captures the nightmare

Rating: Null/10 (3 December 2000)

This is a dream piece, and while there is a linear exposition of a plot, the way to enjoy it is to take it for what it is, a dream, or a spook-house ride. Dreams have a staccato, flanging progression, with big, loud highs and ominous languid lows. The feel of a long unending nightmare is achieved superbly, with characters as caricatures, sensations as icons exploding, and time warped at roller coaster pace, with, not incidentally, the Coney Island Cyclone as constant backdrop. I'm not sure I approve of all those Wasp actors portraying Brighton Beach Jews, as it did draw attention to the fact that we were watching something put on and unreal, but even that is not inconsistent with the quality of nightmares. The point that we are all addicts, in one way or another, is well made, and the dream, despite its amusement park ridiculousness, is always a bit too real. Burstyn deserves a special Oscar for allowing herself to look like death in such horrific close-ups.