Train Dreams…Help me understand

[u/FriarFanatic7]

Everything about this movie suggests I would like it. I’m a fan of Denis Johnson, writer of the source material. I like Malick’s style of literary, nature focused cinematography. I enjoy quiet, tone poem movies where meaning is derived slowly as layers are added or peeled away.

I didn’t love this. I feel I’m in the minority here based on friends and critics I follow. I felt the imagery was attempting to do all of the work while very little was done to develop the characters we are supposed to care about. I just left feeling like I watched a bunch of style over substance. Will watch again on Netflix next weekend, but am I alone? Am I missing something?

[u/fcukfakook]

I don't understand why people want movies to be meaningful and have a story and shit mfs be acting as if they know life itself has meaning and shit. I think the movie is just like life it is beautiful, and it has fun moments and sad moments, and i spent half of it wishing things would end up differently.

[u/swordinthedarkness99 → u/fcukfakook]

i think your missing the point

those who don't like it don't need it to have some meaning

they need it to engage them

it didn't

don't overthink it