There is a Japanese legend of a dreaming man riding on the back of a turtle, and that simple tale asks the profound question - what is ‘real’ and what is ‘dream’? Whose perspective creates the reality we believe in – the one awake, or the one asleep? This heady question is explored in Bruce Wood’s moody feature THE DOOR.

Kent is one confused guy. His most recent friend has passed away, and he can’t understand the situation. His friend Ori tries to tell Kent they’re not like “them”; he has to accept what happened and not get so involved with “them.” Ori explains he is perfectly well-adjusted to who he is and has no problem having fun with them – and staying out of emotional drama they’re so known for. Ori tells Kent he’ll introduce him to three of his ‘special’ friends to help him understand exactly who he is...

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Ori’s friends. Charlene is a workaholic raising a family and earning her PhD; Jean’s trapped in a loveless marriage with an idiot, and Ron is a low-level broker praying for that one big break. However, these three share a unique distinction; they each share each others’ dreams. Kent is very skeptical; he doesn’t dream, and doesn’t believe anyone else does either. But Ori makes the introductions a few nights later, and Kent agrees to let them try to convince him that dreams are real. They start by describing a crazy dream in which they wind up in Bora Bora together, although what happens in the island cottages remains their own experience. Hmm...

A few days later, Kent runs into Charlene, who’s trying to land her dream job. Just so happens Kent knows the mayor, and throws a party so Charlene can kibbutz for the job. After Ron reveals what happened to him in Bora Bora, Kent tells him he needs a broker for his millions – so Ron finally gets the financial break he’s been hoping for. Kent meets Jean for a drink, and things escalate rapidly from there - soon Kent asks Jean to be his wife. Her life will never be troubled again by her no-good ex. Three dreams come true – or do they? Like wishes, be careful what you dream for kids, because things aren’t always what they appear to be...

THE DOOR reminds me of those ‘Magic Picture’ books where you stare at a picture of one thing, then something else becomes revealed (which I never get – damn sailboat!). The film proceeds with many layers of content, but the plot isn’t too complex as to leave one confused. However, when the ultimate truth is revealed, the entire film bears re-thinking as events you thought you knew change their perspective and reveal a new perspective. Bruce Wood must be commended for writing such an intricate film that doesn’t lose its audience. The acting is very good in THE DOOR; the main players handle their complex roles with ease and really involve the audience in their onscreen lives. Kent, Ori, Charlene, Ron and Jean are so strong, and their fates so intertwined, they make a strong connection with the viewer. The supporting cast adds their own distinct characters that are interesting in their own right. The direction is very good with a keen eye towards movement and space (although some edits transition to a similar shot, which I found a bit distracting from a technical P.O.V., but that’s just me being nit-picky). Some of the special effects scenes are pretty bizarre, but they fit in with the context of the film. Picture-wise, THE DOOR is a very clean print. The lighting work is excellent; everything is visible, clear and distinct, whether interior, exterior or night scenes. The eclectic music score bears mentioning as it works in perfect concert with the images. The only flaw may be the audio; some of the dialogue is looped in post-production. This creates some uneven sound in scenes, although this may be an artistic choice (remember, we’re dealing with the nature of reality here). But it is a little distracting if I may quibble again. Even so, THE DOOR is quite a fascinating accomplishment that makes the audience question their perception of what is real – and what they may want to be real.

THE DOOR has been released on DVD with only a few extras. There is of course a trailer, plus a ‘soundtrack only’ option (told you the music was good). The neat extra is interviews with the characters of Ori and Kent. This clever set-up, with director Wood as the interviewer, adds even more nuance to the characters and enhances an already complex movie. I’d like to have seen a feature on the making of THE DOOR; it must have been quite the experience for this talented cast and crew.

Do you dream of a turtle – or is the turtle dreaming of you? THE DOOR challenges its characters and its audience to find the answer to this profound question. THE DOOR epitomizes all the right things about independent filmmaking; a dedicated cast and crew help writer/director Bruce Wood succeed in making a rare movie – one that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Remember when you lie you down to sleep tonight to shut the door behind you....