The Dreamers (2003) is a provocative drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, set against the backdrop of 1968 Paris during the May student protests. The story follows Matthew (Michael Pitt), an American exchange student who becomes entangled with a French brother and sister, Isabelle (Eva Green) and Theo (Louis Garrel). The two siblings, living in a grand, bohemian apartment, invite Matthew into their world, which is a mixture of cinema obsession, radical politics, and intense, complex relationships.
Matthew, who is initially fascinated by Isabelle and Theoβs unconventional lifestyle, is drawn deeper into their emotional and intellectual world as they explore themes of freedom, rebellion, and identity. Isabelle and Theoβs relationship with each other is enigmatic and ambiguous, blurring the lines between familial love and something more intimate, which confuses Matthew. As they spend more time together, their love for classic films and their intense personalities create an environment that pushes Matthew to the edge of his own desires and identity.
Throughout the film, the trioβs interactions grow increasingly charged and sexually experimental. They challenge societal norms, embracing their sensuality and exploring their emotions and sexuality without fear of judgment. The relationship becomes complicated as boundaries are tested, leading to a growing tension that threatens to consume them. The cultural and political climate of the time, filled with unrest and rebellion, mirrors the emotional turmoil within their relationship, adding an additional layer of complexity to their actions.
As the political protests in Paris intensify, the trioβs world begins to unravel. The boundaries theyβve created in their apartment no longer seem sufficient to protect them from the outside world or from the emotional fallout of their own decisions. Matthew, in particular, starts to question his place in the relationship and his feelings toward both Isabelle and Theo. The film ultimately explores themes of youthful innocence, the loss of idealism, and the complexity of love and sexuality.
The Dreamers is visually stunning, with Bertolucciβs signature sensibility in full force. Itβs a deeply reflective and passionate film, filled with eroticism and intellectualism. With stunning performances from the cast, the film portrays the emotional awakening of youth while capturing the wild spirit of 1960s Paris. The movie remains a thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a time of upheaval.
