Train Dreams is the moving portrait of a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th century. Source: Australian Catholics.
Based on a 2011 award-winning novella of the same name by Dennis Johnson, it is an impressive piece of Americana.
The screenplay was written and directed by Clint Bentley, with his collaborator, Greg Kweder, who were Oscar-nominated for the screenplay for the recent Sing Sing.
The film is about an ordinary American, Robert Granier, who was born in the 1880s and died in the 1960s – an extraordinary span of change.
In most ways, Granier could be considered to have lived what might be called “an unremarkable life”. As a boy, not knowing who his parents were, he was sent to live in a small town.
By the time he is 30, he is working as a logger and on the railways, laying tracks and building bridges; one of a group of introspective men – the silent types, dedicated to their work.
Australian Edgerton gives a fine performance as Granier. The film has a voice-over by actor Will Patton, who is able to articulate what the quiet Robert cannot – his ordinary life and work, encounters with his colleagues, surprise, prejudice and guilt.
The film moves at a measured pace, offering the audience time for reflection and meditation on life and its meaning.
And, there are the dreams – Robert’s happy dreams – after a destructive unhappy dreams and hauntings.
Out in the forests, there are some interesting characters, especially William H Macy as Arn, an explosives expert, friendly, chatty, a sad death, but an influence on Robert.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media
Train Dreams: Starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, William H Macy. Directed by Clint Bentley. 102 minutes. Rated M (Mature themes). In cinemas now, released on Netflix today.
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Train Dreams (Australian Catholics)
