MovieChat Forums > Dead Again (1991) Discussion > Difficult to get past the film's premise

Difficult to get past the film's premise

posted 10 years ago by HarveyManfredSinJohn
6 replies | jump to latest

The past life regression/reincarnation element is so fundamental to the film's concept it's really difficult to get past unless you subscribe to such stuff. Also, the film depended on too many coincidences and contrivances that it seemed more like an experimental art piece than a compelling thriller.

Some critics have described the film as 'Hitchcockian' but even a film like 'Vertigo' works by ultimately undermining supernatural concepts anc instead attributing them to their characters' stated of mind. The concept of a person being 'reborn' is all in James Stewart's character's messed-up head, and so 'reincarnation' is used for much more prosaic and thus more credibly satisfying purposes. Unfortunately, 'Dead Again' takes this nonsense at face-value (my apologies to anyone who does believe in 'past life regression').

[–] Gmalkin 10 years ago

Do you just randomly go around spouting pseudo-intellectual (and inaccurate) *beep* just to start *beep*

[–] HarveyManfredSinJohn 10 years ago

Why are you being so rude? If you don't like my comments you don't have to read them. You seem to be stalking me, and if this continues I will report you.

If on the other hand you want to have a sensible, non-confrontational discussion I am prepared to do so.

[–] darkzero 10 years ago

I am a full-fledged atheist and disbeliever of anything supernatural/paranormal, but I still was able to enjoy this movie. It's fantasy/sci-fi. The farfetched premise is merely a vehicle used to tinker with the character dynamics. It's no Hitchcock masterpiece, but it's still an enjoyable little fantasy-thriller that has fun characters and never takes itself too seriously.

Originality needs a reboot.

[–] fugazzi49 9 years ago

You don't have to actually accept the premise as reality any more than the reality of the Land of Oz or E.T. You just accept it for the fun of the film. If every film had to strictly adhere to everyday reality, a lot of great films would never have been made.

[–] hollywoodruffstar 9 years ago

I borrowed the disc from the library, and after I watched the movie, I watched again with the director's and writer's commentary. They thought it was supposed to be funny. I thought it was funny that Derek Jacobi's character was using PROOF OF LIFE AFTER DEATH to locate antiques!

[–] edonovan2 9 years ago

Four words: "Willing suspension of disbelief."