Badlands (1973)
Love, guns and on the run.
Presentation:
One of Terrence Malick’s earliest film, which has considerably more commercial appeal as he is constrained by the true crime script. It’s a good premise similar to Bonnie and Clyde, two young people in love run away and embark on a killing spree in rural America. It’s still somewhat philosophical in nature with all the shots of animals, horizons and scenery, but much more palatable and restrained. What immediately strikes you about this film are the visuals. Wardrobe ingeniously uses color like blue amidst the green plains and yellow suburban houses, Sissy Spacek’s red hair seems to be a character in itself. She is really striking in this film just like in Carrie selling the demure and innocent tone. She has such a unique look and quiet charisma that completely draws your attention, an absolute perfect casting for a Malick film. Sheen is also interesting with his boyish James Dean appearance, though I wasn’t completely sold by his psychopathy. It’s all strangely beautiful and signaturely thought provoking as always from the Harvard cum laude philosophy major.
Conclusion:
Although this film may appear to ride on the coat tails another film, it’s whole heartedly a Malick production. The direction is there and does provoke you to question love and romanticize the world weariness of suburban America, though most importantly leaves a lasting impression. It’s not as amazing as Days of Heaven, but it’s still impressive especially considering it has action elements and car chasing. It’s thematically Shakespearean in nature and could be written as a Greek tragedy of sorts. Sometimes it feels like Terrence Malick filmmaking career is backwards and you should probably watch them in that order.
Recommendations
How did black and white ever fall out of fashion?