I was agog watching it, thinking, “This movie hates rural people.” And yet, it is considered now to be an ode to the small town America. No, it’s two Californians who come to farmland, buck the narrowminded ways of the locals, and because they do what they consider right, magic happens.
I understand your perspective and why the film might not resonate with everyone. Let me share my experience, which might offer some insight.
When “Field of Dreams” was released in 1989, I was around 15 and deeply interested in baseball and its place in American culture. The film stood out because it wasn’t just another typical sports movie; it introduced a unique blend of fantasy and emotion that was rare at the time. Experiencing it during that era, especially as a young baseball enthusiast, made it particularly impactful. 
Watching the film now, outside of its original context, might not evoke the same feelings. The movie intentionally departs from realism, incorporating surreal elements like mysterious voices and ghostly appearances to signal that the setting is beyond the ordinary. It’s a narrative that asks viewers to suspend disbelief and embrace its fantastical aspects.
A central theme is the protagonist’s journey to reconcile with his father—a storyline that resonated with many, especially those from the World War II generation who experienced distant paternal relationships. This emotional core contributed to the film’s widespread acclaim, leading to three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Revisiting “Field of Dreams” years later, I recognize it’s not something I would watch repeatedly now. However, at that time, it encapsulated a sense of magic: the ambiance of summer, the allure of baseball, and the nostalgia of freshly cut grass. Movies from that period often carried an essence that’s hard to replicate today.
Reflecting on the art we’ve created is valuable. Having spent 25 years as a filmmaker, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion that go into storytelling. Beyond the industry’s flaws, many filmmakers, like Kevin Costner, are deeply committed to their craft and to bringing meaningful stories to life.
Saw your video about men and reading books, or not reading books. You nailed it. Very thoughtful and intelligent .
My mom made me read before I entered kindergarten so I’ve always read a lot. Usual two novels a week and primary fiction. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything with a lack of male writers. I usually go to the book store, and buy-a dozens books based on cover, or the write up or whatever, I’ll read anything .
I don’t really do this monthly subscription things on Substack but if somebody writes a book and they post it and I see it, I’ll just automatically buy it and read it.
Clearly you didn’t pay attention. The “voice” is his own. Not god or another divine spirit. Shoeless Joe even explains that to him in the end. “He will come” is his father. Ray (Costner) built the field to mend the pain between him and his deceased father. The fact that he never was able to make a mends with his father before he died is explained towards the end of the movie.
The heart of movie is about fathers and sons. Often father/son relationships go frail when boys grow up and innocence is lost. Baseball is merely something that is supposed to represent our innocence
No, I got all that. And I have no beef with the end. This ex facto explanation does not clear up the plot hole of why he calmly accepted an audible voice speaking to him in his field
The clue is in the title field of dreams. You are expecting the story to be rational it is about fulfilling a dream. If you believe in your dreams enough they can become reality is the fiction the story is based on that can be true in some circumstances the fact that this is fantasy means the story can take you into wishful thinking . Children go through a faze of magical thinking and this film feeds the child in us as good fiction often does
I have never finished watching Field of Dreams because I felt exactly that underwhelment when I was 8 or whatever and still do.
I was struck how anti-rural culture it was when I rewatched it last year. The farmers are portrayed as hicks and book burners.
I missed that aspect of it, but you’re right. Especially looking back and realizing that infiltrating the schools with filth was always the plan
I was agog watching it, thinking, “This movie hates rural people.” And yet, it is considered now to be an ode to the small town America. No, it’s two Californians who come to farmland, buck the narrowminded ways of the locals, and because they do what they consider right, magic happens.
Truly gross. And it wasn’t even his idea. He didn’t follow his dreams; he followed orders
I understand your perspective and why the film might not resonate with everyone. Let me share my experience, which might offer some insight.
When “Field of Dreams” was released in 1989, I was around 15 and deeply interested in baseball and its place in American culture. The film stood out because it wasn’t just another typical sports movie; it introduced a unique blend of fantasy and emotion that was rare at the time. Experiencing it during that era, especially as a young baseball enthusiast, made it particularly impactful. 
Watching the film now, outside of its original context, might not evoke the same feelings. The movie intentionally departs from realism, incorporating surreal elements like mysterious voices and ghostly appearances to signal that the setting is beyond the ordinary. It’s a narrative that asks viewers to suspend disbelief and embrace its fantastical aspects.
A central theme is the protagonist’s journey to reconcile with his father—a storyline that resonated with many, especially those from the World War II generation who experienced distant paternal relationships. This emotional core contributed to the film’s widespread acclaim, leading to three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Revisiting “Field of Dreams” years later, I recognize it’s not something I would watch repeatedly now. However, at that time, it encapsulated a sense of magic: the ambiance of summer, the allure of baseball, and the nostalgia of freshly cut grass. Movies from that period often carried an essence that’s hard to replicate today.
Reflecting on the art we’ve created is valuable. Having spent 25 years as a filmmaker, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion that go into storytelling. Beyond the industry’s flaws, many filmmakers, like Kevin Costner, are deeply committed to their craft and to bringing meaningful stories to life.
Saw your video about men and reading books, or not reading books. You nailed it. Very thoughtful and intelligent .
My mom made me read before I entered kindergarten so I’ve always read a lot. Usual two novels a week and primary fiction. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything with a lack of male writers. I usually go to the book store, and buy-a dozens books based on cover, or the write up or whatever, I’ll read anything .
I don’t really do this monthly subscription things on Substack but if somebody writes a book and they post it and I see it, I’ll just automatically buy it and read it.
Dave 😎
I think the voice was referring to this: https://screenrant.com/field-dreams-real-place-baseball-oiwa-history-explained/#:~:text=The%20iconic%20baseball%20diamond%20from,baseball%20and%20general%20sports%20fans.
Hollywood is who came! And profits shall be had in the real world! So sayeth the voice!!!
Clearly you didn’t pay attention. The “voice” is his own. Not god or another divine spirit. Shoeless Joe even explains that to him in the end. “He will come” is his father. Ray (Costner) built the field to mend the pain between him and his deceased father. The fact that he never was able to make a mends with his father before he died is explained towards the end of the movie.
The heart of movie is about fathers and sons. Often father/son relationships go frail when boys grow up and innocence is lost. Baseball is merely something that is supposed to represent our innocence
No, I got all that. And I have no beef with the end. This ex facto explanation does not clear up the plot hole of why he calmly accepted an audible voice speaking to him in his field
The clue is in the title field of dreams. You are expecting the story to be rational it is about fulfilling a dream. If you believe in your dreams enough they can become reality is the fiction the story is based on that can be true in some circumstances the fact that this is fantasy means the story can take you into wishful thinking . Children go through a faze of magical thinking and this film feeds the child in us as good fiction often does