consideration into dream sequences

For my first project I would like to create a film which features the use of dream sequence(s). This will be a challenging task to an inexperienced film maker like myself. I will take the time to contemplate techniques I could use to make the scene as effective as possible. I will also be examining other video productions to see how more experienced directors approach the unique challenge of crafting dreams into film.

There are various ways we can handle the transitions between dreams and ‘reality’ A simple technique is to implement the conventional fade to white transition. One way to end a dream sequence is to have something in the environment occur, that wakes the character. For example, the protagonist’s alarm clock may ring at a crucial moment in the dream. Dream sequences will often end during a very intense moment when something significant or deeply personal is just about to occur.

Dream sequences can be placed at varying stages throughout a film, in Risky Busyness (Paul Brickman, 1984) the beginning of the film is simply a long dream sequence. The sequence allows us to enter the mind of the protagonist and get to know his personality. Once a dream has been established the director can use the scene to give the audience almost any kind of information about the narrative, characters, etc.

Dream sequences do not necessarily have to be abstract scenes which warp reality in some spectacular way, they are often realistic in some aspects and can be difficult to distinguish from reality. They can be exceptionally involving for an audience when it is difficult to distinguish whether what they are seeing is a dream or not.