"Days of Heaven" is a somewhat slow but unforgettable movie by Terrence Malick, a unique American filmmaker whose earlier film, "Badlands" (1972), was even better than this one.
"Days of Heaven" is a story about America in 1916, when the nation was poised between the struggles of working people under rapid industrialization and Progressive Movement efforts to create some order and relief for workers from the relentless cycles of "panics" and unemployment in this new urban-based economy.
The two young lovers in the story escape the grim Eastern factories for the expansive agrarian Western America. But they can't escape the power of rich men to get what they want and make sure the laws and lawmen ensure their power.
It is based in part by on the Book of Genesis, particularly Abraham's journey into Egypt with his wife Sarah, who poses as his sister and becomes beloved by the Pharaoh. Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepherd and Linda Manz (as the young girl, Gere's real sister in the film, who narrates the story.)
The cinematography was by the great Cuban cinematographer Nestor Alemendros. The film score was mainly by Ennio Morricone but the opening music is from Camille Saint-Saëns "Carnival of the Animals: The Aquarium".
Ah, lovely, I have this in my music collection and I love it. I haven't seen this film, but will certainly put it on my list of must see...
ReplyDeleteThank you for that interesting write up Doug and for pointing me in the direction of the film.
I shall also look at the review of "Badlands"
Cassandra
Very haunting music, made more so by the choice glimpses of the faces and manners of a lost age.
ReplyDeleteYes, certainly a poignant combination.
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