Field Of Dreams

Writing: 8/10

Direction: 8/10

Cinematography: 8/10

Acting: 10/10

Editing: 6/10

Sound: 9/10

Score: 10/10

Prod design: 6/10

Casting: 10/10

Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 8.1/10

Field Of Dreams is nostalgic. Its MidWest setting evokes themes of simplicity, compassion, understanding, togetherness, and family relationships. Its baseball metaphor taps into the American consciousness of this sport and its heritage. It risks being shallow nostalgia fare but circumvents it by giving insightful critiques of fascism and communal hatred. Hence it has a strong emotional core and makes insightful commentary on the American culture.

On a technical level Field Of Dreams is adequate. Phil Alden Robinson's direction employs standard framing, transitions, widescreen shots, neon color grading and dreamy sequences evoking the rural heritage of America. James Horner's score is poignant, emotional with a melancholic subtext. It's editing employs split cuts, quick transitions and voiceovers. Kevin Costner and Ray Liotta invest the audience in this film despite its filmsy indulgence and are the emotional core of it. Overall Field of Dreams is simple but potent and effective.