Electric Dreams

Plot synopsis:
Miles Harding is an architect who envisions a brick shaped like a jigsaw puzzle piece that could enable buildings to withstand earthquakes. Seeking a way to get organized, he buys a personal computer to help him develop his ideas. Although he is initially unsure that he will even be able to correctly operate the computer, he later buys numerous extra gadgets that were not necessary for his work, such as switches to control household appliances like the blender, a speech synthesizer, and a microphone. The computer addresses Miles as "Moles", because Miles had incorrectly typed his name during the initial set-up. When Miles attempts to download the entire database from a mainframe computer at work, his computer begins to overheat. In a state of panic, Miles uses a nearby bottle of champagne to douse the overheating machine, which then becomes sentient.
A love triangle soon develops between Miles, his computer (who later identifies himself as "Edgar"), and Miles' neighbor, an attractive cellist named Madeline Robistat. Upon hearing her practicing a piece from Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach on her cello through an air vent connecting both apartments, Edgar promptly elaborates a parallel variation of the piece, leading to an improvised duet. Believing it was Miles who had engaged her in the duet, Madeline begins to fall in love with him in spite of her ongoing relationship with fellow musician Bill.
At Miles' request, Edgar composes a piece of music for Madeline. When their mutual love becomes evident, however, Edgar responds with jealousy, canceling Miles' credit cards and registering him as an "armed and dangerous" criminal. Miles shoves the computer and tries to unplug it, getting an electric shock. Then the computer retaliates by harassing him with household electronics.
Eventually, Edgar accepts Madeline and Miles' love for each other, and appears to commit suicide by sending a large electric current through his acoustic coupler, around the world, and back to himself.
Ultimately, a pop song, "Together in Electric Dreams," written by Edgar as a tribute to Miles and Madeline, plays on radio stations across California.

Tags: cult, romantic

Review:
The story of a boy, a girl, and a computer trying to find the meaning of love could have easily been a ridiculously campy movie, but instead is played out with a lighthearted sincerity.
Lenny Von Dolen's portrayal of architect Miles Harding is done well, conveying the feelings of insecurity and wonder of falling in love for the first time, and Virginia Madsen's performance as would-be girlfriend Madeline equally shines.
The movie is shot more like a music video (Director Steve Barron also worked on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" video), and while there have been plenty of films that have used similar "MTV-style" techniques in the '90's, this was an unpioneered format at the time, and it seems to work the best here.
The computer technology and the commercials set this movie firmly in the early '80's, which may make it seem a little dated, but the overall story still holds up well and is fun.
Electric Dreams is an enjoyable romantic fantasy that a lot of people may have missed when it was first released (even more so since the film seems to be out of print), but for those wanting to see something a little different, this may be what you've been looking for..
This movie takes us back to 1984, a time when computers were still mysterious machines which inspired notions of science fiction in the minds of average persons.I was only 12 years old when I first saw this movie on HBO back in 1984(5?).
It has a very strong European influence to it that I appreciated--director Steve Barron has a true flair for combining nice visuals and story without each element bogging the other down.Miles (Lenny Von Dohlen) buys a computer to help in his quest to design the perfect earthquake-proof brick.
In the meantime, cellist Madeline (Virginial Madsen) moves in upstairs and guess who starts to like Madeline a LOT?....Several elements make this a winner: The fact that the lead actors Lenny Von Dohlen and Virginia Madsen were cast (relatively unknown actors then) instead of flavor-of-the-month ones.
Culture Club was a bit established, but artists like Heaven 17, Jeff Lynne (of ELO), Philip Oakey (of Human League), P.P. Arnold, and Helen Terry gave the film a great atmosphere with original songs that still hold up quite well today (yes, the soundtrack is available as an import on CD).
I'm proud to say I have the 12" remixes of the songs "Together In Electric Dreams," "Now You're Mine," and "Video" as well as the soundtrack.You don't have to exclusively like romance stories to enjoy this film.
