Meet the Cast of Electric Dreams - A Sci-Fi Movie About Love and Artificial Intelligence

The most unusual triangle in the history of love: a boy, a girl, and a computer.

In the whimsical romantic comedy "Electric Dreams," we are introduced to Miles, portrayed by Lenny Von Dohlen, a charming but somewhat socially awkward architect who seeks to enhance his life by purchasing a cutting-edge personal computer. This striking piece of technology is no ordinary device; after an accidental spill of champagne, the computer, named Edgar, comes to life in a surprising twist, displaying unexpected thoughts and emotions. The film cleverly navigates the realms of artificial intelligence, love, and the complexities of human relationships, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging narrative.

As Miles begins to forge a bond with Edgar, things take an amusing turn when they both find themselves enamored with the same person: Madeline, the beautiful and enchanting neighbor played by Virginia Madsen. Madeline is drawn into the lives of both Miles, with his quirky charm and genuine affection, and the endearing yet confusing advances of Edgar, who tries to win her over with his unique digital flair. The rivalry creates a delightful tension as moments of hilarity unfold, showcasing the absurdity of a love triangle that includes a human and a sentient machine. As the plot develops, we witness the lengths to which Miles and Edgar will go to capture Madeline's heart, offering comedic yet thought-provoking scenarios.

The film ultimately poses intriguing questions about love, connection, and the nature of consciousness in the age of technology. As Miles learns to navigate his feelings and compete with Edgar’s digital prowess, he also discovers more about himself and what it means to truly be alive. The charming performances by Von Dohlen and Madsen, complemented by the quirky personality of Edgar, lead to a heartwarming and memorable story that highlights the power of love in all its forms—human and otherwise—while inviting audiences to reflect on the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. "Electric Dreams" captures the spirit of an era while remaining timeless in its exploration of romantic possibilities.

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Full Cast of Electric Dreams

Lenny Von Dohlen

as Miles

Lenny Von Dohlen delivered a memorable performance as Miles Harding in the 1984 cult classic "Electric Dreams," perfectly capturing the quirky and endearing nature of a man caught in a love triangle with his sentient computer. As Miles, Von Dohlen brought a charming awkwardness to the role, portraying a likable albeit socially inept architect whose life is turned upside down when his newly purchased home computer, Edgar, begins to develop feelings for Miles's love interest, Madeline (played by Virginia Madsen). Von Dohlen's portrayal is a delicate balance of comedic timing and genuine pathos; he convincingly conveys the character's frustration with the mischievous AI while also eliciting empathy as he navigates the complexities of human-computer relationships. His performance is a standout feature of the film, offering a nuanced take on the intersection of technology and human emotion, which resonated with audiences and helped cement "Electric Dreams" as a beloved entry in the science fiction romantic comedy subgenre.

Virginia Madsen

as Madeline

Virginia Madsen's portrayal of Madeline in the 1984 techno-romantic comedy "Electric Dreams" is a delightful embodiment of the era's quirky and endearing cinematic charm. As an architect and the love interest of the film's protagonist, Madsen brings a genuine warmth and vivacity to the role, making Madeline both relatable and aspirational. Her performance is a blend of grace and wit, as she navigates the complexities of a love triangle involving a man and his artificially intelligent computer. Madsen's on-screen chemistry with co-star Lenny Von Dohlen is palpable, and her interactions with the sentient computer, voiced by Bud Cort, add a layers of humor and depth to her character. Her expressive eyes and nuanced facial expressions beautifully convey Madeline's internal struggles and desires, ensuring that her character remains the heart of the film's human-technology-love nexus. Madsen's portrayal is a testament to her versatility as an actress, as she effortlessly transitions from romantic lead to a figure of inspiration, ultimately driving the narrative forward with her engaging and memorable performance.

