American Dreamer walks the line between being a comedic and thought-provoking film. While its witty dialogue and increasingly absurd scenarios make it an entertaining watch, a closer examination of its premise reveals a commentary on the depressing financial realities of trying to make a living in America. Individually, these two ideas could each make an interesting film, but they do not mesh well in the final product.
The film follows Dr. Phil Loder, a middle-class college professor portrayed by Peter Dinklage. Despite his social status, Phil aspires to one day live a lavish lifestyle and own a large mansion as he has always dreamed of. In pursuit of this dream, he strikes an unusual bargain with a widowed old woman in hopes of one day benefiting from her wealth.
The film’s most effective aspect is its use of a bright aesthetic to disguise the weight of the topics that it addresses. Dinklage’s character is a depressed, washed-up alcoholic. Yet the world around him feels vibrant and colorful. The film’s use of color grading and the bright color palette of the outside world serve as a visual representation of how out of place Phil feels in society. In moments when he is alone, the colors become muted and the lighting becomes darker, reflecting Phil’s discontent with life.
The film also benefits from a committed performance from Peter Dinklage who embodies the protagonist of Phil Loder to give an effective and balanced performance. Dinklage’s deadpan sarcastic delivery perfectly suits the cynical nature of his character and even heightens the comedic dialogue at times. Meanwhile, he is also given plenty of opportunities to showcase his dramatic talents during the character’s more emotionally charged scenes, as well.
Shirley MacLaine’s portrayal of elderly widow, Astrid Fanelli, really elevates the overall feature. Through the subtleness of her line delivery and body language, MacLaine’s performance perfectly captures the innocence and naivety of the character. Astrid is a compelling character as she puts on a happy face and demeanor but hints at an unspoken sadness. These elements of the character make Astrid feel genuine. Like Phil, the audience cannot help but grow attached to the character of Astrid as the plot progresses.
The strong chemistry between these lead actors drives home the script’s message of friendship and finding human connection. Dinklage and MacLaine’s effortless chemistry makes the progression of the characters’ friendship feel natural. Early interactions land comedically, but their dynamic evolves in ways that makes later scenes feel impactful and genuine. The audience truly gets the sense of the bond that Phil forms with Astrid.
Perhaps the most impactful scene is when Astrid drops her facade and shows Phil her true self. It’s a touching scene that feels intimate thanks to the brilliant performances of both actors. In the Q&A after the screening, Director Paul Dektor revealed that many of the subtle acting choices in this specific scene were McLaine’s suggestions. This one moment emphasizes the understanding MacLaine possesses of her character, and how she used this insight to enhance her performance.
The film does struggle with an uneven tone at times. Phil’s mood is very erratic and unstable which is reflected in the constantly shifting mood of the film. In one scene he may be happy and content with life, but in the next, he is having a meltdown in his college lecture. While this reflects the unpredictability of life, it makes the film confusing to watch. As the film progresses, it becomes harder to tell if the audience is supposed to enjoy his self-destructive behavior or sympathize with the character.
These tonal clashes lead to moments where the film feels as if it is on the brink of something impactful but chooses not to commit to these emotional beats. It dances around serious topics like classism, depression, and pursuing happiness, but it backs down when they are about to be addressed. While this was likely to maintain the film’s comedic tone, it often comes at the cost of sacrificing thought-provoking and challenging ideas.
A prime example of this is the idea of Dinklage’s character hallucinating elements of his “dream life” without giving any explanation or resolution. Two imaginary women are shown at various points in the film, however, it is unclear what their intended role was. Are they intended to be there for comedic purposes? Are they a sad reminder of Phil’s loneliness? These are interesting ideas that needed to be expanded upon or addressed in more detail. Without an explanation, these elements just leave the audience feeling confused.
American Dreamer is an entertaining yet cynical look at the realities of trying to own a home in modern society. However, its unwillingness to commit to a consistent tone muddles the film’s effectiveness. That being said, the film is still a fun watch carried by solid performances from Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine.
American Dreamer was viewed in the Non Premiere Feature Films section of the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Director: Paul Dektor
Writer: Theodore Melfi
Rated: NR
Runtime: 106m
American Dreamer is an entertaining yet cynical look at the realities of trying to own a home in modern society.
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GVN Rating 7
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I’m Andrew! I love discussing movies and tv shows. My favorite genres include animation, musicals, and especially Superheroes.