The movie “Dream Scenario” is reminiscent of the works of Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze, starring Nicolas Cage. The film follows the story of Paul Matthews, a college biology professor who becomes an overnight sensation when his ordinary self starts appearing in everyone’s dreams. Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, the movie is an original, high-concept dramatic comedy.
The film is a harkening back to Kaufman’s style, gospel according to Cage. The 59-year-old actor himself noted the striking similarities between “Dream Scenario” and the 2002 Kaufman-Jonze collaboration “Adaptation”, particularly Borgli’s unique approach and his ability to challenge conventional norms. Furthermore, Borgli’s inspiration for the story stems from news reports about college professors being “canceled” from their positions over various accusations.
Borgli did not intend to create a polemic about cancel culture. Instead, through “Dream Scenario”, he investigates and processes present-day culture and presents a social satire. Cage, for his part, found the theme of fame and the loss of control over one’s image a topic that he could personally relate to. Having experienced the dark side of internet fame with “Cage Rage” memes, he felt the movie resonated deeply with his own experiences.
“Dream Scenario” is a thoughtful exploration of fame, ego, and cancel culture that culminates in a captivating, thought-provoking cinematic experience. You can catch it in select theaters now, with a wider release set for November 22nd.