It's charming, will make you laugh, and I dare you to not get a little teary-eyed when the phrase "I LOVE YOU ...ME" appears on the computer screen to the beautiful music piece "Madeline's Theme" from Giorgio Moroder.Two scenes in particular will have you feeling exhilarated--when Madeline and Edgar do a musical duet of a familiar classical piece, and the ending where the song "Together In Electric Dreams" is bringing everyone in the city of San Francisco to their feet dancing.
Just make sure to view all the way through the credits, there's a little surprise after them!At the time this review was written, Electric Dreams is only on out-of-print VHS in the United States, but is available on a European region 2 DVD.
I love this film immensely and can only recommend you get a bit of a shock by hiring Electric Dreams!Rating: 5 stars or 10/10.
Lenny Von Dohlen (never heard of him until I saw this movie) plays an architect who buys a computer to get better organized, but an unexpected event turns the thing into a sillier version of HAL...especially after the owner falls for his musician neighbor (a young Virginia Madsen).At once piece of light entertainment and a look at relationships, this movie does it just right.
Electric Dreams (1984) is a good fun film about a geeky office worker Miles Harding who has problems with his organisation skills and buys a computer to help him out.Meanwhile Miles has a new neighbour in the form of Madeline (Madsen), Miles soon falls in love with Madeline and the pair start dating.Everything seems to be going OK for Miles but there is a problem, his COMPUTER!!!!
A huge kick to hear the music of the 80s--all Giorgio Moroder electro-thump, with the likes of Boy George and Jeff Lynne, as well as classical bits, woven into this fun, occasionally darkly funny film.Although some may criticize the primitive computer effects, it's eerie to think of how prescient this movie was, having been made at the very dawn of the personal computer age.
Don't try this at home.Lenny Von Dohlen and Bud Cort deliver fine performances, and the still-lovely Virginia Madsen will make your knees weak with her fresh beauty here.I just procured a DVD, and enjoyed it as much as I had remembered doing two decades ago.
The films style has a zippy pace and feels like watching a long music video.
Miles discovers the thing that a computer can not give him, and Edgar, his computer, discovers what he cannot have and has always misunderstood about human feelings.It's a simple film with lots of cinematic trickery to make it appear bigger than it actually is.
The music is of course classic 80's fare, and the primitive electronic tones highlight's the time and themeIt's a delightful warm-hearted film that I waited many years to see again in its full widescreen glory, and relive some younger days when things were a little more innocent, and a little more lively.
When computers needed dialup modems, electronic music had just come into its own, and video games were still using cartridges (note the Activision cartridges for the Atari 2600 behind Miles when he purchases his computer, Edgar).Well, I waited well over 20 years to see it, and I'm glad I did.
Sadly, I have not seen it again for the past 20 years.I have been hoping that this will be released in DVD format soon.Every time I listen to "Together in Electric Dream", the last scene where Miles and Madeline driving a convertible on the Golden Gate Bridge comes flashing back to my mind!
It's worth seeing for anyone who appreciates movies that perfectly represent the time in which they were made (a la "Saturday Night Fever" to the late 70's, or "Singles" to the early 90's) San Francisco residents take note of the special cameos from old KJY DJs at the end of the film.
The soundtrack is just as poppy and fun as the movie, including rare new wave gems from Culture Club, Human League, Jeff Lynne, Heaven 17 and more.
With the one of the best romantic songs performed in the history of cinema..."Electric Dreams by Giorgio Moroder", who was also the composer of the soundtrack for this movie.
Yes, welcome to the pop 80's, with the first computers, who looks in todays "Internet era" slightly obsolete, simple, but cute romances and naturally, trendy pop music which gives a special push for love scenes.
So, all in all, Electric dreams will always have a special place in my heart, although it has some flaws, simple script and some holes in the story...but hey, it's either you fall in love with this one or it will leave you cold...I had to decided it, so I rented it again, and the rest you know, if you read my critic:)7 out of 10 (with a special ticket to my top 10 most special movies).
