Watching a good film is a comfort food for me. And while I enjoy candy movies occasionally (mostly meant to entertain), I typically gravitate toward the five-course films—ones that feed the soul by guiding the viewer to journey on paths that point to goodness, beauty, or truth. And if there’s ever been a director whose specialty is serving up soul food, it’s Terrence Malick.
Enigmatic and widely debated, Malick’s films, at their most fundamental, are visual poems. While some critics claim that Malick’s body of work is agnostic or pantheistic, others, like David Roark, acknowledge Malick’s films as functioning “as cinematic liturgies that paint a distinctly Christian picture of the good life—the kingdom of God—reflecting the gospel story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. More so, Malick’s works embody a unique lyrical, poetical form that, like music, does not only create emotion in viewers but also shapes viewers” (Terrence Malick and the Christian Story).
One of my favorite Malick films is Days of Heaven. Deemed by Roger Ebert as “one of the most beautiful films ever made,” Days of Heaven is a visual masterpiece that uses long shots of wheatfields and wildlife alongside human plotting and strife to ultimately reveal God’s grace amidst the follies of human nature.
I recently presented on Days of Heaven at my church’s film festival, and while there were varied ideas about the meaning of the film, and some didn’t prefer Malick’s poetic style, we all agreed that it was an undeniably beautiful film.
This week, I encourage you to watch Days of Heaven to see what inspiration you can glean from the poetic visuals and message. As you’re watching, here are some inspiration ideas to help you get started:
When talking about Days of Heaven, Malick said his intention is that “For an hour, or for two days, or longer, these films can enable small changes of heart, changes that mean the same thing: to live better and to love more.” What themes, symbols, imagery, or message from the film are inspiring you to live better or love more this week?
Most of the film was shot during the “golden hour,” the roughly 25 minutes during sunrise and sunset when the sky glows with golden light. Then, Malick spent two years in the editing process. All of this was to achieve what he called “a drop of water on a pond, that moment of perfection.” Creating something meaningful can feel painstakingly slow, but our little, daily efforts will eventually add up to something golden. What do you desire to create (art, a beautiful home or garden, friendships, etc.)? What small steps can you take each day to get there?
While filming Days of Heaven, if Malick saw something inspiring (like birds flying overhead or bunnies in the wheatfield), he would stop filming the actors to focus on that impromptu moment of beauty. This week, in the middle of your busy, planned routine, take the time to follow glimpses of inspiration to see where they lead.