...engaging and discerning culture, as a way of life...

December 10, 2005

Days of Heaven - 7

This second film by Terrence Malick is better and deals with the some of the same themes of Badlands, but goes further in analyzing culture. I think it illustrates well the American way to deal with problems (It sounds like his new film The New World is going to deal with this same theme). That is that the American expanse, and large spaces allow for people to run from their problems, to find a new place to try to start over. In the end though this cannot be the solutions because people bring their character with them. The narrator makes constant reference to how peoples actions have consequences and one can only deny that for so long before the truth stares you in the face. There is very little dialogue but the film shows its story well. The ending is somewhat mysterious but also plays on the theme "keep moving," the peace is fleeting. I hadn't wanted to see The New World, but this film has changed my mind. This film also won the Oscar for best cinematography, it is beautiful and intricate.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hotcha! Another convert to Malick is successful!

I rule! *fist pump a la American Beauty*

I like your interpretation about moving around, as that helps reconcile what I initially regarded as a weak ending. Granted, Ebert made some of that clear, but this also helps. We'll see how you like The Thin Red Line...

Paul, who will see The New World on the 26th

~greg said...

I liked the Ebert review. And yes, I've successfully been converted. Ebert mentions that he may make the film The Moviegoer, a Walker Percy novel, that would be awesome. I like how Malick's films speak of loss and memory and the human response to it.