the fresh films reviews

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Badlands (1973)

Director:
Terrence Malick
COUNTRY
USA
GENRE
Crime/Drama
NORWEGIAN TITLE
Badlands
RUNNING TIME
95 minutes
Producer:
Terrence Malick
Screenwriter:
Terrence Malick


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Kit Carruthers Martin Sheen
Holly Sargis Sissy Spacek
Mr. Sargis Warren Oates ½

 

Review

The rather unique reputation of the unprolific and highly private filmmaker Terrence Malick is largely based on this, his first feature film. Introverted, desolate and morose, Badlands is a challenge to watch, but also a thought-provoking document. Thematically a cross between Lolita and Bonnie and Clyde, the film has both its strength and weakness in Malick's distance to his material. At times the film cares just as little for Kit and Holly as the two youngsters do for the people they meet. In the leads, Sheen and Spacek are both impressive, both looking younger than their years and both sparkling with youthful energy. The film provides an eccentric comment on society, which ultimately is its most interesting asset. The dialogue is a real treat.

Copyright © 1.2.2006 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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