JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonBadlands (1973) - Trailer Included
July 10th 2007 00:00
The Natural Born Killer of True Romance
A U.S DVD Review. Unavailable in Australia
Badlands US DVD cover
Cinematographer:Tak Fujimato,
Starring:Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates, Ramon Bieri, Gary Littlejohn, John Carter
“Your quite an individual Kit” – State Trooper
“You think they will take that into consideration” – Kit Carruthers
An enigmatic commander of the cinematic medium, Terence Malick is pragmatic to the point of recluse. In 35 years he has graced us with only 4 feature length glimpses into his thoughtful observations on humanity and culture. Modelled on real life killer Charles Starkweather and his under age accomplice Caril Fugate, Badlands marked the Writer/Directors debut.
“Well. I got some stuff to say. Guess I'm kind of lucky that way. Most people don't have anything on their minds, do they?” – Kit Carruthers
Influential and ambitious, there is something a familiar now in Kit and Holly’s murderous road movie killing spree. The basic plot would later get a steroid boost in the Quentin Tarantino scripts for True Romance and Natural Born Killers.
The tragic bliss of the opening and closing credit music would later bookend Tony Scott’s True Romance, acknowledging its inspiration.
Named for the badlands of Montana, this is a journey that begins in small town USA. Kit Carruthers (Martin Sheen) is a 25 year old garbage man who emulates James Dean, misguided and craving attention with conflicted sociopathic tendencies.
“Give you a dollar you eat this collie” – Kit Carruthers
15 year old School Girl Holly Sargis’ (Sissy Spacek) domineering, sign painter father (Warren Oates) is repressing her social development. Motherless, growing up sheltered in Middle American values she sees excitement and danger when kit slouches and mumbles his declaration of affection.
“At this moment, I didn't feel shame or fear, but just kind of blah, like when you're sitting there and all the water's run out of the bathtub.” - Holly
Numbed and disillusioned their forbidden love evolves into complex co dependence when Kit’s homicidal nature dictates their fate. Spiralling into a bullet loaded rampage that strikes fear into a nation.
“One day, while taking a look at some vistas in Dad's stereopticon, it hit me that I was just this little girl, born in Texas, whose father was a sign painter, who only had just so many years to live. It sent a chill down my spine and I thought where would I be this very moment, if Kit had never met me? Or killed anybody... this very moment... if my mom had never met my dad... if she had never died.” - Holly
Well then there now, a few shots of the Badlands
John Doe Says:
Lyrical, taking it’s time, Badlands is a haunting and powerful film that demands analysis. A surreal meditation on a neglected segment of the population that prophetically become more pronounced with time.
Carrying on the anti establishment doctrine ignited with films like In Cold Blood and Bonnie and Clyde. This is a story that is told from the outsiders subjective apprehension, removing the simplicity judgements of good guys and bad guys.
There is an objective gentle tenderness in the telling, The violence is organic and reflexive, confrontations startling with their swift brutality. Flawlessly edited and paced to give pause and reflect on the repercussions, evaluating the duos actions, the internal and external effects. Addressing the celebrity attached to notoriety that attracts an existence without direction.
Director Terrence Malick with Martin Sheen
A scene where the doomed couple dance in the wilderness to “Love is Strange” is poetic in its comment on the fundamental diversity of attraction and its flawed design. The minimalist screenplay is economic and full of breathing room for rich wordless character moments.
Martin Sheen, (Gettysburg, Wall Street, Gandhi, The Final Countdown, Catch 22) gives the performance of his career, arguably topping Willard in Apocalypse Now. As the destructive loner looking for acceptance, questing for identity and defining himself with philosophies that contradict his actions.
As the young partner seduced into a world beyond her comprehension Sissy Spacek, (Carrie, In The Bedroom, Affliction, JFK, Coal Miner’s Daughter, 3 Woman) brings innocence and naivety that blossoms into self knowledge. Vulnerable yet strong minded both characters open to multiple interpretations.
Forceful Warren Oates, (The Wild Bunch, Two Lane Blacktop, the Brinks Job, Bring me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, Stripes, Cockfighter, Race With The Devil, Kid Blue, Dillinger) as the doomed father brings unspoken menace to every scene, he doesn’t play for sympathy but adds a further paradox by his displays of caring and protection.
As so many greats are this was neglected upon release but has since become a cult classic, a masterpiece. Often retold, John Doe has never seen such lofty aspirations achieved with the subject, this is a film to see time and again. As with all Malick’s filmography this is an essential for anyone interested in film history or the alternate ways we can adapt into an alienated natural cycle.
The U.S DVD: (Currently unavailable in Australia)
Transfer: Widescreen/5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras: Nil – JD hopes a special edition is in the works because the film is to important to remain vanilla.
Watch the promising Trailer
A dark, character driven moment from the film while Nat King Cole plays.
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Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
I thought this was a pretty good film actually, and one of Sheen's best performances...
It's dark and rich and mind altering...and it makes you think too...
This was a great review for a fine film!
Take care,
Nick
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Sparse and economical, it is astounding how effective the film is, resonating long after its conclusion.
Glad you liked the review, always good to see you.
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by David
This is a film I'd like to see again.
It was the subject matter for the title track of Springsteen's Nebraska album.
just a twirling her baton
Me and her went for a ride, Sir
and ten innocent people died.
David ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
This is the sort of film they play at the Chauvel, so wait a bit and I'm sure there will be a screening....maybe next time your there you can put in a request.
Isnt it the other way around, Charlie is the spitting image of Martin? Agree they are similar in appearance but they also have identical body language to...the way they shake there head when mad, or smirk etc..
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I own the 4 disc of Springsteen live and it has a great rendition of Nebraska. I always loved the song for its link to the film too.
The movie hasn't dated a bit and still carries the same gravitas.
Great to see you.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Nice review too.
And a reminder as well mate ... (nudge, nudge) cheers.