Badlands Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

James Dean wannabe and teenage baton twirler go on a surprisingly polite killing spree, narrated by a girl who seems mildly inconvenienced by the whole thing.

🍿 Badlands: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Beginning of the Relationship

In 1950s South Dakota, 15-year-old Holly Sargis, living with her emotionally distant sign painter father, meets Kit Carruthers, a 25-year-old garbage collector with a resemblance to James Dean. Holly is immediately drawn to Kit, and they begin a clandestine relationship, much to the disapproval of her father.

The Father’s Disapproval and a Violent Act

Holly’s father, upon discovering their relationship, shoots her dog as punishment, intensifying the existing tension. Kit, enraged by this act, confronts Holly’s father. The confrontation escalates quickly, and Kit impulsively shoots and kills him. This act marks the beginning of their life on the run.

Life on the Run

After staging the scene to look like a suicide by fire, Kit and Holly flee into the South Dakota Badlands. They attempt to live off the land, building a makeshift camp and evading the authorities. Their initial idyllic existence is short-lived as their actions attract attention, and Kit’s violent tendencies continue to surface as they encounter others.

Escalating Violence and Capture

As they continue their journey, Kit’s actions become increasingly erratic and violent. They seek shelter with acquaintances, but these encounters often end in more bloodshed. Holly begins to tire of their life on the run and grows disillusioned with Kit’s romanticized view of their situation. Eventually, Holly decides to turn herself in, while Kit leads the authorities on a chase before surrendering in a theatrical manner.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kit Carruthers (Martin Sheen): A restless and detached young man with a James Dean persona who embarks on a killing spree.
• Holly Sargis (Sissy Spacek): An impressionable and naive teenager who becomes Kit’s accomplice and narrates their journey with detached curiosity.
• Father (Warren Oates): Holly’s strict and disapproving father whose death sets off the couple’s crime spree.
• Cato (Ramon Bieri): Kit’s acquaintance who attempts to betray the couple, leading to his murder.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Holly Sargis: “He wanted to die with me, and I dreamed of being Boris’s girlfriend.” – Holly reflects on Kit’s desire for a dramatic ending, referencing Boris Pasternak, showcasing her detached romanticism.
• Holly Sargis: “I realized I was just drifting along. That all the things I’d been told to believe in were just a sham. That I was just this little girl, born in Texas, whose father was a sign painter.” – Holly’s voiceover expresses her disillusionment and feeling of insignificance.
• Kit: “I’ve always wanted to be a criminal, so I guess this is my chance.” – Kit expresses his desire for notoriety and a life outside of societal norms.
• Kit: “Please don’t feel too bad about this. I’m not. In times like these, it helps to have someone you love beside you.” – Kit says this to a victim, showcasing his detachment from the reality of his actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $450,000
• Domestic Gross: $97,501
• Worldwide Gross: $54,396

💥 Badlands Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Badlands’ isn’t your typical feel-good movie, but man, it stuck with me. The way Holly just kinda accepts everything Kit does is so weird and fascinating. When they’re dancing in the headlights with Nat King Cole playing, that’s like peak cinema for me. It really captures this strange feeling of being young and lost and kinda reckless. The landscapes were beautiful and haunting. I have thought about this movie for years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Terrence Malick”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate character studies”
  • “Audiences drawn to films about outlaws and societal outcasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Murder”
  • “Teenage themes”
  • “Mature situations”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Malick’s ‘Badlands’ isn’t just a crime film; it’s a haunting meditation on the American landscape and the restless spirit of youth. Sheen and Spacek deliver understated yet powerful performances that linger long after the credits roll. The film’s stark beauty and unsettling atmosphere create a truly unforgettable experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “A lyrical and disturbing look at disaffected youth, ‘Badlands’ eschews sensationalism for a more introspective approach. Malick’s direction is masterful, creating a sense of unease that permeates every scene. While the characters may be difficult to relate to, their journey is undeniably compelling.
• Variety: “Terrence Malick’s debut is a visually striking and thought-provoking film, though its detached style may not appeal to all viewers. Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek are excellent in their roles, but the film’s lack of emotional engagement can be frustrating at times. Still, ‘Badlands’ is a unique and memorable cinematic achievement.

Audience Reactions

The detached performances of Sheen and Spacek create a chilling and unforgettable portrayal of youthful alienation.: Viewers often praise the film’s unique atmosphere and its unflinching depiction of violence.

The beautiful cinematography and haunting soundtrack add to the film’s dreamlike quality and unsettling mood.: Many viewers are captivated by the film’s visual style and its use of music.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of alienation and violence, ‘Badlands’ is a cult classic that continues to resonate with audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Terrence Malick originally wanted to set the film in the 1930s, but the budget wouldn’t allow for the period costumes and cars.”
• “Sissy Spacek was 24 years old when she played the role of 15-year-old Holly.”
• “The film is loosely based on the real-life killing spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate in 1958.”

🖥️ How to Watch Badlands?

Badlands is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be found at major retailers and online stores. The availability of the film on streaming subscriptions may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Badlands, you might like these similar films:

• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Another iconic film about a young couple on a crime spree, capturing the rebellious spirit of the era.
• Natural Born Killers (1994): Oliver Stone’s film is a more violent and satirical take on the lovers-on-the-run narrative, influenced by ‘Badlands’.
• The Sugarland Express (1974): Shares the theme of a couple on the run, albeit with a different motivation (reclaiming their child) and less violence.
• True Romance (1993): Written by Quentin Tarantino, this film also features a young couple caught up in a violent situation, echoing the ‘Badlands’ narrative.

🛒 Badlands Related Products

• Badlands (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director Terrence Malick, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack, featuring the beautiful landscapes of the movie.
• Martin Sheen – An Acting Life: An authorized biography which covers Sheen’s early life, career, and some behind-the-scenes from making of “Badlands”.
• The Thin Red Line [Blu-ray]: A later Terrence Malick film known for its profound visuals and philosophical themes.
• 1950s Retro Sunglasses – James Dean Style: Inspired by James Dean and made famous by Martin Sheen. Protect your eyes while you commit crimes!

🎧 Soundtrack

Badlands features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gassenhauer” – performed by Carl Orff
• “A Blossom Fell” – performed by Nat King Cole

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sissy Spacek Breaks Down Her Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Ever wondered how Sissy Spacek approached her role in ‘Badlands’? She breaks down her most iconic characters, and it’s fascinating to hear her perspective on bringing Holly to life. I never knew she felt that way about the character!

He Really Was One of The Greats

Want to dive deep into the cinematic brilliance of ‘Badlands’? This video essay unpacks the film’s themes and visual style, giving you a whole new appreciation for its artistry. I always knew the movie was great, but this essay really nailed why!

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