In honor of Valentine’s Day I’ve elected to make it a big weekend in film at home. Naturally being a love-themed holiday I thought I’d keep the selections in context.
First on the list is the bittersweet Days of Heaven (Terrance Malik, 1978). Said by many a film student to be one of the most beautiful films put to celluloid. Plus it kinda helped that Malik is like the American answer to Jean Renior.
The subtext is all about immigration and class, but the narrative follows two lovers on the run and their relationship with an ailing farm-owner (who just happens to be the richest man in Texas). A very poignant tear-jerker.
It’s a pretty open-style film with a lot of self-reflexive gestures. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and about Malik, so I’m sure it will be time well spent.
Next up is Barry Lyndon (Stanley Kubrick, 1975). Also in the same vein of bittersweet tragedy.
I’d better find some screwball comedy to end the weekend on, this is a lot of tragedy for such a passionate holiday.
