DREAMER (1979)

Title: DREAMER

Year of Release: 1979

Director: Noel Nosseck

Genre: Drama, Sport, Romance

Synopsis: An ambitious young man dreams of becoming a ten-pin bowling champion.

Within a film history context: In film history there have been a number of films which feature a bowling alley as part of the story, but generally as a supporting thread, or where a major scene occurs in the narrative. Generally, these did not present a character who bowled professionally, rather for leisure. One of the first to showcase a bowling alley as an important part of the story was Howard Hawks' SCARFACE (1932). In this movie, there is a pivotal scene in the bowling alley in this classic crime picture. With comedy THE DARING YOUNG MAN (1942), directed by Frank Strayer, a professional bowler unknowingly becomes mixed up in intrigue and espionage. Jean Negulesco's ROAD HOUSE (1948), had a night club owner falling for a singer, with the film's key setting, a roadhouse, including a bowling alley inside. A much darker movie, Stuart Heisler's STORM WARNING (1951) had Ginger Rogers and Doris Day as sisters in this tale of racism, where Miss Day's character worked in a bowling alley, an integral set piece in the film. 

Film noir MAN IN THE VAULT (1956), directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, also had a bowling alley as a central setting in the narrative where a number of events take place. In a much lighter vein was Bob Rafelson's FIVE EASY PIECES (1970). The main character and his friends play ten-pin bowling in this strong examination of a talented, volatile man with definite edges. The well-regarded Canadian film GOIN' DOWN THE ROAD (1970), directed by Donald Shebib, had one of the two main characters work in a bowling alley in this movie of two friends, portraying their lives and dreams. Of a more frivolous nature was Larry Hagman's BEWARE! THE BLOB (1972). This science fiction horror picture had a major scene take place in a bowling alley, as was the case with previous films. Disaster comedy THE BIG BUS (1976), directed by James Frawley, also had a bowling alley within its narrative structure, this time, being a section of the bus, which was the movie's main milieu. DREAMER was a film in which ten-pin bowling, and an aspiring bowler, were its dominant subjects, and where much of its action takes place.

The film was entirely in comparison to other entries where the bowling alley was a small component of the overall movie. With examples such as SCARFACE, ROAD HOUSE, STORM WARNING, BEWARE! THE BLOB, THE BIG BUS, FIVE EASY PIECES, and GOIN' DOWN THE ROAD, important plot events took place in a bowling alley, but lesser in stature with the fourth and fifth examples. These two films highlighted the leisure component of bowling, and employment aspect respectively, which gave these a point of difference. Working in a bowling alley, though, was also a part of STORM WARNING and THE DARING YOUNG MAN. THE DARING YOUNG MAN, in particular, could be seen as being closest in its themes to DREAMER, although the former was a light-hearted take on the latter. 

DREAMER had many serious moments but was not too heavy-handed with its dramatic content. It lacked the spine-tingling suspense scenes in STORM WARNING, but DREAMER was not that type of movie. There was not a sense of danger, peril, or trumped-up melodrama present in DREAMER, being of a more realistic, down-to-earth orientation. DREAMER, instead, closely followed a young man dreaming of becoming a bowling champion, and both his professional, and romantic endeavours. The romantic facets were also in THE DARING YOUNG MAN, if in a more overtly comic manner. Dreamer's relationship with girlfriend Karen had some comical moments, but not of the superficial, slapstick kind. Difference of opinion on matters both drew them apart, but also, their mutual agreement on others brought them together. A sound film about ten-pin bowling and the people who inhabit this world, DREAMER is a sweet movie.

Overview: Noel Nosseck is an American director who has helmed five motion pictures, generally light fare with a concentration on action. Mr Nosseck has, though, been much more prolific on television, directing many telemovies, and series episodes. His first film, BEST FRIENDS (1975), followed two best friends and their amours, with one of the two men less than impressed on the other's impending marriage, and consequently trying to ruin his friend's happiness. His second effort, LAS VEGAS LADY (1975) was a crime movie with action aplenty. The difference in this film is that a woman plans to rob a casino with assistance from two other women, but matters may not be a clear-cut as they first envisioned. YOUNGBLOOD (1978) was about a young black man in Los Angeles involved in gang wars, and fighting against drug dealers, unknowing that his brother is the leader of this outfit. Noel Nosseck's final film, KING OF THE MOUNTAIN (1981), centered around several people who speed drive their cars on Mulholland Drive for fame and monetary gain. Noel Nosseck's fourth movie, DREAMER, was one of his most agreeable, if insubstantial pictures.

