Review of Days of Heaven (1978) by Olivierpiel — 21 Jun 2020
Made me read Heidegger and his attempt in realising his idea of the poet filling the gap left by philosophy to understand our "dasein". I think Badlands did this better in that regard, through its quite overt "existentialistim", identifying and excoriating the worst instincts of American culture while, importantly, giving us the tool for liberation.
On the other hand, one can argue that Days of Heaven is far more beautiful but also less thought-provoking. At first glance, is seems, quite deceptively, a very naïve film (as naïve painters such as Douanier Rousseau) and many praise its pastoral depiction of nature.
But to me, it conveys even more beauty in depicting truth in human emotions in the interactions between characters (a bit like a Bresson) while using so little artifice, ...maybe unlike the obscure writings of an Heidegger or the ramblings of a Deleuze.
Minus 2 points for Richard Gere, completely out of his depth and overacting however. The comparison with Sam Shepard is astounding. I felt the ending not satisfying,lacking ideas and quite poorly treated (unlike Badlands).
This review of Days of Heaven (1978) was written by Olivierpiel on 21 Jun 2020.
Days of Heaven has generally received very positive reviews.
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