Nothing Like Dreaming
Nora Jacobson's compelling new film sees life's struggle through teen eyes
Toolbox
By Jim Lowe Times Argus Staff - Published: March 25, 2005
Nora Jacobson's new film, "Nothing Like Dreaming," is the bittersweet and compelling tale of a teenager coming to terms with the sudden death of a friend. What makes the story poignant is that this sensitive film sees it entirely through the teen's eyes.
Making the film even more compelling are authentic and powerful portrayals by veteran actor George Woodard as an eccentric artist and Morgan Bicknell, a recent Middlebury College graduate in her film debut, as the confused but earnest teen. The film also features a fine performance by Rachel Bissex made all the more poignant because the Burlington singer-songwriter died of breast cancer in February at age 48.
Bicknell plays Emma Ericksen, a serious overachieving young woman. About to graduate from high school, and already accepted at Yale, she works part-time at the Statehouse cafeteria, where she frequently jousts with legislators over the issues.
Emma is also the backbone of her family. Her mother, Rachel, played way beyond type by Bissex, is a folk singer suffering from deep depression. Her father, Jess, authentically and sympathetically played by John Griesemer, is a state legislator who has little time for his family but adores Emma.
Despite Emma's seeming maturity she is a teenager. She and her friend Lara lie to their parents to go to a party, though Lara's parents feel their daughter is safe with the dependable Emma.
The party, of course, involves drinking, and Lara, to say the least, is wasted. Emma loses touch with Lara when police heavy-handedly raid the party and the kids run. When Emma sees Lara next, it is as the EMTs are taking her body from the remains of a car that has slammed into a tree.
Emma begins to withdraw. She watches Lara's memorial service through a window, unable to face Lara's parents. Emma discovers Sonny Gale, whom she feels is a fellow outcast of society. Sonny is building what he calls a fire organ out of found and stolen scrap metal, and enlists Emma's help. They soon forge a real bond.
Gradually, it becomes clear to everyone except Emma that Sonny is mentally ill, likely schizophrenic as he is constantly hearing voices.
Emma's father in particular is upset by her relationship with Sonny, thinking they are lovers, and begins to make things happen. All comes to a head when the fire organ is finished. Sonny plays the massive structure with a blow torch while Emma wrestles with her demons and her friends look on. The flames attract the fire department and police, and soon concerned parents and everything falls apart.
Before it is over, Emma, Sonny and Jess are forced to face the world as it is, not as they want it to be.
What makes "Nothing Like Dreaming," produced by Off the Grid Productions of Norwich, so compelling is its feeling of authenticity. Not only do the characters and situations feel real, their interaction hits home as it is all familiar.
Much of that authenticity comes from its teen perspective. The film's point of view is Emma's: idealistic, naοve and infinitely caring. But neither Emma nor the film can see anything but their objective contrasting points of view are either misguided or simply wrong. Anyone remembering their teen years will certainly find this familiar.
Also consistent with this is the film's earnestness teen sturm und drang. But, almost surprisingly, its light and humorous ending is the perfect touch.
In some ways, this naivetι does a disservice to those suffering from mental illness. Its portrayal of the symptoms, exhibited by Sonny and by Emma's mother, Rachel, is accurate and sensitive. But, in keeping with its point of view, the film's portrayal of Vermont's approach to the treatment is simplistic and not quite correct.
Filming and production all contributed to the authentic feel of "Nothing Like Dreaming." And the fire organ, created by French builder Michel Moglia, is amazing, an attraction all of its own. (Some public screenings will feature demonstrations of the powerful and eerie instrument.)
But, most importantly, "Nothing Like Dreaming" as the title suggests is a touching, very real film about three vulnerable people coming to grips with life.