Morphine "Journey of Dreams"
The band Morphine blazed like a comet across the global music scene in the 1990s with its innovative "Low Rock" sound. Fronted by two-string bassist/vocalist/songwriter Mark Sandman, the trio rose from local Boston clubs to indie and major label record deals, international touring, and wide critical acclaim until their tragic and untimely demise in 1999. In "Morphine: Journey of Dreams," the group's surviving members and associates tell their story intercut with passages from saxophonist Dana Colley's vivid tour journals. Rare live performances from throughout their career woven into the story display why their unique and mesmeric sound continues to resonate with music lovers today. This artfully- delivered documentary doesn't just get behind but rather inside the music and the soul of the group to honor Morphine's notable artistic achievements and the creative bond the musicians shared.
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Mark ShumanDirector
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Mark ShumanProducer
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Joe StrummerKey Cast
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Henry RollinsKey Cast
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Mark SandmanKey Cast
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Dana ColleyKey Cast
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Steve BerlinKey Cast
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Jerome DeupreeKey Cast
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Billy ConwayKey Cast
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:1 hour 33 minutes
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Completion Date:October 29, 2014
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:Australia, Belgium, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:HD
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Austin Film FestivalAustin, TX
October 25, 2014
World Premiere -
Salem Film FestSalem, MA
March 6, 2015
East Coast Premiere -
DORF FestivalVinkovci, Croatia
March 12, 2015
European Premiere
Special Jury Prize -
Middle of the Map FestivalKansas City, KS
April 11, 2015
Kansas City Premiere -
CIMM FestivalChicago, IL
April 17, 2015
Chicago Premiere -
IFFBostonBoston, MA
April 25, 2015
Boston Premiere -
Indie LisbonLisbon, Portugal
May 1, 2015
Portugal Premiere
Austin/New York based filmmaker Mark Shuman, Director/Producer of "Morphine: Journey of Dreams," came to the film with a unique affinity for his subject. He has worked on movies, television series and specials, commercials and music videos. Shuman was also the owner of a legendary Austin music venue, the Electric Lounge. The band Morphine played a show at his club on their first national tour, which led to a longtime relationship that ultimately birthed the documentary.
Shuman fell in love with films as a youth going to Saturday afternoon matinees and drive-in theaters on weekend nights. "There was always a mystique attached to movies for me," he explains.
After graduating from the University of Texas film school, Shuman moved to Los Angeles and started his career working on low-budget films with industry figures such as Roger Corman and Roman Coppola. He also began working on national commercial productions.
Returning to Texas, Shuman spent a few years directing national music videos in Austin and Nashville and after the Electric Lounge closed, he moved to New York City to work as an Assistant Director on television shows and commercials. He has since split his time working on productions and living in New York and Texas.
A chance meeting with Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley at Austin's South By Southwest Music Festival prompted Shuman to propose doing a documentary on the band to the surviving band members, who agreed and endorsed his film. He directed, produced and financed the feature-length film.
"I'd always loved the band," says Shuman. "I have always thought they were really underrated in terms of their originality and influence, and it's a timeless sound and story."