Badlands (1973)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Kit Carruthers	Martin Sheen
Holly Sargis	Sissy Spacek
Mr. Sargis	Warren Oates	½

Review

The rather unique reputation of the unprolific and highly private filmmaker Terrence Malick is largely based on this, his first feature film. Introverted, desolate and morose, Badlands is a challenge to watch but also a thought-provoking document. Thematically a cross between Lolita and Bonnie and Clyde, the film has both its strength and weakness in Malick's distance to his material. At times the film cares just as little for Kit and Holly as the two youngsters do for the people they meet. In the leads, Sheen and Spacek are both impressive, both looking younger than their years and both flashing with youthful energy. The film provides an eccentric comment on society, which ultimately is its most interesting asset. The dialogue is a real treat.