Reviews
Train Dreams
Masterpiece is a word too easily tossed around in today’s film landscape, yet it feels like the only one that truly fits Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams. Even then, it scarcely does justice to a film so flawless and breathtaking that it transcends description. This is one of the most profound films of the year, that will move audiences to their core. If you do not shed at least a few tears during its runtime, you might want to check whether there is a human heart beating inside you.
Train Dreams has been brought to life by the incredible duo Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley, the latter also directing, fresh off their collaboration on my favourite film of last year, Sing Sing. Whatever magic they conjured for that project has been carried over here. This time the duo have focused on bringing to life the 2011 novella by author Denis Johnson.
The film follows Robert Granier (Joel Edgerton), a man living in the Pacific Northwest and working long seasonal jobs as a logger. Through the impactful and exquisite narration of Will Patton, we witness Robert’s harsh upbringing and journey into adulthood, leading to his meeting the charming Gladys (Felicity Jones), with whom he starts a family. Robert is then forced to live what feels like two separate lives, one spent deep in the woods cutting trees for long stretches to provide for his family, and the other at home raising his infant daughter, Kate. It is in these moments of solitude that many modern viewers will easily find themselves able to relate.
As the seasons in the forest pass, Robert begins to question his sense of purpose in the absence of his family. After witnessing several fatal accidents during the logging season, a creeping sense of dread begins to haunt his dreams, as he fears a catastrophic event may soon befall him. Along the way, he meets several other loggers, the most memorable being William H. Macy’s portrayal of an older worker who introduces an ecological perspective to the story, thoughtfully highlighting the destructive impact of deforestation and suggesting that humanity’s desire to play God may be gravely misguided.
Outside of logging season, we see Robert become an entirely different man, overflowing with happiness as he spends time with his wife and daughter. These tender montages are bound to bring the first of many tears along the way. They are moments he later looks back on with both wistful contentment and an indescribable survivor’s guilt so profound that it almost cripples his very existence as he observes the ever-changing world around him.
The final act moves at a considerably faster pace than the previous two, but this is perfectly executed, emphasising how quickly life and change can pass in the blink of an eye. It is in these moments, accompanied by the narration that feels like Robert’s internal monologue, that the film delivers its most powerful and emotionally resonant scenes.
The movie is elevated by one of Joel Edgerton’s finest performances to date. Train Dreams is not overflowing with dialogue, often relying on Edgerton’s body language and facial expressions to convey his character’s emotions. This arguably demands a more difficult and nuanced performance than one with abundant lines, yet he delivers superbly. His portrayal is deeply poignant, allowing the audience to feel the full weight of Robert’s pain, and stands as one of the most memorable performances of the year.
The cinematography in Train Dreams is undoubtedly some of the best of the year. Every shot feels meticulously planned and breathtakingly composed, making the film a visual feast. The same can be said for the score. Though understated and never overpowering, it enhances every scene it accompanies, perfectly complementing the film’s emotional depth.
It is rare for a film to evoke even a single strong emotion these days, let alone a range, but Train Dreams effortlessly makes audiences laugh, cry, and everything in between. The humour is charming, not necessarily laugh-out-loud funny, but the kind that brings a warm smile and feels remarkably accessible. On the emotional side, the film is devastatingly moving, representing some of the most heartfelt and relatable filmmaking I have seen in an awfully long time.
On paper, Train Dreams is a deeply personal story about a logger, a character who might seem far removed from the everyday experiences of modern day audiences, however, the themes it explores so impeccably resonate universally. It is one of those rare, emotionally touching films that will make anyone watching want to hug a loved one that little bit tighter. Train Dreams is not only one of the best films of the year but one of the finest of the decade.
