VENICE 2021: Land of Dreams
Beta CinemaWhat is Land of Dreams about? Unlike what much of the buzz around it might have let on, it is not a documentary hybrid, rather a full-on fiction film. Is it a dystopian film? Kind of, but not really, as the story of an American census asking various citizens about their last dreams, “to protect them”, has a strong layer of mystery to it. Shame it never really goes anywhere.
Is it a critique of the US of A? Very much so, but it brings nothing interesting or fresh to the table. If anything, its portrayal of racism, misogyny, jingoism, capitalism, and religious fervour are nothing more than stereotypical. It lacks enough bite or clear self-awareness to be amusing during some of the peculiar encounters that Sheila Vand’s character experiences.
Is it a comedy? To a point, but it never becomes the effective satire it wishes it was. The only moments of levity that are effective (which are also the only moments where the film comes alive) are when Villin (Matt Dillon) is on screen. His introduction, a not-so-subtle jab as American history, is easily the highlight of the entire two-hour picture.
What is most disappointing is that, for a film that has such a huge and talented cast (other names include Anna Gunn, Isabella Rossellini, William Moseley, and Christopher McDonald), co-directors Shirin Neshat and Shoja Azari seem to absolutely waste them as most given very uneven performances, either too flat or too exaggerated. Rossellini especially is unbearable during her scene.
It is unfortunate that Land of Dreams does not work at all, because there was clearly a lot of passion put behind its screenplay and production, and the themes of cultural identity in America are forever relevant when told from new perspectives. However, it is hard not to be bored or annoyed by what ultimately ends up being an obtuse, needlessly convoluted, and downright messy film.