In 1984, I remember watching Siskel and Ebert review a new film called "Electric Dreams". Both of these guys gave it a thumbs up which usually means in 80's Valley Code .. "avoid at all cost". But for some reason I decided to rent it and though it ventured to cheesy romance at times.. I still quite enjoyed it. That was actually the last time I watched "Electric Dreams" and though I wasn't a huge Virginia Madsen fan in the 80's.. my rediscovery of 80's flicks such as "Fire With Fire" and "Modern Girls" make me want to seek this movie out again.
In the film, a guy (Lenny Von Dohlen) gets a new computer. He ends up hooking it up to control all the lights and appliances in his home. He even gives it a voicebox (voiced by Bud Cort).
Cellist Virginia Madsen moves into the building, and both Von Dohlen and the computer develop a crush on her. But Madsen's has a boyfriend who is played by Maxwell Caulfield.
Director Steve Barron was one of the pioneers of music videso. He directed the videos for Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", A-ha's "Take On Me", and other videos for ZZ Top, Human League, and Bryan Adams.
I do remember that the theme song "Together in Electric Dreams" performed by Phil Oakey of Human League being rather popular back in the 80's.
My memories are good ones of this movie and it deserves to be seen by most 80's fans. With Virginia Madsen's career resurgence a few years back I was hoping for a special edition DVD.
Oh and I'm hearing rumblings about a remake.. hopefully Virginia Madsen is attached to it as well.
Bring it on Electric Dreams fans!
[ 27. August 2010, 02:17: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Secret Admirer (Member # 3574) on :
A welcome post, Mr. Valdude. This has been on my list to watch again for a few weeks now - I haven't seen it for a couple of years. I like it quite a bit though.
The scene where Madeline is practicing in her apt and Edgar starts playing with her is awesome. They can hear each other through the air vent. The song they play is Bach's 'Minuet in G Major'. One of my favorite memories of this film.
I seriously love the theme song with Oakey & Moroder. It has been a favorite for a looong time. The extended mix is especially amazing.
Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
I've never seen this one and have wanted to for forever! Isn't it one of Paul's favorites? I love the theme song alot...........but the vhs is even hard to find right?
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
It´s a good movie. I love to see all that old school technology and stuff. Always loved Madsen too, but everyone here knows that
I have this Finnish VHS tape:
Sadly this UK dvd released in 2009 seems to be already OOP.
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
I am a huge fan of this movie and own it on dvd.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Thanks to a tip from Lovers with Cassie.. I'm watching it right now. Virginia Madsen is great and it is rather a cute flick.
As I view it.. it is actually quite the glimpse into our future. Our world is consumed by the use of computers now and they do almost everything for us. For instance.. my iphone is like a mini computer that can turn my lights off and on at home similar to the movie. Crazy huh?
And what about getting the chance to see old 80's commercials .. bonus points!
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Okay.. the computer turning the layout of his apartment into a Pac-Man video game was pretty cool.
Posted by logan5 (Member # 1467) on :
quote:I've never seen this one and have wanted to for forever! Isn't it one of Paul's favorites? I love the theme song alot...........but the vhs is even hard to find right?
It's certainly one of my favourites. The VHS was fairly hard to get for a while. It's now out on DVD in the UK with a pretty good transfer.
I find it hard to be objective about the movie because it's ingrained into my DNA. It's one of those movies where I can mouth all the words like a long song. I still have my much-loved VHS purchased from the store we first rented it from (same tape, too).
Back in the day this was a serious attempt by Virgin to crack the movie market along with films like '1984'. They used their stable of musicians to bolster their movies. At the time the movie was much more famous for its soundtrack than for the film itself: 'Phil Oakey & Giorgio Moroder' / 'Heaven 17' / 'Jeff Lynne' / 'Culture Club' etc (for those Culture Club fans who don't know; 'Love is Love' and 'The Dream' are from the soundtrack to 'Electric Dreams').
I recommended it to a female friend who'd loved 'Sixteen Candles' but she didn't like it because she found the computer scary.
"We'll always be together... however far it seems. We'll always be together... together in Electric Dreams" Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Just read that Electric Dreams will be released on dvd in scandinavia during next spring. I´m so excited!
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Here´s a funny italian ED movie poster i found:
Posted by Logan 5 (Member # 1467) on :
Nice!
Posted by kevdugp73 (Member # 5978) on :
I managed to get a copy of this a few years back and recall starting to watch it during one of my son's naps...which lasted approximately 20 minutes. Haven't re-visited since, hence, I've never seen this movie. I think I'll put it at the top of my list....maybe tomorrow night. * I recall it being a bit slow at the beginning, however, admit, as a new Dad at the time...probably should have been trying to nap when my son did...so, I'm hopeful that my tired stupor was to blame for my disinterest. Always willing to give second chances based on your guys' advice....
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
quote:"We'll always be together... however far it seems. We'll always be together... together in Electric Dreams"
just waiting for guitar solo now logan
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
I love the title song too....
Posted by Logan 5 (Member # 1467) on :
quote:just waiting for guitar solo now logan
The guitar solo played by none other than... Peter Frampton!
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
