In Paris in 1968, an American student named Matthew befriends a French brother and sister who share a love of movies. While the city erupts in protests, the three lock themselves in an apartment. Bertolucci fills it with film clips, so watch how old movies become part of the story.
The Dreamers is a 2003 drama and romance film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (2 psychology, 1 cinematography and 1 narrative), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Black Swan uses several of the same techniques.
Pairing the main character with a second character who mirrors them. The double shows what the hero wants, fears or secretly is.
How this film uses it
Theo and Isabelle are twins who dress, talk and play games as 1. Matthew is drawn in as a third. The twins show how hard it is to separate from someone who is your mirror.
Where to see it
The apartment: after their parents leave, the twins and Matthew shut themselves inside. Theo and Isabelle act as a single unit while Matthew watches from outside.
Showing a movie that the characters watch in a theater, as part of the story. The 2 films comment on each other, and the line between them can blur.
How this film uses it
Clips from old movies play across the screen and the characters act out scenes from them. The movies tell you how these 3 see the world, and where their game comes from.
Where to see it
The Louvre race: the three run through the Louvre to beat the record set by a scene in a Godard film. Bertolucci cuts to the original clip.
Showing two people bound together by mutual harm or guilt. They cannot leave and cannot heal, and the bond feeds on its own cruelty.
How this film uses it
Theo and Isabelle cannot live apart, but their closeness is unhealthy. Matthew's arrival makes the strain visible. They cannot leave each other, and the bond hurts them both.
Where to see it
The quiz game: the twins invent a game of film trivia with cruel penalties for the loser, using the game to control each other and Matthew.
Setting a private story against a major public upheaval that is seen only in glimpses. The world outside the characters' rooms keeps pressing in until they have to face it.
How this film uses it
The protests are in the background for most of the film. The three hide in the apartment while the city outside riots. When it finally breaks in, they must decide whether to stay lost in their game.
Where to see it
The ending: a brick smashes through the apartment window and the three find students rioting in the street. Matthew walks away from the clash as Theo throws a Molotov cocktail at the police.
Questions
The Dreamers: quick answers
What filmmaking techniques does The Dreamers use?
CineCode breaks down 4 techniques in The Dreamers (2003): Psychological Doubling, Film Within a Film, Toxic Codependency and Historical Event as Counterpoint.
Who directed The Dreamers?
Bernardo Bertolucci directed The Dreamers, released in 2003. CineCode also covers The Conformist (1970).
What films are similar to The Dreamers?
Films that share techniques with The Dreamers include Black Swan (2010), Amadeus (1984), 8½ (1963), Heat (1995).
