Review of Days of Heaven (1978) by Andy G — 18 Mar 2009

In "Badlands," Malick gave us the portrait of a killer and his girlfriend as they traveled the dry fields and roads of central America. We are given some similar backdrops and imagery in "Days of Heaven," but with a stronger parallel between action and image.

The burrowing and eventual explosion of jealousy and madness is gradual and comes to life in the field fire sequence. It is no surprise if P.T. Anderson grabbed this scene, banked it in the old memory, and respectfully altered and stamped his signature on the oil fire scene in "There Will Be Blood.

" In "Days of Heaven" the fire is a wonderfully shot, yet haunting depiction of what occurs when Richard Gere's character confronts the kind, rich landowner, who married Gere's lover, being told they are family.

Greed and distrust outline the film while violence plays as a regrettable result at a time when America seemed lost with no return to happiness and tranquility. The fire sequence is not the only great thing about the film, though.

Personally, I think it is the most memorable, but there are other memorable moments such as when they ride the train to the fields in the opening or when they ride away on the boat nearing the conclusion.

The original score plays against the images in an astounding way, much like it did in "Badlands." Malick has directed few films in his career spanning from the early Seventies, but he treats every project with much care and professional integrity without vanity.