Award-winning filmmaker Carol Morley (The Alcohol Years) returns with one of the year’s most captivating and unforgettable films. Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Would anyone miss you if you disappeared? Screening at ACMI Cinemas, Carol Morley’s Dreams of a Life is a haunting documentary inspired by a newspaper report about a woman who was discovered in her north London council flat some three years after she had died. With the television and heater still on, she was surrounded by Christmas presents wrapped and ready to share. The discovery begged the question of how someone can get lost in a world where we are seemingly bombarded with surveillance and technological connectivity.
Intrigued by the story, filmmaker Carol Morley set about uncovering the mystery woman, posting advertisements in local papers and on the side of black cabs asking for anyone who knew 38- year-old Joyce Vincent. Over time, an eclectic group of people emerged and, through their personal stories and recollections, helped to resurrect an enigmatic beauty, who was equal parts vivacious party girl and recluse.
In Dreams of a Life, screening at ACMI in an extended-run season, Morley has drawn influence from Agnès Varda’s 1985 film Vagabond to craft a multi-layered film that unfurls with each new interviewee adding another piece to this fascinating jigsaw. The resulting film is not only a compelling examination of an individual life but also a vibrant portrait of London and its inhabitants.
“Hauntingly unforgettable” – Screen International
“Riveting to watch and revealing to ponder long after it ends” – The Observer
Dreams of a Life (PG) screens from Thursday 13 September – Sunday 7 October 2012.
Tickets > Full $15, Concession $12, ACMI Members $11.
Visit www.acmi.net.aufor sessions dates and times.
ACMI Cinemas, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne
