The Lathe of Heaven Poster

The Lathe of Heaven 1980

★ 6.742 votes105 min📅 1980-01-09

"Ursula K. Le Guin's Science Fiction Masterpiece"

Step into the unsettling world of *The Lathe of Heaven (1980)*, Fred Barzyk's haunting adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin's award-winning science fiction novel.

Director: Fred Barzyk

Cast

Bruce Davison
Bruce Davison
George Orr
Peyton E. Park
Mannie Ahrens
Niki Flacks
Penny Crouch
Kevin Conway
Kevin Conway
Dr. William Haber
Vandi Clark
Aunt Ethel
Bernedette Whitehead
George's Mother
Jo Livingston
George's Father
Jane Roberts
Grandmother
Tom Matts
Grandfather
Frank Miller
Parole Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lathe of Heaven (1980) about?

*The Lathe of Heaven* follows George Orr, a man whose dreams can alter waking life, as he seeks to suppress his dangerous ability. When psychiatrist Dr. Haber discovers the truth, he manipulates Orr's power to "improve" the world—only to unleash unanticipated, nightmarish changes that challenge the very fabric of reality.

Who directed The Lathe of Heaven?

The film was directed by Fred Barzyk, a visionary filmmaker known for his experimental and socially conscious projects in television and cinema.

Who stars in The Lathe of Heaven?

The cast features Bruce Davison as George Orr, Peyton E. Park as the enigmatic psychiatrist, and Kevin Conway in a pivotal role that drives the story's central conflict.

Is The Lathe of Heaven (1980) worth watching?

A hidden gem of 1970s sci-fi, *The Lathe of Heaven* offers a cerebral and atmospheric experience that rewards patient viewers. While not widely rated, its themes of dystopian ambition and reality-bending dilemmas make it a compelling watch for fans of philosophical thrillers and Ursula K. Le Guin's literary universe.

How long is The Lathe of Heaven?

The runtime for *The Lathe of Heaven* is 105 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Lathe of Heaven (1980) — A Chilling Sci-Fi Masterpiece of Dream-Shaped Reality

Step into the unsettling world of *The Lathe of Heaven (1980)*, Fred Barzyk's haunting adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin's award-winning science fiction novel. This thought-provoking thriller follows George Orr, a man whose dreams possess the terrifying power to reshape reality—only to witness his subconscious alterations spiral into chaotic, unforeseen consequences. When psychiatrist Dr. Haber discovers Orr's gift, he exploits it under hypnosis, attempting to mold a utopian world for humanity. But each intervention twists reality in bizarre and dangerous ways, blurring the line between progress and catastrophe.

With its atmospheric tension and philosophical depth, *The Lathe of Heaven* blends science fiction with psychological drama, exploring themes of control, ethics, and the unintended repercussions of playing god. Featuring a standout cast led by Bruce Davison and Kevin Conway, this 1980 TV movie delivers a chilling meditation on humanity's hubris, wrapped in the eerie precision of 1970s cinematic storytelling.