Finn Taylor and Jeffrey D. Brown penned this story of two men's bizarre journey as they explore the best way to live before dying.
Dream With the Fishes (1997) is a great film no one knows about. Starring David Arquette and Brad Hunt, it makes for a very unusual buddy film. Funny and a little philosophical, Dream is a good New Years film or even just an invigorating story. There are plenty of surprises and plenty of things you'd never predict; having said that, it makes it a little trickier to discuss without giving away some of the best parts.
Not Your Average Buddy Flick
The film features Nick (Hunt) and Terry (Arquette), two men with very different outlooks on life and consequently, they normally wouldn't have more than two words to say to each other. Thrust together in abnormal circumstances when Nick intervenes in Terry's life, they initially can't seem to stand each other. There is plenty of acerbic and humorous dialogue between them, but before long they're getting along and in pursuit of a common goal. Things pick up rapidly--their differences don't interfere for long, as honesty and frankness prevail.
Things To Do Before Dying...
The movie is mostly seen from Terry's point of view. For the most part, Nick holds all the surprises and therefore, all the cards. Terry has one or two of his own, however, which certainly makes for dynamic storytelling. Nick has several tasks to complete, and he needs Terry's help. Girlfriends, past and present, pop in along the way, amidst a little stalking, an acid trip and some whimsical tattooing. As Nick completes his tasks, there is plenty of fun to be had (naked bowling, anyone?) and ultimately a sweet theme of choosing to take action rather than sit by the sidelines. It has its poignant moments, though there is nothing saccharine about this movie, which helps make it all the more moving.
A Sweet, Satisfying Film
The two main characters and the sharp dialogue are what make this film truly compelling and engaging. This same plight, in the wrong hands, could be cloying and artificially sentimental. Writer/director Finn Taylor has done little else but this is a really fine film. Throughout, it does not shy away from some of its more controversial scenes and topics; it is darkly comedic and embraces its sometimes less-than-sympathetic characters. Some of the harsher moments help to solidify the idea of what it means to have great friends, the joys of being social, random and letting go. Indulging in whimsy seldom looked so fun.
It is a difficult film to review without revealing too much of what the characters seek, how they may deceive each other, or what motivates them. But Dream With the Fishes is terribly refreshing; it's a little-known film that can really keep the audience guessing and laughing. Its ending may not be the most upbeat, but the script delivers a sound feeling of inspiration, as appreciated by one of the characters by the end. In the spirit of not destroying any of the story, this is a film best enjoyed with no knowledge of what's to come, except for some hysterical moments and a genuinely touching story with which anyone can identify.
