FIELD OF DREAMS 🤩 

It was 1989 when a magical story was encapsulated in a cornfield and captured my heart and soul. Since then, I have probably re-watched this intriguing, sweet, creative film over fifty times. I could not stop my mind from thinking of all the infinite possibilities. For me, this is a measure of greatness when a movie causes fleeting thoughts that race and never end throughout my mind every time. I think about life and death and how these two realms might be connected in ways we cannot understand or conceive possible. Is there a place where connections intersect and come together? Do I believe in second chances in life and even after death? Has society created a ‘one true constant’ for all people? And what about spirits? Are there ghosts who walk among us unseen by most? How are people chosen to view these visions? Will these entities remember their former selves? Do we still feel pain, regret, and sorrow from our time on earth? Whose responsibility is it to ease our pain? What do we think of those who see ‘others?’ Does the word crazy come to mind? Oh…so many questions. They never stop haunting and triggering my brain. 

I am going to admit something I usually don’t tell strangers. I have seen spirits. I have had conversations with them and listened to what they want to say to me. I have felt the energy around all living things. I have been enveloped in it to such a degree that I can’t see what’s in front of me. It does not scare me. I welcome these stunning moments of clarity, but I have also wondered if I could “go the distance” to see and feel more. Ahh..another question. This is what the spectacular film FIELD OF DREAMS does to me. It lifts me to a higher sphere, wondering if Iowa or any other location could be heaven on earth because that is where dreams come true. 

The second FIELD OF DREAMS showcases its vast cornfields across the screen, and we hear the expressive, emotional opening notes of James Horner’s brilliant musical score. We know something astonishing is about to happen. And it does. Kevin Costner, as Ray Kinsella, does not disappoint in his inquisitive quest to do something out of the ordinary. He dreams of accomplishing one ‘crazy thing’ during his lifetime. 

Costner’s facial expressions, energy, and enthusiasm to find hidden answers make his characterization authentic, natural, and believable. We can suspend our disbelief and follow Ray when he discusses his thoughts with his amazing, understanding wife, Annie (Amy Madigan), or when he ventures 1600 miles to Boston to meet Terrence Mann (James Earl Jones) and Doc ‘Moonlight’ Graham (Burt Lancaster) in Minnesota. It all felt like it was supposed to happen, and we were privy to the extraordinary events. 

The historically correct saga of Shoeless Joe Jackson, played by the impressive actor Ray Liotta, gave FIELD OF DREAMS its sturdy foundation. Being a part of the camaraderie between his teammates even after death, was refreshing, humorous, and quite down to earth. Based on the novel by W.P. Kinsella, the writers described how sports fans feel about baseball. The use of sense recall when describing the touch and smell of a newly oiled glove or the second a ball makes contact with the palm of your hand gave viewers the power to play right along with the entire team. There were mesmerizing monologues that encouraged everyone to run out and play ball. Myself included, and I don’t play sports. 

What I loved was the scene about a school district considering banning books. It made the film as current as possible with what is happening across our country. Maybe it would help if Annie stood up and recited her awesome speech at the PTA meeting. Those were mighty, powerful words delivered with a fierce passion. As a side note, Terrence Mann was modeled after the prolific J.D. Salinger, who changed young people’s opinions for future generations. 

FIELD OF DREAMS is a sentimental, family-based, and spirit-filled classic. It gives us permission to ponder the palatable presence of all things we don’t know for sure. It helps audiences keep their eye on the ball in their own journeys. If this film were shown again in theaters, I know “people will come for the peace they lack. Oh… people will come.” 

FIELD OF DREAMS is available to watch on Netflix.