Young flautist in New York City joins her teacher's jazz group, which means defying her imposing widower-father and moving into her own apartment in the Village. But an attack on her first night plagues her with a recurring nightmare, sending her to a sleep research center. MGM/UA had no idea how to market this admittedly slow, low-keyed but ambitious thriller from director Alan J. Pakula, and it pretty much vanished. Still, the film presents an intriguing scenario and an interesting take on sleep disorders, though it cheats in its dealings with the heroine's complicated relationship with her chilly papa (it seems almost incestual); also, the finale, which relies on a stunt for its impact, is undercut by sloppy editing. In the lead, Kristy McNichol gives a very good performance despite being somewhat miscast; the actress was eager to shed her tomboy persona, yet she's all wrong when dolled up in period costumes or gowns (she also draws the line at nudity, with the camera dropping to her feet when she gets out of bed after sex). Still, McNichol gives this psychological puzzle an honorable try, and her dreams--four or five scenarios overlapping, intermingling--are fascinating. Michael Small composed the eerie, shimmering score. *** from ****
Review of Dream Lover
