Watch Dreamchild

Dreamchild is a British movie released in 1985, directed by Gavin Millar. The movie is a fictionalized account of the real-life events surrounding the author of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, and his relationship with the young Alice Liddell, who inspired the famous story. The film takes place in New York in the 1930s, where Alice Liddell Hargreaves, an elderly woman, travels from England to receive an honorary degree for her role in inspiring Carroll's masterpiece. During her visit, Alice is haunted by memories of Carroll and her childhood, leading her to reflect on the real-life events that inspired Alice in Wonderland.

The movie explores the complex and ambiguous relationship between Carroll and the real-life Alice, who was just a child when she met the author. While there is no evidence to suggest that their relationship was anything other than innocent, rumors and speculation have lingered over the years, and Dreamchild doesn't shy away from exploring the darker, more unsettling aspects of their relationship.

Alice is played by Coral Browne, who delivers a powerful performance as a complex and conflicted woman grappling with the trauma of her past. As Alice is plagued by disturbing flashbacks and hallucinations, Browne deftly captures the character's mounting distress, offering a nuanced portrayal of a difficult and troubled person.

The movie's supporting cast is also excellent, with Ian Holm playing Carroll with a mix of kindness and creepiness that leaves the viewers unsure of his true intentions. His performance is nuanced and subtle, presenting the character as a man wrestling with his own demons, rather than simply a villain. Peter Gallagher plays a journalist accompanying Alice to New York, and he brings a sense of levity to the film, counterbalancing the darker moments with a touch of humor.

Overall, Dreamchild is a thought-provoking and thoughtfully crafted film. It uses the story of Alice in Wonderland as a launching point for a complex exploration of fame, trauma, and the complicated relationships between adults and children. While at times it can be a challenging watch, the film is also deeply moving and emotionally resonant, leaving a powerful impression on viewers long after the credits have rolled.

In terms of its visual style, Dreamchild is an impressive achievement. The movie blends live-action footage with stop-motion animation and puppetry to create a dreamlike world that is both beautiful and unsettling. The film's art direction is top-notch, with richly detailed sets and costumes that bring the story to vivid life.

In conclusion, Dreamchild is a powerful and effective movie that delves deep into the real-life inspirations for Alice in Wonderland. It features some outstanding performances and stunning visuals, and manages to tackle some difficult subjects with grace and sensitivity. While not an easy watch, the film is a must-see for fans of Lewis Carroll's work, and anyone interested in exploring the darker side of childhood nostalgia.

Dreamchild is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.