A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: The Lathe of Heaven (2002)

Date of TV premiere: 2002

Details:

James Caan

Lukas Foss

Lisa Bonet

David Strathairn

Sheila McCarthy

Director: Philip Haas

Original novelist: Ursula K. LeGuin

Score: 1/2

The Review: Made for TV (A&E) science fiction drama about a young man (George Orr, by Foss) whose dreams really do come true, and the ambitious psychologist (Caan) who is uncertain whether to believe it or not, but who nonetheless appears to coerce the downstream (and down-time) effects to his personal benefit. Taken from LeGuin's 1971 novel, this is not the first translation to the small screen (see 1980: directed by Barzyk & Loxton, screenplay by Diane English, with a cast of unknowns), but it is a decent adaptation with a good cast .

Reasonably good production qualities for what was likely a low-budget effort. Curious costuming, and very good establishment of atmosphere and mood. Since the entire world changes as the result of George Orr's dreams, and both he and we (as the omniscient audience) have memory of the past, it is interesting to notice the down-time effects at scales both macro and micro -- weather, population density, class distinctions, sartorial changes in supporting cast, semi-permanent association of individuals, etc. The world-building is pretty good for the scale of the production.

(6-Mar-03)

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