The idea of the afterlife has always hold a fascination among so many of us. So many writers have written experiences of those who have claimed to die and whose soul has gone to a place that looked like heaven. So many books on this subject attest to this great interest of people on the topic of life after death.
What Dreams May Come is a film that explores the subject of love after death. Are we going to be united with our loved ones whom we have lost in life? What will become of a loved one who committed suicide? How far one would go to find his loved one? These are just some of the questions the movie tries to answer as it leads the viewer into a blissful three dimensional experience of the heavenly realities and the suffering of those thrown into hell.
The $70 million dollar movie digitally transforms painted canvasses into heavenly vistas of colorful flowers, flowing waters and beautiful gardens. The Hades’ scene reminds me of Dante’s description of the underworld. Did I see one scene similar to that of the “Spoliarium?”
Although the film treats the subjects of heaven and hell as closely as any ordinary Christian would know his catechism; the viewer should also be critical enough to distinguish that the film is a fantasy romance and not a theological treatise on the last things. The film also touches (although superficially) on the aspect of shaping one’s own destiny which on one hand raises a lot of questions on the viewer.
Starring Robin Williams and Anabella Sciorra as Chris and Annie, the movie is based on a novel of Richard Matheson by the same title. The story explores the great love that exists between Chris Nielsen, a pediatrician, and his wife, a painter and art curator named Annie. The couple lost a daughter and a son in a car accident. Four years later, Chris himself was killed when a car ran over him while trying to help a victim of another car accident. Annie, unable to come to grips with her pain committed suicide. In the afterlife, Chris learned that Annie is dead but cannot join him in heaven because of the nature of her death. Chris went on a quest to find Annie. Literally, he went through heaven and hell to search for his loved one. In the end, the great love between husband and wife brought them back together.
The movie points out that it is the person who creates his own hell and forgiveness and love are two strong bonds that can help that person out of that particular state.
Chris’ love towards Annie leads us to the reality that true love encompasses time and boundaries. A far greater reality is that the love between Chris and Annie is but a blurred reflection of the great love that God has for us. Jesus embraced death because of love, he went to hell, and now waits for us in heaven to be with him forever.
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