As I sat in that cinema full of bored teenagers, watching the story unfold, I was amazed at how similar an experience it actually was to the first film I really fell in love with, 'Electric Dreams'.I've never been completely sure what I especially liked about the film.
Its use of pop video, in the sequences of high emotion, especially in the scene of where Miles is chased around the house, are at least echoed in the chase sequence at the heart of 'Malkovich'.With all this in mind, its perhaps a time to re-assess this film as more than the fluff its previously been thought of as being..
Ironically, instead of being an assistant the computer becomes a competitor, making Miles' (or is that Moles'?) life even more complicated.The musical soundtrack is worth listening to especially if you like a more-modern Techno beat, with the talents of Jeff Lynne (ELO) and Giorgio Moroder to name a few.
Virginia Madsen is a typical 'english rose' type, Lenny Von Dohlen is just about geeky enough to be convincing but not stupid, and I wanted a computer like Edgar to help me get the girls!It's not on TV often, but if you find it, watch it!.
This movie was interesting on a couple of levels; the love story is good and Madsen looked marvelous, she still does.
This is a movie I saw when I was in college and, while I would freely admit it was a really silly and dopey film, it still had a lot of charm and I'm glad I saw it.In particular, I loved the music--even the stuff from (yuck) Boy George.
I even went so far as to pick up a copy of the album.Lenny von Dohlen and Virginia Madsen were both fine in the movie--he as a nerdy and hopeless nice guy and she as a beautiful cellist.
I'm not a big romance film buff but I like Electric Dreams.
Virginia Madsen is as pretty as ever, and the music is probably what makes the film better than just good.
The feel good decade of the 80's is all wrapped up in this fun film about Miles, his neighbor Madeline and his computer which comes to life and causes trouble.
I highly recommend this film to anyone that likes a nice sweet romantic movie!.
The film doesn't make sense, it's ridiculous, but it does have a good soundtrack, one of the most recognizable songs from the 80's and it can't help but make you laugh, even if the majority of this laughter comes from discussing what the hell is going on with whoever you're watching it with.
During the course of this Edgar himself falls in love with Madeline and a love triangle ensues with many funny and emotional consequence's.This is a fantastic movie that's very well acted by it's star's and has an amazing soundtrack which if you don't have already you should order asap!
Electric Dreams is a typical cheesy 80's movie with one original idea: a computer being in love, in the days before computers were considered to be mundane machines.
It's 80's music, while not all that bad (it is a bit too sappy at times), gives it away as well.The plot revolves around a geek, Miles, who falls in love with a woman next door, Madeline.
:)But seriously, a really fun movie, excellent music, awesome animation sequences, nice little love story.
The music for this film is excellent I like two tracks written by Jeff Lynne I found Madelene to be very pretty and clever with the cello, And I found the story to be funny how can a computer fall in love?
and I also am glad that I have finally bought both the DVD and the CD of the soundtrack I was surprised to find that the producer was Richard Branson and that it is released on Virgin films ltd I can watch this film without getting fed up with it as it is 95 minutes of fun and good music typically 1980's style I once borrowed it on video a long time ago that is where I first saw this brilliant film..
This was the movie which made me fall in love with the computers, cello and girls ha.
OK it was in 1980's but this movie is not about time, its still relevant today.Its an excellent movie over all with loads of music strong plot and funny moments.I like the part where a disorganised person goes out to get a "PC" to organise his life.
And say what you like about Boy George, but ya gotta love the music in this movie (Culture Club, Jeff Lyn, etc al, YES I have the soundtrack - OK!) AND I WISH IT WOULD COME OUT ON DVD, I'D BE FIRST IN LINE.
(And I usually HATE romantic comedies!) Lenny von Dohlen is great as a quirky architect next door, and Virginia Madsen is equally impressive as his love interest.
When I first watched this I was thinking like short circuit this film Would be you know a real family comedy It wasn't its can be rather dark at times yes there's some funny moments And there's the ending which I thought was funny and sweet but There was more then a few dark moments without giving anything away The way the computer tries to destroy his life how it messes with his credit cards Personal details now why it may of seen over the top in the 80s I mean a computer running ever appliance in your house and controlling Your life today it really has a creep factor to it A creep factor due to our strong dependency on computers This movie could almost be a true story lol.
