In the twilight of his illustrious career, legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa gifted the world with “Dreams” (1990), a cinematic tapestry woven from the threads of his own nocturnal visions. This late-career masterpiece not only showcases Kurosawa’s unparalleled visual storytelling but also offers invaluable insights into the art of screenwriting, particularly in crafting deeply personal and symbolic narratives. In this article, we’ll explore how “Dreams” represents Kurosawa’s screenwriting vision in the 1990s and what writers can learn from this unique approach to storytelling.
The Essence of “Dreams”: A Screenwriter’s Canvas
“Dreams” is a collection of eight vignettes, each based on actual dreams Kurosawa experienced throughout his life. This anthology structure allows for a fascinating study in episodic storytelling, where each segment stands alone yet contributes to a greater thematic whole. For screenwriters, this approach demonstrates the power of vignettes in exploring complex themes without the constraints of a traditional three-act structure.
Embracing the Surreal
One of the most striking aspects of “Dreams” is its unapologetic embrace of surrealism. Kurosawa’s screenplay deftly navigates the blurry line between reality and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that permeates each vignette. This technique teaches writers the value of breaking free from conventional narrative logic to tap into the subconscious mind’s rich imagery and symbolism.
For example, in the “The Peach Orchard” segment, Kurosawa presents a young boy encountering the spirits of peach trees in human form. The dialogue and actions in this scene don’t adhere to realistic conventions, yet they convey profound emotions and ideas about nature, loss, and cultural heritage. Screenwriters can learn from this approach, understanding that sometimes the most impactful way to express a theme is through symbolic and surreal elements rather than straightforward narrative.
Autobiographical Elements in Screenwriting
“Dreams” stands as a testament to the power of drawing from personal experiences in screenwriting. Kurosawa’s decision to base each vignette on his own dreams results in a deeply intimate and authentic work. This approach offers several lessons for writers:
- Mining Personal Experiences: By delving into his own subconscious, Kurosawa demonstrates how writers can find rich material in their own lives and inner worlds.
- Universality Through Specificity: Despite being highly personal, the themes in “Dreams” resonate universally. This shows that specific, individual experiences can often touch upon broader human truths.
- Emotional Authenticity: The raw, unfiltered nature of dreams allows Kurosawa to tap into genuine emotions, resulting in scenes that feel viscerally true, even when depicting fantastical events.
Case Study: “Crows”
The “Crows” segment, where Kurosawa inserts himself (played by Martin Scorsese) into Van Gogh’s paintings, is a prime example of blending autobiographical elements with artistic homage. This vignette showcases how writers can interweave personal admiration for their influences with their own creative vision, resulting in a unique and compelling narrative.
Visual Storytelling in the Screenplay
While “Dreams” is celebrated for its stunning visuals, it’s crucial to remember that these images originated in Kurosawa’s screenplay. The film serves as a masterclass in writing visually, demonstrating how a screenwriter can paint vivid pictures with words that translate beautifully to the screen.
Techniques for Visual Writing
- Precise Descriptions: Kurosawa’s screenplay likely included detailed descriptions of the dreamscapes, allowing readers to visualize the scenes clearly.
- Symbolic Imagery: Each vignette is rich with symbolic visuals that convey themes without relying heavily on dialogue.
- Color as a Narrative Tool: The use of color in scenes like “Crows” and “The Weeping Demon” shows how writers can incorporate color into their descriptions to set mood and convey meaning.
- Movement and Composition: The way characters move through the frame and interact with their surroundings is crucial to the storytelling, highlighting the importance of considering composition in screenwriting.
Themes and Symbolism in Screenwriting
“Dreams” is a treasure trove of themes and symbols, offering valuable lessons on how to layer meaning into a screenplay without being heavy-handed.
Recurring Themes
- Man’s Relationship with Nature: From the opening “Sunshine Through the Rain” to the closing “Village of the Watermills,” Kurosawa explores humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world.
- War and Its Consequences: “The Tunnel” and “Mount Fuji in Red” deal with the horrors of war and nuclear disaster, showcasing how writers can address serious societal issues through metaphor and surrealism.
- Art and Creative Vision: “Crows” directly addresses the role of the artist, while other segments indirectly comment on the creative process.
Symbolism in Practice
Kurosawa’s use of symbolism in “Dreams” is both subtle and profound. The weeping demon in the post-apocalyptic landscape, the peach tree spirits, and the fox wedding procession all serve as powerful symbols that convey complex ideas efficiently. This approach teaches screenwriters how to use visual metaphors and symbolic elements to add depth to their stories without relying on expository dialogue.
Structure and Pacing in Anthology Storytelling
The anthology format of “Dreams” presents unique challenges and opportunities in terms of structure and pacing. Each vignette must be self-contained while contributing to the overall narrative arc of the film. This structure offers several insights for screenwriters:
- Varied Emotional Rhythms: By alternating between lighter and darker themes, Kurosawa creates a balanced emotional journey for the audience.
- Thematic progression: While not strictly linear, there’s a sense of progression from childhood to old age, from innocence to wisdom, throughout the vignettes.
- Linking Techniques: Subtle thematic and visual links between segments create a cohesive whole without forcing explicit connections.
Dialogue and Silence: The Power of Restraint
One of the most striking aspects of “Dreams” is Kurosawa’s restrained use of dialogue. Many segments rely heavily on visual storytelling, with minimal spoken words. This approach offers valuable lessons for screenwriters:
- Show, Don’t Tell: Kurosawa demonstrates how powerful stories can be told primarily through action and imagery, rather than expository dialogue.
- The Impact of Silence: The sparse use of dialogue makes the spoken words more impactful when they do occur.
- Natural Dialogue: When characters do speak, their words feel organic and true to the dreamlike nature of the scenes, never breaking the spell of the surreal atmosphere.
Conclusion: Kurosawa’s Lasting Impact on Screenwriting
“Dreams” stands as a testament to Akira Kurosawa’s evolution as a screenwriter and filmmaker. In his 80s, Kurosawa embraced a deeply personal, symbolic, and visually-driven form of storytelling that pushed the boundaries of conventional cinema. For screenwriters, “Dreams” offers invaluable lessons in:
- Drawing from personal experiences to create universal stories
- Using surrealism and symbolism to convey complex themes
- Writing visually compelling scenes that translate beautifully to the screen
- Structuring anthology narratives that balance individual stories with overarching themes
- Employing restraint in dialogue to heighten the impact of visual storytelling
As we continue to analyze and draw inspiration from “Dreams,” we’re reminded of the limitless possibilities in screenwriting. Kurosawa’s late-career masterpiece encourages writers to delve deep into their subconsciousmind, to trust in the power of images, and to craft stories that resonate on a profound, almost primal level.
In an era where formulaic storytelling often dominates, “Dreams” remains a beacon for screenwriters seeking to push the boundaries of their craft. It challenges us to consider our own dreams, fears, and hopes as valid sources of storytelling, and to trust in the universal language of visual symbolism to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Kurosawa’s screenwriting vision in the 90s, as exemplified by “Dreams,” was one of artistic freedom, personal expression, and visual poetry. It serves as an enduring reminder that even in the winter of one’s career, there’s always room for innovation, introspection, and the courage to share one’s innermost visions with the world. For screenwriters young and old, “Dreams” continues to inspire, challenge, and awaken the storyteller within.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 