In the case of DREAMER, Noel Nosseck has made a likable, innocuous film. The movie is the softest centered of Mr Nosseck's output, his other works being stronger in tone, such as BEST FRIENDS, YOUNGBLOOD, and KING OF THE MOUNTAIN. There is the theme of competition between people for a goal which permeates his films in general, but in the case of DREAMER, it is of a man's struggles in achieving success, without open rivalry from second parties. Taking as its main focus a young man seeking to become a ten-pin bowling champion, it is an enjoyable movie experience. It ably follows the young man in question, Harold 'Dreamer' Nuttingham through his trials, travails, love difficulties, and eventual triumph as a bowling star. It is observant not only of its characters but also, the sport of ten-pin bowling itself. There is a sweetness about the movie which raises many a smile while viewing it, something not to be discounted. Its breezy nature and lack of heaviness is pleasing to witness, but as a film, does work against it somewhat.

To be fair, DREAMER does have a solid storyline, and does not make outrageous plot choices which are out of sync with its characters. Its feel of everyday life gives it a warmth which is becoming. In saying this, though, the movie is dramatically flat at times, when it should have been more forceful and vigorous. It does possess a trio of well-drawn characters, with Dreamer, his manager Harry, and Dreamer's girlfriend Karen, who are all three-dimensional, but the events which occur to them are not overly compelling. The exceptions are when Dreamer and Karen argue, and there is some conflict there. The film's most heated moment is when Karen confronts Harry, and his reaction, and subsequent fate. The aftermath of this, with Karen's emotions overflowing, and guilt coming to the fore, is the best segment in DREAMER. It works as a device to bring Dreamer and Karen back together, and gives credence to the movie's final scenes. If DREAMER only had a sharper pace, and more riveting scenes, it would have been more memorable as a film. A pleasant if too leisurely movie, DREAMER is notable as an entry about the world of ten-pin bowling from director Noel Nosseck. 

Acting: DREAMER has three excellent main performances which greatly assist in its watchability. In the lead role of Dreamer, Tim Matheson is wonderful. An actor who infuses life into his characters, making them real, and motivations clear to the viewer, Mr Matheson does a fantastic job as the ambitious bowling champion. As Karen, Dreamer's girlfriend, Susan Blakely shows why she is a most thoughtful actress. Miss Blakely always takes an in-depth approach to her characters, her Karen a young woman who knows what she wants, being a life with Dreamer but also, on her terms. Susan Blakely's Karen has a spunkiness and fire which are amiable but also, is psychologically complex. Karen's confrontation scene with Harry is the most compelling moment in the movie which has palpable repercussions for Karen, and Dreamer. The final acting of note in DREAMER is by Jack Warden. Jack Warden gives Harry, Dreamer's manager and father figure, his unique personality and irrepressible sense of fun. An actor who made his larger-than-life characters human and real, he gives his Harry not only this but also, a sense of tragedy which is relatable, his absence from the film in the final reels confronting.

Soundtrack: DREAMER has a spare soundtrack which is to its advantage. Bill Conti's jazz theme during the opening credits evokes a classic aura, reflecting the rich history of ten-pin bowling itself. The most notable tune played in the film is 'Reach For The Top', performed by Pablo Cruise. It is utilized at various points, mainly after the opening credits, and closing credits. The song provides a nice inspirational ambience, which is the central aim of the picture itself.

Mise-en-scene: DREAMER has a very good attention to detail in what appears onscreen for spectators. Cinematographer Bruce Surtees employs a naturalistic use of colour without it ever being too bright or pretty. This works well as the movie itself has a homely feeling, and is not glamorous in context. Outdoor locations are all well-selected, and pleasant to witness, such as Harry's home, and outside the bowling alley. Interiors such as the bowling alleys depicted in the movie, Harry's office, and the bar, to name several examples, all ooze authenticity, making it clear that thought and care has gone into these.

Notable Acting Performances: Tim Matheson, Susan Blakely, Jack Warden.

Suitability for young viewers: Parental discretion advised. Slight adult themes.

Overall Grade: C

Link: IMDB Page

Trailer