Sweet Dreams (2016)

Sweet Dreams Poster
Original Title: Fai bei sogni

Turin, 1969. Nine-year-old Massimo’s idyllic childhood is shattered by the mysterious death of his mother. The young boy refuses to accept this brutal loss, even if the priest says she is now in Heaven. Years later in the 90s, adult Massimo has become an accomplished journalist. After reporting on the war in Sarajevo, he begins to suffer from panic attacks. As he prepares to sell his parents’ apartment, Massimo is forced to relive his traumatic past. Compassionate doctor Elisa could help tormented Massimo open up and confront his childhood wounds…

Introduction
"Sweet Dreams" is an Italian drama movie from 2016, directed by Marco Bellocchio and starring Bérénice Bejo and Valerio Mastandrea. It's an adaption of the homonymous book, composed by Massimo Gramellini. The film primarily concentrates on styles of life and loss, highlighting the effect of a mom's death on her child and how it forms his life.

Plot Overview
The movie revolves around the life of Massimo, an effective paper author played by Valerio Mastandrea. The story starts with Massimo's childhood, when he is 9 years old and loses his cherished mother unexpectedly. Young Massimo is told that his mom passed away of an abrupt cardiovascular disease. Not able to accept this version of reality, he envisions strange theories including his mother's death, including one where she was killed by supernatural dark forces.

Main Character's Struggles & Growth
The storyline leaps regularly in between places and timeframes, reflecting on various stages of Massimo's life. Regardless of being a successful journalist, Massimo continues to deal with an extensive emotional injury that impacts his personal and expert relationships.

As an adult, Massimo deals with relationships, showing indications of doubt and psychological unavailability. He satisfies Elisa, depicted by Bérénice Bejo, a caring medical professional who tries to help him browse his traumatic past. Their relationship ends up being a turning point in Massimo's life.

Exposing the Truth
In the climax of the film, Massimo is faced with the fact about his mom's death. He finds that she devoted suicide, not able to cope with life. This disastrous truth rocks Massimo's world and magnifies his trauma. The reality, however distressing it is, acts as a catalyst pushing Massimo to confront his deep-seated misery.

Conclusion
"Sweet Dreams" is a psychological exploration of grief and its enduring impact on a person's life. This poignant tale of injury and recovery is a deeply moving portrayal of a male's battle to come to terms with his past and his journey towards recovery. It shows us the slow, uncomfortable, yet possible road to overcoming personal injury. The film ends on a hopeful note, as Massimo begins to reconcile with his past and opens up to accepting love in his life, signifying that injury can be conquered, and recovery is constantly possible.

Directorial Excellence and Critical Acclaim
Director Marco Bellocchio handles to develop a completely balanced drama. He approaches sensitive topics with enormous care, hence guaranteeing the movie's emotional stability. The way he depicts the psychological distress caused by a terrible occasion in youth sticks out as the highlight of the film. The efficiency of the main lead characters is also noteworthy, especially Mastandrea, who provides an engaging and persuading representation of a guy shattered by his past. The film effectively strikes home with the audience and was well received critically, frequently applauded for its poignant story and skillful execution.

Top Cast

  • Valerio Mastandrea (small)
    Valerio Mastandrea
    Massimo
  • Bérénice Bejo (small)
    Bérénice Bejo
    Elisa
  • Guido Caprino (small)
    Guido Caprino
    Père de Massimo
  • Fabrizio Gifuni (small)
    Fabrizio Gifuni
    Athos Giovanni
  • Roberto Herlitzka (small)
    Roberto Herlitzka
    Ettore
  • Miriam Leone (small)
    Miriam Leone
    Agnese
  • Barbara Ronchi (small)
    Barbara Ronchi
    Mère de Massimo
  • Linda Messerklinger (small)
    Linda Messerklinger
    Anita
  • Piera Degli Esposti (small)
    Piera Degli Esposti
    Madre di Simone
  • Pier Giorgio Bellocchio (small)
    Pier Giorgio Bellocchio
    Desperado
  • Giulio Brogi (small)
    Giulio Brogi
    Cavalieri