Amazon.com essential video: Richard Gere works in a Chicago steel mill at the turn of the century, but must flee the city after accidentally killing a man. Heading for the wheat fields of Texas, he packs up his girlfriend (Brooke Adams) and his younger sister (Linda Manz). Instead of a better life, they head straight into tragedy when a wealthy farmer (Sam Shepard) falls for Adams. Believing him to be dying and expecting to inherit a fortune, she agrees to marry him. Their plans change when Shepard fails to die and Gere takes matters into his own hands. Aesthetically flawless, this film about a romantic love triangle is diminished by the small scope of video. Originally shown in 70mm, it is an eye-catching period piece that won its cinematographer, Néstor Almendros, a 1978 Oscar. Texture and color are the unbilled characters in this tragic tale, and are just as important as the players. The story, sadly, fades somewhat when compared to the glory of the visuals. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Customer Reviews
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Rating: - In a word: Brilliant
Recently I took the chance to see the film "Days of Heaven." Originally it was released in theatres in 1978 (months before I was born) and was remastered and released on DVD by the Criterion Collection ... Read More
Rating: - "Aquarium" Art
For viewers, this film is going to an art gallery, not a theater. It is about distance in nature and the effect of distance on memory. It is pervaded with the essential lonliness of the human condition ... Read More
Rating: - Light Magic
This film is visually breathtaking, has a wonderful flow and the actors are better than I expected.
Also, the extras on the Criterion DVD is good, I especially liked the commentary about how certain ... Read More
Rating: - masterpiece theatre!
DAYS OF HEAVEN is a cinematic masterpiece. Terrence Malick's ability to slowly develeop characters and plot might be anathema to today's MTV-style fast paced camera work and CGI laden movies. Thank you Mr ... Read More
Rating: - Visually Brilliant
This remarkable film takes full advantage of the medium to tell a story with an absolute minimum of dialogue. The use of camera and music elevates a simple story of a love triangle to the level of epic myth. ... Read More
- In a word: Brilliant
- "Aquarium" Art