Nate At The Movies

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

As the only truly film-obsessed member of my family, I’ve spent considerable time convincing my wife, parents, and siblings to watch movies with me that they’ve never heard of. Train Dreams was the movie today as we’re all together for Thanksgiving, and I know for a fact my family missed out on one hell of a film as I watched this one by myself.

As the film began, I settled in for what seemed to be one of those “slice of life” movies that I usually have trouble really enjoying. I was gladly surprised that Train Dreams wasn’t just that, establishing some great characters early on against an absolutely beautiful landscape, which I’ll come back to in a second. Robert and Gladys were really sweet and cute, and the little family and life they created was literally the stuff of movies. I think I’d be a wreck if I had been born in a time without the technology I use now, but I would’ve been just fine in the world of this film.

I was really hoping that the adorable, picturesque first act would persist for the entire film, but instead this turned into a heartbreaking story of constant, monumental loss. I was ready to cry on multiple occasions as the wonderful people that Robert cherished kept disappearing, from Gladys and Kate to my personal favorite, Arn. William H. Macy was superb and profound in his limited screen time, equally poignant and funny and a great existential model for Robert. I’m not sure if Macy’s getting any support as a Best Supporting Actor nominee, but I’ll go to bat for him.

It’s rare that a story with such little action or dynamism captures my attention and concern as strongly as Train Dreams did, and that’s a testament to the airtight script from Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (I’m delighted but not surprised to learn that they also penned Sing Sing from last year—two for two!) and Joel Edgerton’s anchoring performance. I’m not familiar with his filmography, but he sure wore his heart on his sleeve in this role, delivering all of the emotions that I was feeling throughout the movie. Robert’s search for meaning in the midst of so much loss required such a calculated performance, and Edgerton brought the thunder.

Against the backdrop of so much pain and loneliness, this movie found a ton of time to celebrate the little moments, the moments that we get to spend with those around us. It reminded me of the proverb, “People come into your life for a reason, for a season, or for life”—appreciating those moments that we’re afforded, no matter how long, is so important. Whether that’s my family, friends, or as it is so much of the time—especially on breaks from school—my wonderful students, knowing how lucky we are to have the people we love with us for however long we have them is vital, and Train Dreams reminded me of that.

Train Dreams was patient, absolutely gorgeous, and so difficult to watch, in the best way. As an admirer of many National Parks, I’m aware that the American landscape is gorgeous, but rarely has it been so artfully and carefully shot. I rarely appreciate really intentional and engaging cinematography, but there were a number of shots in this film that struck a chord with me (I was especially partial to the wide shots of the men sitting on the trees talking in the first act). Not only was Train Dreams like looking at an exhibit of Rembrandts; it told a sad and hopeful story that even people more than 50 years older than the characters in the story will have no trouble connecting to. I sure had no trouble falling in love with this touching film, and I’ll also have no trouble telling my family all about what they missed out on tomorrow.