Dreams of a Life

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Nicole L @RT10612640 Sep 21 Absolutely terrible, nothing but a bunch of blathering drivel. If you want to see people talk in circles ad nauseam, then go for it. I’m couldn’t get through the first 30 minutes. Disappointed because I was hoping to learn more about this case, but there was very little substance. See more Paul G @RT67423558 03/13/2021 This documentary will stay with you long after watching it. Its such a curious, strange, and sad story. I guess the only area not covered to enough detail for me was understanding her upbringing more and why her sisters were not part of the documentary. There seems to be far more to this story than is here. Nonetheless this is well worth watching. See more 02/16/2019 After reading the reviews, I debated watching this movie but ultimately chose to give it a viewing from the general fresh rating. Unfortunately, would not recommend, and hope this review helps anyone on the fence. An interesting premise, but the filled with mostly vacuous substance. Dreams of a Life juxtaposes how a charismatic and well-liked individual slid to the unnoticed fringe of society possibly through no intention of her own. The film likely aims to call into question the authenticity of relationships and the 'bystander' effect that can sometimes prevent us from solidifying true human connection. I appreciate some aspects of attempting to round out Joyce's character; in that we learn she was something of an opportunist constantly seeking validation and that her isolation may have been self-inflicted. But the film is fairly mean-spirited in people's recollections of Joyce, especially before the halfway to 2/3 point where the film really doubles down on trying to get you to sympathize. Ultimately, the film is a bit tonally wrecked by this contradiction, and we never really get a full and satisfying feeling of the morals Dreams tries to convey. The interviews with Joyce's friends seem to meander, and also interestingly frames the interviewers in an ignorant yet positive light, despite the inherent premise of the film. However, props for the re-enactments as I felt the acting (Ashton did a wonderful job) and cinematography were bang up and in my opinion weren't overly long or unnecessary. See more 03/27/2018 Filled with interviews of old friends stating how much they and everyone around them "fancied" and "wanted to snog" Joyce. Leaving so many blanks and filled with far to much reenactment of the deceased woman's flat. See more 02/03/2016 Chilling, haunting, compulsive viewing. See more 12/28/2015 Truly heartbreaking. She was beautiful and talented and oh so alone. . . See more Read all reviews

Dreams of a Life

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