Days of Heaven
Written and directed by Terrence Malick (The Thin Red Line), "Days Of Heaven" is a moving story about two men who love the same woman. Richard Gere, a fugitive from the slums of Chicago, finds himself pitted against a shy, rich Texan (Sam Shepard) for the love of Abby (Brooke Adams). Academy Award winner for Best Cinematography.
Member Reviews
Fields of gold - luminol
This is the quintessential blu-ray film as it's filled with luscious contemplative shots with the vast majority of the landscapes taken in "the golden hour." The film is a little strange in that it deliberately avoids elaborate plot twists and character motivations and instead is mainly told through the unseen character of nature (or fate). So rather than a brooding figure with background, it's actually the background that is telling the story, the landscapes casually mirror their deepest desires; the wind caressing their hair is sensual desire, the sun touching their faces is happiness; and in the case of anger and rage, the world becomes engulfed in a bibilical plague of locusts.
The seasons are reflected in their pastimes and changing occupations on the farm. Man is still deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and his prosperity is wholly dependent upon it's predictability and pliability.
The intrigue is kind of film noirish: a young couple hatches a get rich quick scheme---in particular the Abby character who has to do much of the heavy lifting as the femme fatale in their scam but comes off completely devoid of any artifice or malevolence. But again this could be explained if a young girl of 11 or 12 was watching this tragedy unfold from a distance. So rather than a distraction, I think part of the magic of this film comes from this slightly off kilter narration.
The young girl already knows in her bones that life is brutal and unforgiving and it's over all too quickly. Her recollections match her experience and even though I think she's reminiscing about theses events, many years later, there's always something child-like and innocent about her musings. Much in the way the still photographs at the beginning of the film, stir and come to life, so she conjures out of her memories of this brief idyll on a Texas farm and her days of heaven.not for fans of Michael Bay movies - clauditorium
The first thing I can think of when trying to describe this movie is that it's like an impressionist painting, especially as it begins. We're shown a series of vignettes, and the story seems to emerge from the images. This technique can make it look like it will be difficult to become engrossed in the movie, but soon that is exactly what happens, and those seemingly inconsequential scenes end up enriching the experience.
The story is a very simple one, but told with a great deal of visual and emotional texture, and at the same time without sentimentality (as evidenced by the performance of child actress Linda Manz), and it is this combination which lends the movie its realism and depth. It soon becomes apparent that the real story here is the one of the characters' feelings, and as such it progressively becomes more compelling and affecting.The Second Best Malick - FilmJunkie
In almost 40 years of filmmaking, Terence Malick has directed only four films. This, after 1973's 'Badlands', was his second and his last before a 20 year break until 1998's 'The Thin Red Line'. His films are still, wandering and not typical Hollywood fare. However, there is something to be said for them. Though I am not a fan of 'Red Line', I did very much like 'Badlands' and so I didn't know what to expect from this film.
It follows a man, his girlfriend and a little girl who are working their way across the country, pretending to be siblings, trying to survive. The man, Bill (Richard Gere), realizes that a rich farmer has fallen for his girlfriend, Abby (1979's 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers's Brooke Adams). Bill convinces Abby to go with the farmer (Sam Shepard) so that they may all have a better life. This, of course, cannot resolve itself easily and the drama plays out in a backdrop of the peace of farm life and that of the upper classes. The tale is narrated by the little girl, Linda (Linda Manz), with a strong Chicago accent and the perspective only a child could have.
This film is stirring, I don't think there is a better word for it. It is not like any other film you have seen and it may not be your cup of tea, but it is worth it. Malick refuses to make films that are easily digestable and this haunting romance stays with you.
Member Reviews
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Fields of gold - luminol
This is the quintessential blu-ray film as it's filled with luscious contemplative shots with the vast majority of the landscapes taken in "the golden hour." The film is a little strange in that it deliberately avoids elaborate plot twists and character motivations ...not for fans of Michael Bay movies - clauditorium
The first thing I can think of when trying to describe this movie is that it's like an impressionist painting, especially as it begins. We're shown a series of vignettes, and the story seems to emerge from the images. This technique can make it look like it ...The Second Best Malick - FilmJunkie
In almost 40 years of filmmaking, Terence Malick has directed only four films. This, after 1973's 'Badlands', was his second and his last before a 20 year break until 1998's 'The Thin Red Line'. His films are still, wandering and not typical Hollywood fare. ...