Film Review: Badlands (USA 1973) and Days of Heaven (USA 1978) by Terrence Malick

Content:  In this podcast, we examine Terrence Malick's first two features, “Badlands” (1973) and “Days of Heaven” (1978), starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek Richard Gere and Brooke Adams.  We provide summaries of each film's plot, highlighting the crime spree in “Badlands” and the love triangle amidst hardship in “Days of Heaven”.  We also analyze elements common to both films and indicative of Malick's emerging style, such as off-screen narration, close-up cinematography, and lyrical visuals.  We note the strong performances in both movies and the critical reception each received, concluding that both are worth watching despite differing commercial success.  We will gradually review the other films of Terrence Malick as well. To avoid missing these reviews, you can subscribe to our channel and activate the notification bell. This way, you’ll stay updated on the next Malick film critiques and all other new releases on this channel.  Badlands (USA 1973)  Plot:  In “Badlands” aimless teen Kit (Martin Sheen) and his naive girlfriend Holly (Sissy Spacek) embark on a killing spree across the 1950s Midwest after murdering her father. Fleeing through stark landscapes, their romance unfolds with detached wonder.  Inspired by a true story, Malick’s debut blends lyrical visuals, haunting narration, and existential musings, exploring love, violence, and the fleeting allure of rebellion.  Days of Heaven (USA 1978)  Plot:  In “Days of Heaven”, lovers Bill (Richard Gere) and Abby (Brooke Adams), posing as siblings, flee to Texas with young Linda (Linda Manz) to work as harvest laborers. A wealthy farmer (Sam Shepard) falls for Abby, sparking a tense love triangle.  Malick’s poetic visuals—golden fields, twilight skies—and Linda’s off-screen narration weave a haunting tale of desire, deception, and tragedy amid early 20th-century hardship.