By George & Josh Bate
Most movies and shows that chronicle the entirety of one’s life focus on people known for a remarkable achievement in some regard, whether that be a noteworthy invention, role in history, or something else of note. Train Dreams, the new film from director and co-writer Clint Bentley, distinguishes itself from such films in its focus on the life and times of an utterly normal person, someone whose existence, at least on paper, can be mistaken for countless others. In doing so, Bentley crafts a powerful and moving story destined to resonate with many and evoke ample emotion due to the normalcy of its central character.
Based on the novella by Denis Johnson, Train Dreams stars Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainer, a logger and railroad worker in the early 20th-century. Orphaned at a young age, Robert navigates much of his life alone until he marries Gladys (Felicity Jones) and starts a family that gives him newfound purpose. Over the course of the film, taking place over the entirety of his life, Robert witnesses beauty and tragedy in equal measure as changes occur all around him.
Narrated by the soothing voice of Will Patton, Train Dreams possesses a tranquil, meditative quality to it. The film doesn’t have a strict narrative per se, instead unfolding much like a comprehensive biopic of a man from the beginning to the end. There is nothing supernatural, otherworldly, or that mind-blowing about Robert’s story, and yet it’s through the absence of these qualities that Train Dreams proves most compelling. The viewer need not be on the edge of their seat waiting for some exhilarating pivot in the story as Bentley informs early on that this is a portrait of a, by all intents and purpose, ordinary man during a distinct period of history. For some, this may make for dull or even tedious viewing, but, thanks to Bentley’s firm handling of the character and his world, the emotions evoked render the film a worthwhile, albeit somewhat bleak, viewing experience.
Aiding in the relatability of Train Dreams is a filmmaking approach to a period piece that differs from most. With cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, Bentley uses a 3:20 aspect ratio that, rather than showcase epic landscapes in the widest format possible, gives the feel authenticity and makes viewing it feel like you’re combing through memories. Taking place largely in picturesque woods and barren environments, Bentley positions nature as a character unto itself that co-exists with Robert and the other players. Various over-the-shoulder shots, shots pointing to the sky from the ground up, and POV shots attached to trees give the impression that nature, in the broadest sense of the word, has a front-row seat to Robert’s journey from start to finish. The use of natural lighting and spherical lenses also imbue the film with a certain texture and movement that feels like the kind of dynamic range you’d see in an action movie, only further making the world feel lived-in. Train Dreams may not break new ground with its story or characters, but its naturalistic depiction of a character, his life, his struggles, and the environment that surrounds him makes the film refreshing and beautiful.
Joel Edgerton, arguably one of the most underappreciated actors working today, delivers an nuanced, awards-worthy performance that ensures the film’s emotional moments hit hard and feel real. Edgerton’s Robert is a man of few words and yet manages to convey much through his eyes and how they perceive those around him. He doesn’t need to tell Felicity Jones’ Gladys that he loves her in order for the audience to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that his love for her is supremely powerful and unconditional. Edgerton simultaneously plays Robert with strength in line with conceptions of traditional masculinity at the time and a sensitivity seldom seen in male characters in period pieces like this. He’s a deeply human, uncannily relatable, and immediately likable character, brought to life by a turn from Edgerton that often makes you forget you’re even watching a movie.
Due to the strength of Edgerton’s performance and naturalism of Bentley’s directing, highs and lows of emotion in Train Dreams pack a palpable punch. The beautiful moments of Robert’s life are unbelievably endearing, while the tragic moments are truly gut-wrenching. One of these latter moments in particular occurs approximately halfway through the film and changes the scope of the story entirely in shifting to a focus on grief and how we move forward from unimaginable loss. This shift renders Bentley’s film quite deflating viewing as the preceding character work to develop Robert means the tragedy of his emotions bleed onto the viewer. And, in turn, Train Dreams isn’t a film one could characterize as enjoyable or feel-good. However, it’s one that reminds us the metric of a good film isn’t strictly enjoyment, but, rather, the capacity to provoke a range of strong emotions, including deep sadness.
VERDICT: 7.5/10
Train Dreams departs from the average movie about a person’s entire life by focusing on the life and times of a, at least on paper, largely unremarkable and ordinary man. As a result of this focus, what for some may be a dull and tedious story, for us renders director and co-writer Clint Bentley’s film a profoundly heartfelt and relatable tale. With cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, Bentley impresses technically with an aspect ratio, lighting, and lens choice that collectively give the film texture and groundedness that only heighten the already strong emotions on display. Joel Edgerton, meanwhile, delivers a nuanced and awards-worthy performance that captures so much thought and emotion from a character who is a man of few words. The character in question experiences beautiful highs and devastating lows, all of which pack a palpable punch due to Edgerton’s acting and Bentley’s assured directing. In particular, the devastating lows in question prove truly gut-wrenching and, while making the film quite bleak and deflating, demonstrate that the purpose of cinema isn’t always to entertain, but, rather, to provoke – to provoke powerful emotion and thought. Train Dreams may not break new narrative ground, but it is remarkable for its touching and deeply real portrayal of an unremarkable and relatable man.