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ISSUE NO. 10
May 2025
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Culture

Movie Review of Dream Scenario

By
Vincent

Vincent writes from Long Bay Correctional Centre in New South Wales.

A24 / Square Peg

Dream Scenario is a deliciously quirky film by Director, Kristoffer Borgli. The audience is taken on an unexpected journey which travails the terrain between the conscious and subconscious mind. This is a film about dreams – more specifically, our relationship to our dream life and the dialogue between our waking life and what we experience during sleep. These themes are played out through the life of Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage), whose fairly ordinary life is thrown into the public spotlight when he begins appearing in people's dreams. As the nature of the dreams change, so does Paul's standing in the community.

An utterly enjoyable film for lovers of multi-genre oddities. Dream Scenario incorporates humorous situations, confronting contexts and a critique of modern Consumerism to intelligently unpack this cautionary tale. The dream sequences take the viewer on an experience that illuminates the emotions of the characters having these dreams. In turn, each dream also provides insight to the fate of Paul and the various aspects of his life. This movie should be praised for its original screenplay and the excellent performance of its cast. Kristoffer Borgli draws our attention to the themes of collective consciousness and evolutionary biology. We are left to ponder on the consequences of standing out from the tribe and whether our pursuit of love drives us to risk it all.

Rating:

4.5 Jailbirds – “A movie worth dreaming about”

Dream Scenario is a deliciously quirky film by Director, Kristoffer Borgli. The audience is taken on an unexpected journey which travails the terrain between the conscious and subconscious mind. This is a film about dreams – more specifically, our relationship to our dream life and the dialogue between our waking life and what we experience during sleep. These themes are played out through the life of Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage), whose fairly ordinary life is thrown into the public spotlight when he begins appearing in people's dreams. As the nature of the dreams change, so does Paul's standing in the community.

An utterly enjoyable film for lovers of multi-genre oddities. Dream Scenario incorporates humorous situations, confronting contexts and a critique of modern Consumerism to intelligently unpack this cautionary tale. The dream sequences take the viewer on an experience that illuminates the emotions of the characters having these dreams. In turn, each dream also provides insight to the fate of Paul and the various aspects of his life. This movie should be praised for its original screenplay and the excellent performance of its cast. Kristoffer Borgli draws our attention to the themes of collective consciousness and evolutionary biology. We are left to ponder on the consequences of standing out from the tribe and whether our pursuit of love drives us to risk it all.

Rating:

4.5 Jailbirds – “A movie worth dreaming about”

Locked Up on Screen: The Enduring Appeal of Prison Movies

Locked Up on Screen: The Enduring Appeal of Prison Movies

Locked Up on Screen: The Enduring Appeal of Prison Movies

By Benjamin Aitken
By Benjamin Aitken

Even before going to prison, I was drawn to prison movies. Now, after my time inside, I’m even more captivated.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 11

4 MIN READ

Paper Chained International Art Exhibition

Paper Chained International Art Exhibition

Paper Chained International Art Exhibition

By Damien Linnane
By Damien Linnane

In Sydney in May 2024, Damien Linnane (editor of the prison magazine Paper Chained) held an exhibition of art by people in prison around the world. Linnane managed to obtain over 100 artworks from currently and formerly incarcerated people in eight different countries.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 1

3 MIN READ

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Reviewed by Mark
Reviewed by Mark

I've read thousands of novels over the last fifty-odd years and not one of them was romance, but while I'm trying new things – like paraplegia and prison – I might as well add in a romance novel to my life experience.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

3 MIN READ

Your Armchair Guide to Summer Sport

Your Armchair Guide to Summer Sport

Your Armchair Guide to Summer Sport

By Goal Mouth
By Goal Mouth

An overview of recent sporting events, including horse racing, motor racing, AFLW and cricket.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 17

3 MIN READ

Parkrun Behind Bars: How a Weekly 5km Is Building Community in Australian Prisons

By Denham Sadler

Every Saturday morning in four prisons around the country, a 5km fun run takes place.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 20

6 MIN READ

The Potential of Video Games in Prison

By Stacey Stokes

Video games can be helpful for people both inside and leaving prison. They’re not only entertaining, but they can help people deal with the trauma of prison and re-entry in the community.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 19

2 MIN READ

Sports Round Up

By Goal Mouth

An overview of recent sporting events, including AFLW, motor racing, soccer and cricket.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 18

3 MIN READ

Straight Outta Risdon – Bars Behind Bars

By Sara

It takes real courage to grab the mic and share your story, especially in front of fellow inmates and complete strangers. Bars Behind Bars is more than a music program at Risdon Prison; it’s a creative outlet that’s uncovering raw talent and powerful voices.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 18

3 MIN READ