Plot: In 1916, A hot-tempered laborer (Gere) convinces the woman he loves (Adams) to marry a Wealthy but dying Farmer (Shepard) to get his fortune.
Pros: Photography, Score, Atmosphere
Cons: Story, Characters Emotionally distant, Richard Gere
Sometimes labeled "90 minutes of Wheat"; "Days of Heaven" is a beautifully shot film that's long on great images and short on story and character. Malick shoots it almost as a silent movie, with little dialogue & few close-ups. This mutes any emotional impact the story has. Having the wooden Richard Gere as the lead further distances the viewer. Too bad Malick couldn't have added more warmth or humor. Shepard does an excellent job, Adams is competent.
Conclusion: "Days of Heaven" probably has more astoundingly beautiful images than any film I've seen. Four **** for its great score and great photography - 2** for its slender, mediocre story and characters. Overall rating ***
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