Watch Dream Deceivers

Dream Deceivers is a thought-provoking documentary film that was released in the year 1992. The film revolves around a legal battle that took place between two of the members of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, Rob Halford and K.K. Downing, and the parents of two young men who committed suicide allegedly as a result of listening to the band's music.

The film highlights the events that took place in 1990, when two young men, James Vance and Raymond Belknap, attempted to take their own lives with a shotgun after listening to the songs “Better By You, Better Than Me” by Judas Priest. While Belknap died from the injuries, Vance survived but was left severely disfigured. In the aftermath of the incident, the parents of Vance and Belknap sued the band and their record label claiming that the music had caused their sons to attempt suicide.

The filmmakers, David Van Taylor and David Dawkins, dive into the case and attempt to present a balanced view of what may have caused the young men to take such drastic actions. Through interviews with the band members, the families of the victims, and legal experts, the documentary looks at the influence of music on young people, censorship, and the power of suggestion.

The film examines the idea of subliminal messages in rock music and the role that they may have played in the suicides. The plaintiffs in the case argued that the song “Better By You, Better Than Me” contained the subliminal message “Do it” when played backward, which could have influenced Vance and Belknap to attempt suicide. The documentary presents scientific research on the subject of subliminal messages and their effect on the human mind.

The film also touches on the issue of censorship and the role that it plays in limiting free expression. The lawsuit brought against Judas Priest and their record label by the parents of the victims was seen as an attempt to censor the band's music. The documentary highlights the importance of freedom of expression and the potential problems that can arise when it is restricted.

Dream Deceivers is not just about the legal case against Judas Priest; it is a thought-provoking exploration of morality, ethics, and the power of suggestion. The film does an excellent job of presenting the arguments of both sides in a logical and balanced manner. It also raises questions about the responsibility of artists and the impact their work can have on their audience.

The film features interviews with many of the key players in the case, including Rob Halford and K.K. Downing of Judas Priest, as well as the families of the victims. The interviews are well-crafted, and the subjects are given ample time to express their views. The film is also interspersed with news footage, courtroom footage, and concert footage, giving the viewer a sense of the time and place in which the events occurred.

Overall, Dream Deceivers is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about the influence of music on young people, censorship, and the power of suggestion. The filmmakers do an excellent job of presenting the facts in a balanced and logical manner and leave the responsibility of drawing conclusions to the viewer. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the power and influence of music and the impact it can have on society.

Dream Deceivers is a 1992 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.