Review of Days of Heaven (1978) by Grant S — 19 Nov 2013

Terrence Malick is known and revered for his cinematography, and elements of nature within his movies, but this is where it all began. His second movie, Days of Heaven is a visual feast. Stunning landscapes, minute images of nature and incredible use of light. Even 35 years later it cannot be faulted, cinematographically.

Story-wise, it's like something between Thomas Hardy and John Steinbeck. Slow-moving but deeply engaging, with a fair amount of social commentary. Not always coherent though. Some sub-plots go nowhere, and some characters seem surplus to the story. The movie also lasts one or two scenes too many. A more powerful movie could have been achieved by ending it at the climax, rather than trying to tie up some loose ends, none of which are really tied up that well in the end anyway.

Good performances by Richard Gere and Brooke Adams in the lead roles. Good support from Sam Shepard and Linda Manz.