Nightmare Lover (1993)

Nightmare Lover: Directed by Nicholas Kazan. With James Spader, Mädchen Amick, Fredric Lehne, Bess Armstrong. A successful businessman tries to uncover what is wrong with his wife.

“After an intense divorce, Ray accidentally bumps into the beautiful Lena at an art gallery. While their first encounter is unpleasant, subsequent meetings result in a romantic relationship that soon turns into a marriage with children. Nearly two years, into their marriage Ray begins to discover that Lena isnu0026#39;t the person he thought she was. Secrets begin to unravel and as Ray begins to discover the truth, Lena has an alternate plan for him.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNicholas Kazanu0026#39;s u0026#39;Dream Loveru0026#39; mainly focuses on the relationship between Ray and Lena. Initially, it may give the impression of being just another u0026#39;relationship thrilleru0026#39; but the film does succeed in creating a tense atmosphere especially as Ray becomes more and more suspicious of his wife. The director and actors already hint from the very beginning of Ray and Lenau0026#39;s relationship that something is not quite right. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI felt the story itself was at a disadvantage mostly because not enough background was provided on Lena. As a result of which much of the character remains a question mark.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026#39;Dream Loveru0026#39; is executed brilliantly. The dream sequences were excellently shot as it successfully creates a surreal, scary and colourful world. The cinematography is wonderful particularly in the way it captures the interiors of Rayu0026#39;s house and background score is beautiful.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eJames Spader and Mädchen Amick are in top form. Spader displays Rayu0026#39;s vulnerability, humbleness and strength with conviction while Amicku0026#39;s luring beauty and restraint make her just right for the part. The rest of the cast does a fine job in providing support.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026#39;Dream Loveru0026#39; is pretty much about Rayu0026#39;s illusion in finding the perfect partner. He thought he had already found her once and lost her (the divorce) but after meeting Lena heu0026#39;s convinced that she is her. This may not be everyoneu0026#39;s kind of film but u0026#39;Dreamu003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLoveru0026#39; is more about the intensity and mystery of the relationship than the actual story.”