Dream of Love, The (ATOM Study Guide)

The Dream of Love is documentary film suitable for secondary students: a personal and emotional story of love, marriage and commitment. Motivated by a need to know more about his family, particularly his parents, Lawrence Johnston explores the nature and dynamics of his parents' fifty-nine year marriage and its impact on the romantic aspirations of his brothers and sisters. Through interviews with his parents and siblings, Johnston offers honest and telling observations about human relationships. Facing the truth head-on, Johnston reveals the often-tempestuous nature of his parents' relationship. His siblings speak of the arguments and abuse that caused them as children to live with fear and uncertainty. As his parents near their sixtieth anniversary, Johnston contemplates whether his parents were in love with each other and whether they love one another now. A journey of strong emotions, both positive and negative, The Dream of Love offers a hopeful statement given that Johnston and his siblings have been able to make positive decisions about love and relationships.

Curriculum Links:
The study guide to accompany The Dream of Love has been written for middle and senior secondary students. It provides information and suggestions for learning activities in:

• English
• Health and Human Development
• Religious Education
• Media Studies
• SOSE / HSIE