Dreams is a deeply moving romantic drama that progressively emphasizes the latter aspect, sacrificing some of the former. The film features Jessica Chastain in the role of Jennifer, a rich socialite from a prominent family in San Francisco. As the main benefactor of an international dance company, Jennifer becomes enamored with Fernando, a ballet dancer originally from Mexico.
The story culminates in a truly devastating conclusion, where both characters transform into the most flawed versions of themselves, plunging them into much darker places than where they started. The film’s profound critique of society anchors this narrative in the sobering truth that love does not always conquer all, particularly when our imperfections shape it according to their own standards.
The Reason Behind Jennifer’s Decision To Have Fernando Deported In Her Dreams
Dreams offers a stark examination of institutional class in the United States, shattering what could have been a fairy tale romance in the most unforgiving manner. A significant twist in Dreams occurs more than halfway through the film when Fernando is revealed to be in the US illegally and is subsequently detained by immigration officers.
Although Jennifer quickly reunites with him in Mexico and they rekindle their romance, she ultimately discloses that she was the one who informed the authorities about him. Jennifer defends her decision by claiming that their relationship cannot thrive in the United States, implying that her choice was made for Fernando’s protection.
Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that Jennifer was also preoccupied with her own concerns. Although she deeply cares for Fernando and desires to be with him, she has been grappling with her father’s expectations, her brother’s disapproval of her Mexican partner, and the perception from Fernando’s friends in the service industry, who view themselves as being of a lower status than Jennifer in society.
Their initial significant conflict arose from Jennifer’s reluctance to let anyone witness their relationship, indicating that even after some time, her feelings remained unchanged. This portrayal casts Jennifer as a self-centered individual within their partnership, seeking affection and empathy while failing to reciprocate those sentiments.
The Authentic Significance of Dreams
Dreams is a deeply poignant film that highlights how our individual choices, biases, and expectations can disrupt what ought to be a fairy tale romance. It becomes evident, particularly at the film’s outset and after their initial conflict is resolved, that Jennifer and Fernando share a fervent love for each other.
Nonetheless, labeling Jennifer as a truly good person is a stretch. While she portrays herself as a charitable and open-minded individual in public, her tendency to prioritize her own desires is evident. She disregards Fernando’s pleas for solitude following their argument, coercing him back into a relationship.
As a symbol of the upper class, Jennifer exemplifies a stark hypocrisy. This theme runs consistently throughout the film, particularly highlighted when a white ballet dancer makes derogatory remarks about Fernando after he secures the lead role.
Following this, Fernando goes out for a drink with his fellow immigrant friends, where one of them observes that the “gringos” will expect everything from them but will abandon them the moment they become rivals. The unsettling power dynamic at play is deeply disturbing, causing the vibrant and talented Fernando to be manipulated, confined, and exploited.
Conversely, when the power balance shifts, Fernando swiftly takes advantage of his position over Jennifer to retaliate for the emotional harm she inflicted on him. Dreams is a poignant tragedy that illustrates how true passion between individuals can be shattered by their own vindictive emotions and sense of entitlement.
Due to their mutual actions, the romance between Jennifer and Fernando ultimately leads to their mutual destruction rather than uplifting them. This narrative serves as a sharp critique of how race, nationality, and class can obliterate a romance that has the potential to be timeless.