Reviews

“An unmissable, transcendentally beautiful classic” - The Guardian

"This first, magnificent, outpouring of the sporadic genius of cinema’s equivalent to JD Salinger, Terrence Malick, still seems terrifically modern." - Time Out

"Badlands (1973) is undoubtedly one of the great first films of the cinema, and it is also one of the most influential works of the early 1970s, a golden period of American filmmaking." - Senses of Cinema

"Terrence Malick's first masterpiece. Essential viewing." - Channel 4 Review

The story

One of the most striking cinematic debuts of all time, Terrence Malick's Badlands is set in a sleepy South Dakota town in the late 1950s, where Kit (Martin Sheen), a 25-year-old garbage collector meets Holly (Sissy Spacek), a bored high-school student ten years his junior.

Struck by Kit's resemblance to James Dean, Holly not only defies her father (Warren Oates) by starting a relationship with him, but stands by as Kit subsequently shoots her father. What ensues is a powerful and disturbing tale of young lovers on the run.

Cinematography and music

The film's brilliant cinematography of Taki Fujimoto, the haunting soundtrack featuring music by Carl Orff, Erik Satie and Nat King Cole, and the superb performances of its two young leads all add to the resonance Badlands still enjoys today.

Real case

Malick's script is loosely based on the real-life story of 19-year-old Charles Starkweather who, in 1958, murdered the family of his underage girlfriend, Caril Fugate, before embarking on a killing spree in Nebraska and Wyoming.

Very special night

Basically, this film is so beautiful you have to see it on a big screen. Tonight will be one of your very rare chances to see it at the cinema, and also on a new 35mm print that has just been released by the British Film Institute.

The film has been touring the UK since the new print was released, to some of the most prestigious art house cinemas - including the Barbican Centre in London.

We are proud and very excited to be screening this stunning film tonight.

+ Discussion!

The film followed by a discussion with Newcastle University Lecturer James Annesley, specialist of American culture.

Badlands has marked the history of cinema, and has gained a very strong cult status. James Annesley will come to discuss with us the history of the film, and the place it has gained in world cinematic culture.