Maxwell Caulfield

as Bill

Maxwell Caulfield's portrayal of Bill, the architect next door in the quirky 1984 sci-fi romantic comedy "Electric Dreams," is a standout aspect of the film. As the handsome, charming, yet somewhat oblivious love interest, Caulfield brings a magnetic screen presence to the role, effectively oscillating between moments of suave confidence and comedic obliviousness. His performance is a delightful blend of old-school Hollywood charm and the self-aware humor that defined many '80s leads, making Bill both a relatable and an aspirational figure. Caulfield's chemistry with co-star Virginia Madsen, who plays the object of his affection, is palpable, lending genuine warmth to their budding romance. Moreover, his interactions with Edgar, the sentient computer voiced by Bud Cort, provide a humorous and heartfelt exploration of technology's impact on human relationships. Caulfield's Bill is both a product of his time—with his preppy fashion sense and architectural ambitions—and a timeless romantic lead, contributing significantly to the film's enduring appeal as a cult classic.

Bud Cort

as Edgar (voice)

Bud Cort's vocal performance as Edgar, the artificially intelligent computer in the 1984 cult classic "Electric Dreams," is a remarkable blend of earnestness and electronic charm. Cort infuses Edgar with a palpable sense of innocence and curiosity as the machine evolves from a simple operating system into a sentient being. His intonations and delivery capture the essence of a digital entity grappling with human emotions and the complexities of relationships, particularly as Edgar develops a touching and comedic bond with protagonist Miles Harding (Lenny Von Dohlen). Cort's ability to convey a range of emotions through voice alone—from the joy of discovery to the pangs of unrequited love—makes Edgar an endearing and memorable character, contributing significantly to the film's lasting appeal within the sci-fi romantic comedy genre. His performance is a testament to the actor's versatility and his skill in bringing to life a character that is both relatable and otherworldly.

Don Fellows

as Ryley

Don Fellows delivered a memorable performance as Ryley in the 1984 cult classic "Electric Dreams," a film that fuses romantic comedy with science fiction elements. As Ryley, Fellows portrayed the quintessential, gruff building superintendent with a heart of gold, bringing a touch of levity and a dash of curmudgeonly charm to the screen. His interactions with the protagonist, Miles Harding, played by Lenny Von Dohlen, and his love interest, Madeline Robistat, portrayed by Virginia Madsen, added a humanizing counterbalance to the film's more fantastical aspects centered around an artificial intelligence-driven computer named Edgar. Fellows' Ryley is the embodiment of the everyday man, dealing with the quirks and chaos that ensue when technology transcends human expectations. His performance is marked by impeccable timing and a subtle warmth that resonates with audiences, making Ryley an endearing and relatable character amidst the film's high-tech romance and 80s synth-pop soundtrack. Don Fellows' portrayal of Ryley is a testament to his ability to ground a fantastical narrative with authenticity and humor, making it one of the many elements that contribute to the enduring appeal of "Electric Dreams."

Alan Polonsky

as Frank

Alan Polonsky's portrayal of Frank in the 1984 cult classic "Electric Dreams" is a memorable exploration of the nerdy architect archetype, imbued with a charming awkwardness and a genuine warmth. As the film's protagonist, Polonsky skillfully balances the character's professional ambition with a heartfelt desire for personal connection, making Frank an endearing everyman. His performance is characterized by a subtle blend of social unease and a burgeoning sense of confidence, particularly as Frank navigates the complexities of his relationship with his neighbor, Madeline, played by Virginia Madsen. Polonsky's chemistry with both Madsen and the anthropomorphized computer, Edgar, voiced by Bud Cort, forms the emotional core of the film. His reactions to the increasingly surreal events unfolding around him are grounded in a realistic and relatable manner, inviting the audience to root for Frank as he stumbles into love and learns to embrace the quirks of his sentient computer companion. Alan Polonsky's nuanced acting ensures that Frank's journey from a man stuck in a rut to someone who finds love and friendship in the most unexpected of circumstances is both engaging and touching, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.