Days of Heaven (1978)
When Terrence Malick makes a film rather than a diary.
Presentation:
Back when Terrence Malick cared more about story than his existential purpose, he created a poignant and beautiful piece capturing love, humanity and pursuit. There are still elements of existential crisis, but they are more easily digestible in one of his most beautiful films. It doesn’t have the signature beauty of his ultra-wide clean digital style today, but in return has a purity and natural simplicity, which is the ultimate beauty. This will surely be some cinephile’s pick for most beautiful film, with nearly the entire film shot at golden hour sunset.
Analysis:
What the film attempts to get at is man's foolishness. In the pursuit of wealth, we forget what we really have and treasure. Even when you are dirt poor, there is still something to cherish. In this case, love. Humans are aimless wanderers, but we long for connection and as long as we have someone, that is enough through thick and thin.
Conclusion:
I think this film draws comparisons to Barry Lyndon. It’s not nearly as epic, but the more intimate nature of this film is what was missing to make Kubrick’s film into a full masterpiece. This film is more poignant, which make it surpass Kubrick in some ways. I think although Days of Heaven is not a greater film, it has a more cohesive story that makes it more personally rewarding.
Recommendations
How did black and white ever fall out of fashion?