The American Dreams

by Philip Ridley

"Philip Ridley is a singular writer, a prolific polymath, probably a genius, and the creator of some of the most peculiar, grotesque and compelling British plays (and films) of the last several years" (Time Out)

Ridley's film debut The Reflecting Skin caused a sensation at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival and went on to win eleven international awards. Set in the Idaho farmlands of the 1950s, the film follows eight-year-old Seth through a mythical summer where reality is heightened to the level of an hallucinogenic, quasi-fantasy. The Passion of Darkly Noon is a modern fable; echoing the surrealist style of Ridley's dazzling and innovative debut film. A young man roaming the American countryside, the victim of a savage attack on his religious cult, is rescued by Callie, for whom he develops a dangerous obsession. "Provocative, shocking and disturbing, a true original...a masterpiece." (What's On)

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Benjamin Niespodziany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched The Reflecting Skin (loved it) then read The Passion of Darkly Noon (loved it). Two strange minimal countryside fables. Surreal in their desolate American backdrops and striking imagery. Philip Ridley is a master of bizarre dialogue and unsettling build-ups.

[Ritva S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. You've just got to love these strangely surreal scripts!