Days of Heaven (1978)

Days of Heaven
Directed by Terrence Malick
Written by Terrence Malick
1978/US
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/YouTube rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Linda: This farmer, he had a big spread, and a lot of money. Whoever was sitting in a chair when he’d come around, why they’d stand up and give it to him. Wasn’t no harm in him. You’d give him a flower, he’d keep it forever.

Beautiful in every way.

The year is 1916.  The country is full of poor immigrants and the film begins with a photo montage of these people.  Bill (Richard Gere) works at a steel foundry in Chicago.  He gets in a disagreement with the foreman and knocks him down.  Bill, his sister Linda (Linda Manz), and his girlfriend Abby (Brooke Adams) set forth to hide out as migrant farm laborers on the Great Plains.  Bill and Abby pretend to be brother and sister.  The work on the farm is very hard but the city folk also enjoy the fresh air and the scenery.

The Farmer (Sam Shephard) has prospered and built a grand house in the middle of his fields.  He spots Abby and is immediately attracted to her.  Bill overhears a doctor telling The Farmer he has about a year to live.  Bill starts to push Abby to reciprocate The Farmer’s attentions.  She isn’t enthusiastic but eventually agrees to marry him so that she and Bill will get his money.

But The Farmer treats Abby very well.  His health stays the same – not better or worse.  And Abby gradually falls in love with him.  Bill can’t stay away and many forms of tragedy ensue.

I’ve seen this several times and it has never let me down.  It is all magnificent from the eerily poetic narration by Linda Manz to the acting and production design.  The cinematography and Ennio Morricone score are stunning.  The whole thing is bathed in golden light.  All the details feel very authentic.  It’s a uniquely American story of ambition, hard work, greed and the vast beautiful countryside. Highly recommended.

Nestor Almendroz won the Oscar for Best Cinematography.  The film was nominated in the categories of Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Music, Original Score.