“Train Dreams” is a movie that not only managed to emotionally captivate me, but left me questioning purpose, love, and reality.
The film, directed by Clint Bentley, is based off of a 2011 novella written by Denis Johnson. It follows the tragic journey of the character Robert Grainier, who struggles to find his purpose in life. He manages to settle down with a wife and a daughter, but his family is taken from him when a fire tears through his rural Idaho home. The fire derails his life, leaving him forlorn and isolated, as he waits for decades for the possibility of his beloved wife and daughter to return.
The film attempts to depict a time of rapid change during the late 19th century and how Robert struggles to hold onto the things he values most but fails amidst the whirlwind development the construction of the railroad is bringing. While emotional, the film was not meant to be depressing. In an interview, William H. Macy, who played Robert’s dear friend Arn Peeples, said, “It’s not a sad film. At the end of it, I felt so happy to be alive.” The intent of Bentley and the rest of the filmmakers was for the cinematography to evoke reflection, supported by its emotionally uplifting ending tied in with the overall theme of the resilience of human spirit when faced with detrimental setbacks.
What makes Robert’s character so compelling to the audience is his relatable quest for answers and his uncertainty that many people in the ever-changing world experience. Throughout the film, Robert struggles to understand the tragedies that shaped his life, starting with the murder of a Chinese immigrant that leaves him traumatized because of his inaction, and more importantly, the death of his wife and daughter. Without definitive answers, Robert is left to linger in constant isolation and reflection. His story is engaging to the audience because in real life as well, solutions are not always simple and some questions will remain unanswered.
Clint Bentley did an outstanding job on the film’s cinematography. With beautiful shots of nature, limited but poetic dialogue, and profound musical elements, Bentley allows the movie to demonstrate Robert’s slow, emotional, and lonely life. The choice to use less dialogue made the moments when characters did speak much more profound and memorable than any dialogue-heavy script could.
Ultimately, “Train Dreams” stands out because of its unique approach to storytelling. Unlike other movies, this film opens up the mind of the main character, creating a quiet and meditative approach for the audience. Bentley constantly incorporates beautiful, slow shots of the natural landscape to show Robert’s important but emotional and lonely journey throughout life. For these reasons, its nominations of Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards are well-deserved, and the film is a strong contender to win because of its unique approach to filmmaking as well as the artistic and emotional depth it demonstrates.
