Classic Movie Monday: Days of Heaven

Today I am starting a new feature to the Todhunter Observer; Classic Movie Monday. On Mondays I will watch a film at least 25 years old that I have never seen before. I will then write my comments on the film, telling you what I thought of it. This is an attempt to beef up my classic film knowledge as well as highlight some forgotten gems of Hollywood's heyday. So without further ado...

Days of Heaven
Released: Sep 13, 1978
Directed by Terrence Malick
Starring: Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, & Sam Shepard

Plot in a Nutshell:
A young couple, Bill (Gere) and Abby (Adams) flee Chicago with his young sister. They get hired to work in the fields of a wealthy farmer named (Shepard). When Gere finds out the Farmer is sick and could die, he encourages his lover to court him, so when he dies they can get inheritance. But things go wrong when the farmer doesn't kick the bucket.

What I thought:
I enjoyed this movie. It takes its time unfolding amidst the natural beauty of early 20th century, panhandle Texas. And it could be construed as boring, however with most of Malick's films, nice and easy is the best.

The story was simple and heartbreaking, yet it doesn't generate empathy with its characters. I found that I didn't care what happened with the two lovers, because they were being deceitful and untrustworthy. I tended to feel for the girl the most, because she just kind of went along with what Bill was suggesting. The film conveys this without-a-plan, invincible attitude (so inherent with youth) extremely well. Bill and Abby don't realize the consequences of what they are doing. The pain it causes them and the farmer. And ultimately one his sister must live with as she grows up without her family.

This is a beautifully shot film. As with most of Malick's work, the story is told not so much with words, but in its imagery. Almost entirely shot within the so called "magic hour," Days of Heaven is a fantastic meal for the eyes, a minor miracle considering the Cinematographer was going blind at the time. The vistas are breathtaking, the shots steady and deliberate. The sequence of the locust invasion was absolutely mesmerizing.

And I can't leave without mentioning the score. Ennio Morricone has crafted a subdued ambient sound that upon hearing it, you will simultaneously recognize it (since it has been used countless times in various ads over the years) and feel an immeasurable peace.

Bottom Line:
A simple story told in beautiful images, with a message to think of consequence before action.

A

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