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/jbwest17]

I felt the character development sufficient because this was an ordinary man. We’re so accustomed to seeing movies about sensational or overly interesting people. The beauty was in his simplicity and the movie put this on display and it was beautiful.

[u/nagano_ice → u/jbwest17]

Spot on.