Badlands

Terrence Malick (1973)

89min

15 Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Alan Jones

This atmospheric crime drama from reclusive director Terrence Malick was the Natural Born Killers of its day. In a moodily disturbing account of the infamous Charlie Starkweather murders of the 1950s, Martin Sheen plays the alienated killer on a psychopathic rampage through the American Midwest, accompanied by his loyal teenage girlfriend, Sissy Spacek. Both leads are highly effective as the icy duo caught up in a series of horrific events that are dazzlingly and daringly depicted by Malick. Yet, it's his understated approach, defying convention by leaving loose ends, that makes this a truly scary experience.

Summary

An alienated would-be rebel begins a relationship with a teenage girl, and kills her father when he objects. The couple then go on the run across Midwestern America, murdering anyone who gets in their way. Terrence Malick's 1950s-set crime drama, starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates and Ramon Bieri.

Cast & Crew

Kit Carruthers Martin Sheen

Holly Sissy Spacek

Father Warren Oates

Cato Ramon Bieri

Deputy Alan Vint

Sheriff Gary Littlejohn

Rich man John Carter

Boy Bryan Montgomery

Girl Gail Threlkeld

Director Terrence Malick

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: BFI (UK Wide)Guidance: Violence and swearing. Available on: video, DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 29 Aug 2008

Drama

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Terrence Malick (1973)

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