The Dreamers (2003)

Last updated:
September 10, 2025

The Dreamers (2003), directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is a provocative drama that blends politics, cinema, and sexual exploration. Set in Paris during the May 1968 student riots, the film tells the story of three young people whose intense relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a society on the brink of revolution.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Meeting of Kindred Spirits

Matthew (Michael Pitt), an American exchange student in Paris, spends most of his free time at the Cinémathèque Française, a haven for cinephiles. There, he meets Isabelle (Eva Green) and her twin brother, Théo (Louis Garrel). Drawn together by their mutual love of film, the three quickly form a bond.

Moving In Together

When Isabelle and Théo’s parents leave town, Matthew is invited to stay with them. Their relationship becomes increasingly unconventional, as they play games, re-enact famous movie scenes, and push the boundaries of intimacy. Soon, Matthew realizes that the twins share a highly unusual closeness, one that verges on incestuous.

Sexual Awakening and Conflicts

Matthew is pulled into their world of dares and sexual exploration. Each game carries stakes, and losing often requires performing an intimate or shocking act. Though he is initially both fascinated and disturbed, he cannot bring himself to leave. The trio lives in a fantasy bubble, shut away from the growing unrest in the city.

The Outside World Closing In

As protests and riots intensify outside, Matthew begins to clash with Théo over politics. Théo is deeply engaged in leftist ideology, while Matthew critiques him for living in ideals without truly acting. Their debates mirror the contrast between youthful rebellion and pragmatic realism.

Movie Ending

The trio’s insulated world collapses when Isabelle and Théo’s parents return unexpectedly. Rather than facing them, Isabelle decides that she and Théo should end their lives, seeing no way to reconcile their secret world with reality. She turns on the gas while Matthew is asleep beside them.

Matthew wakes in time and drags them out of the apartment, saving them. Once outside, they stumble directly into a violent street protest. Théo embraces the chaos and joins the rioters, throwing a Molotov cocktail at the police. Isabelle follows him without hesitation. Matthew, however, stands apart—he cannot follow them into this destructive path. The final image leaves him isolated, walking away as the twins disappear into the violent crowd.

This ending underscores the divergence of paths: Matthew chooses life and distance, while Isabelle and Théo choose passion, destruction, and immersion in revolution.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The Dreamers does not feature any post-credits scenes. The final shot of Matthew parting ways with Isabelle and Théo serves as the conclusive ending.

Type of Movie

The film is an erotic drama with strong elements of romance, political commentary, and art-house cinema. It is both deeply intimate and politically charged, blending the personal with the historical.

Cast

Michael Pitt as Matthew
Eva Green as Isabelle
Louis Garrel as Théo
Anna Chancellor as Isabelle and Théo’s Mother
Robin Renucci as Isabelle and Théo’s Father

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack features a mix of 1960s rock and classical music, rather than an original score. Notable tracks include Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Bob Dylan, and Edith Piaf. Bertolucci deliberately uses music as a way to connect the characters’ private rebellion with the cultural revolution outside.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily in Paris, France. The apartment where most of the film takes place was built on a soundstage, allowing for greater control over the intimate setting. The street protest sequences, however, were filmed in actual Parisian locations, grounding the story in historical authenticity.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival (2003)
Eva Green’s performance received widespread praise and launched her international career, even though the film itself divided critics.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Bernardo Bertolucci insisted on casting relatively unknown actors to give the story a raw and authentic feel.
Eva Green, in her film debut, reportedly shocked her family with the boldness of her role.
Michael Pitt described the atmosphere on set as “both playful and intense,” given the vulnerability required of the actors.
Some scenes were improvised, particularly moments of debate between Matthew and Théo.

Inspirations and References

Based on the novel “The Holy Innocents” by Gilbert Adair.
Inspired by Bertolucci’s own youth in the 1960s and his obsession with cinema.
References classic films like Band of Outsiders (Jean-Luc Godard) and Blonde Venus (Josef von Sternberg).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No official alternate endings were filmed, but some cut material included longer philosophical conversations between Matthew and Théo. These were removed to maintain pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film closely follows Adair’s novel but amplifies the political backdrop. In the book, the focus is more on the trio’s relationship and less on the protests. Bertolucci deliberately tied the story to the 1968 riots to highlight how personal and political revolutions intersect.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The apartment “games” where film trivia dares lead to shocking punishments.
Isabelle recreating Greta Garbo’s walk from Queen Christina.
The three running through the Louvre, referencing Godard’s Band of Outsiders.
The climactic protest, where Théo throws a Molotov cocktail.

Iconic Quotes

Matthew: “I wanted to be inside your head… I wanted to be inside your skin.”
Isabelle: “We’re bound together. We’re inseparable.”
Théo: “Politics is the cinema of the people. Cinema is the politics of the dreamers.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The “running through the Louvre” scene is a direct homage to Jean-Luc Godard’s Band of Outsiders.
The posters in the apartment reflect the characters’ personalities—Théo’s political posters and Isabelle’s classic Hollywood icons.
The use of The Doors’ music symbolizes the trio’s descent into hedonism.

Trivia

Eva Green was only 22 during filming; this was her first major role.
Bernardo Bertolucci was heavily criticized for the film’s graphic content, but he defended it as essential to the characters’ story.
Michael Pitt was chosen after Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly turned down the role of Matthew.
The protest scenes were partly recreated with real archival footage blended in.

Why Watch?

Watch The Dreamers if you’re drawn to bold, sensual storytelling that mixes sexuality, politics, and cinephilia. It’s both a love letter to cinema and a provocative exploration of youth in revolt. The film isn’t for everyone, but if you appreciate daring, intellectual filmmaking, it’s unforgettable.

Director’s Other Movies

Last Tango in Paris (1972)
1900 (1976)
The Last Emperor (1987) – Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director
Stealing Beauty (1996)

The Dreamers (2003)