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Days of Heaven (1978)
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The Second Best Malick Flick
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.
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