationships, especially with the young technician, pool cleaner, who visits Carol and has long conversations with her about himself, going to a karaoke bar with her, his composing a song for her. Stop
However, another resident of the aged care home is Bill, played by Sam Elliott with his usual affable charm. Again, a relationship with Carol, together, her being able to reflect on her life more freely with him, on his boat.
The film does not end as we might have expected with a happy relationship. Complications with Bill’s health, complications with the young man’s devotion to Carol, support from the women’s group – and Carol, at this age, having to reassess her life and plan for her future.
- The Title? The old song? Dreams and reality?
- A film about age, ageing, memories of the past, love, coping with the present, into the future? Happiness, sadness?
- The California setting, Carol and her house, garden and pool, the aged care home? The streets, shops, restaurants? Audiences identifying with placing characters? The musical score?
- Carol’s story, widow for 20 years, love for her husband? The past, her singing, the band, her teaching career, stopping singing? Living alone, comfortable? Her friends at the aged care, cards, gossip? The encounter with Lloyd, his reserve, her talking, inviting him for a drink, his relaxing, his attraction to her, karaoke talk, at the bar, their singing, his writing the song for her, singing it? His disappointment at meeting Bill? The later return, Carol encouraging him? Carol playing golf, noticing Bill, his response to her, the invitations, her going out, enjoying the evening, the challenge, listening to Bill’s story, the sexual encounter and the aftermath? With her daughter, the bonds, the discussions, the call to the hospital, Bill’s death? The effect on Carol, plans for the future, travel with her friends?
- The humour of the speed-dating episode, Carol uncomfortable, the range of men and the making conversation within the five minutes?
- The friends and aged care, the different personalities, discussions, gossip, sex issues, playing golf, playing cards, touch of snooping? The response to Carol and Bill?
- Bill, charm, but aged care, his boat, story of his wife leaving and dying, the attraction to Carol, the flirting, the invitation, the dinner, the night together, the plans for the future, on the boat, the proposal, the news of his death?
- Audiences identifying with Carol, with the situation, older generation, younger generation?
