It's well-made in all aspects, but not as remarkable as Bergman's later work, not to mention it's a bit difficult to engage with these characters. Oh well, it's always nice to see Harriet Andersson, especially in one of her earlier roles.

When you have a body of work like Bergman's it's hard to put a film like this in perspective. That's not to say this isn't a good movie because that's not true, it's very good, but Bergman spoils us when he's at his best and here I didn't feel spoiled.

"My name is Erik Otto Adalbert Karl Henrik Kristoffer", says Doris' sugar-daddy fling to her, half way through the film, "take your pick". This mimics the fake benevolence with which he lures her by buying her nice things. Subtle yes, also cruel. But Henrik is such a sympathetic character, and Dreams is a democratic ensemble drama, with everyone getting their say, something Bergman excels at. This is one of his finer works, one that is without the blunt symbolism present in his overrated films.

The film deal with human communication and longing masterfully but never insanely affectingly. Very good, but no masterpiece.

Underrated. This is a forgotten gem.

Closely resembles Secrets of Women... short fragments of romances at different stages, except this time it's two stories instead of three. Harriet Andersson's interactions with Gunnar Bjornstrand are pure gold, and the story has more nuance. The Eva Dahlbeck thread is good, too, but seems a bit stuffy next to the vivacity of Andersson's. Some great camera stuff, too, like the carnival rides.