What's happened
Clint Bentley's film adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella 'Train Dreams' explores themes of change, progress, and loss in early 20th-century Idaho. The movie emphasizes the natural world’s fading beauty through poetic visuals and a contemplative narrative, resonating with audiences for its un-Hollywood style and deep connection to the land.
What's behind the headline?
The film’s success hinges on its visual storytelling and thematic depth. It deliberately avoids Hollywood conventions, opting instead for a meditative tone that emphasizes landscape and mood. This approach appeals to audiences seeking authenticity and poetic realism. The adaptation’s focus on environmental and societal change underscores ongoing debates about progress versus preservation. By highlighting the elusive nature of the past, Bentley’s work suggests that modern development often erases the natural and cultural history that shaped America. The film’s resonance lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia while confronting the inevitable march of change, making it both a reflection and a critique of early 20th-century America. Its release before streaming on Netflix broadens its reach, positioning it as a significant cultural artifact that questions the cost of progress.
What the papers say
The Independent notes Bentley’s difficulty in finding the original old-growth forests, emphasizing the film’s deep connection to authentic landscapes. AP News highlights the film’s meditative style and its departure from Hollywood norms, resonating with audiences for its un-Hollywood approach. Both sources agree that the film is a poetic meditation on change, but The Independent underscores the environmental challenges faced during production, while AP News focuses on its thematic depth and visual storytelling. This contrast illustrates how the film is both a technical achievement and a cultural commentary, appealing to viewers interested in environmental issues and American history. The timing of its release, just before streaming, suggests a strategic move to attract niche audiences seeking meaningful, contemplative cinema.
How we got here
Bentley’s adaptation of Johnson’s 2011 novella faced challenges in sourcing the original setting’s old-growth forests, which are central to the story’s atmosphere. The film aims to depict a world of rapid development and environmental change at the turn of the century, reflecting broader American historical themes of progress and loss.
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Denis Hale Johnson was an American writer best known for his short story collection Jesus' Son and his novel Tree of Smoke, which won the National Book Award for Fiction. He also wrote plays, poetry, journalism, and non-fiction.