Dir: Terrence Malick | Cast:· Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates, Ramon Bieri, Gary Littlejohn | Film US Noir 93’
‘Badlands’ showed the arrival of a remarkable talent in Terrence Malick – later Hollywood’s answer to Thomas Pynchon – who showing an enormous promise that unfortunately was never equalled by his later films.
In a film who’s central character was plainly fond of his sound of his own voice, Malick’s use of sound was exemplary; the contrast between the beauty of the surrounding landscape, the simple lyricism of the music, and Sissy Spacek’s naïveté in the telling creating a truly memorable experience.
Last, but far from least, it preserves for posterity the talent of the late lamented Warren Oates, who died far too young. @RichardChatten
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