Monday, June 4, 2012

Movie of the Week – Badlands


This week’s movie is Badlands (1973).

The romance drama is about Kit and Holly, two young adults who go on a killing spree in the 1950s (a dramatization of the Starkweather-Fugate spree). It is auteur writer-director Terrence Malick’s feature debut – also commencing his career enduring and fruitful collaboration with production designer Jack Fisk. The film is beautifully shot, Malick working with three directors of photography Tak Fujimoto, Stevan Larner and Brian Probyn, showcasing Malick’s talent for deriving meaning juxtaposing his characters to nature. George Aliceson Tipton provides a good score as well. Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek star with Warren Oates in support, making up a strong cast. Sheen and Spacek give great performances as the young couple that goes off on a violent adventure to escape reality. Spacek in particular is very good, as Holly struggles with her attraction and fear to/of Kit. Above all else, Badlands is a visual and emotional experience and journey for the viewer evoking deep resonating feelings. Not only is it a must-see for fans of Malick’s work, but also for those looking for a film that strives for more than superficial meaning. Check out the trailer.


Available on DVD

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