As we get closer to the Academy Awards, in the discussion between many of the non-certain results, a film released by Netflix has been able to achieve 4 nominations, including best picture, but was not paid its full dues by many of the audiences.
“Train Dreams,” a period drama film based on the 2011 novella of the same name, guides us through the life of Robert Grainier, a wood logger who is considered different from many others as a more reserved character.
We see throughout the film his time jumping from different work opportunities, with one of the earlier ones being the start of what he believes to be his curse. An Asian immigrant coworker got dragged by 3 other American coworkers, who throwed him down the same bridge they were building. This is happening while Grainier asked what the reason was, with there not being an actual reason stated and creating large remorse. During the film we see this victim appear as a ghostly figure around Grainier, mentioning that bad things can follow someone through life.
When Grainier decides to go to a social gathering, Gladys Olding presents herself, and they shortly start dating and marrying, building a small cabin by a river and having their daughter Kate. Gladys brought the love and happiness of Grainier, and Felicity Jones made a very warming presentation of this lovely wife.
The acting highlights, even with other good performances, are completely overshadowed by the masterclass of Joel Edgerton. His personification of such a simple men in his work, but an affectionate father and husband while keeping more of the introverted side that an early 20th-century logger can have, is completely stunning to witness and makes each scene bring a large smile or deep tears to the viewers.
Many popular films are not set in such profound natural scenes, but cinematographer Adolpho Veloso brings such a beautiful eye into the Eastern Washington area. The huge forests filled with breathtaking 500-year-old trees and the pristine look of the rivers and clean environments make for some of the most “I wish I was there” feelings in any films.
At an approximate half-way point, the picture takes a jump into a depressing state, giving the audience a large show of what a loss of meaning can do to a person. We see our protagonist go through so many different places, but we are never able to see him the same way. It makes for some of the most profound and emotional scenes of the year, without yelling or giving long monologues. Just real humanity and acceptance of what was lost.
“Train Dreams” is available on Netflix, and I recommend it to anyone reading.