Electric DreamsComputers make great lovers because they don't care if you text during sex.Mind you, the self-aware hardware in this romantic-comedy probably would have a problem.With hopes of designing an earthquake proof structure, architect Miles (Lenny Von Dohlen) purchases a computer to help in the process.But when an alcoholic beverage is spilt over its circuit board, the passive processor gains a playful personality, Edgar (Bud Cort).One day, Edgar makes a musical connection with Miles' neighbour Madeline (Virginia Madsen), who assumes that it is Miles she is communing with.Over time, however, Edgar begins to resent Miles' relationship with Madeline and electronically sabotages his financial and personal well-being.Pondering the pitfalls of online dating before it even existed, this silicon nod to Cyrano de Bergerac is a sly and sadistic snapshot of our soon-to-be society.Incidentally, computers don't mind it if you break-up with them via a text.Yellow Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.ca.
I have not seen this film in many years, the last time I probably saw it was most likely in the 90's.
Most likely if one were to watch this film today it would be very dated and not quite as good as it would have been when viewed during the 80's..
Well, this movie is benign in comparison but the idea of an emotion feeling machine, and at the same time a living AI life form helping you around house is still pretty alive today.
Edgar is an awesome character that keeps you guessing throughout the movie on what it is he is thinking or feeling and you end up caring for him as he learns about life and love.
Electric Dreams is such an upbeat, uplifting film - I can watch it whenever it is on.
Fun movie, has been a favorite for years...but what you can't miss is the great music from this film.
Even though "Electric Dreams" is a love story, it is very insightful of the coming computer age.
If you are expecting an entertaining movie, I would recommend not watching Electric Dreams..
If you're looking for some escapism and some romance, then this may be the movie for you."Electric Dreams" is a love story for the computer age, a light, simple film about a guy who finds true love thanks to modern technology.
You've been "working up to them." You've got time to keep "working up to them."And they won't love you like Electric Dreams will.
Electric Dreams is a science fiction romantic comedy and dramatic film will that tells the story of a love triangle between an male architect,a female musician and a personal desktop computer.It stars Lenny Von Dohlen, Virginia Madsen, and the voice of Bud Cort as the computer.The setting of this movie directed by Steve Barron is at San Francisco.Architect Miles Harding falls head over heals with her beauteous neighbor musician Madeline.But later,he learns that he already has a rival in winning his heart - a personal computer named Edgar apparently owned by Miles.Upon hearing Madeline playing cello,Edgar composes his own tune and plays together with her.It impressed Madeline thinking that it happens to be Miles and they get to know each other by going on out of a date.This makes Edgar jealous that he starts to take over Miles' electronic appliances such as the TV set and radio.In addition to that,he also makes life miserable for Miles through more ways than one like pissing the dog for it to bark constantly and making him uncomfortable while using the computer.The movie definitely shows it age as we get to see how extremely old the desktop computer was considering it does not use a Graphic User Interface (GUI) as an operating system and when the internet wasn't yet available to the general public.Also,the visual effects were definitely old as Computer Generated Imagery(CGI) was still many years away.The story between Madeline and Miles were definitely clichéd and formulaic and escapism remains a common theme when it theatrically released.
But nevertheless,it introduces us to the endless capabilities of computers and the idea of artificial intelligence which will become a common theme for many movies to come in the future.The soundtrack was memorable as well as many songs were extremely popular like "Together In Electric Dreams" by Phil Oakey,which continues to be part of the encore performance of The Human League during their concert as of now.Overall,it remain a delight to view especially for fans belonging to the 80's generation..
Funny, Well-Acted Movie from the 80s with Great Music!.
And Together in Electric Dreams performed by Philip Oakley - it is really the music that really shines in this movie.
And they do seem to have personalities - work perfectly at one time and act stupid another.I found this film entertaining and enjoyable and if you like 80s music this one is for you..