Clift Bentley's “Train Dreams”
Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald
Thoughtful, mature, and artistically sensitive films about the human condition are rare. Two that come to mind are Robin Wright’s Land and Terrence Malick’s Tree of Life. A third is Train Dreams, which follows the life of a logger and railroad builder in the early 20th century and the happiness and sorrow he experiences over the years.
One’s response to this film may depend on personal life experience and how closely one identifies with the joys, sorrows, and everyday events portrayed here. At first, I thought age might predict one's appreciation of this film, but I now believe it has more to do with life experience and how readily one can relate to what unfolds on screen.
The film is beautifully photographed, masterfully narrated (by Will Patton), and sensitively scored. These elements all contribute to its artistic impact. Even characters with brief appearances make strong impressions, such as those portrayed by William H. Macy and Kerry Condon.
Joel Edgerton provides a steady, quiet presence in the lead role. Avoiding histrionics, he sensitively portrays a man surviving a dizzying range of experiences. His restraint, in my view, may be one reason the film resonates with so many; we can project ourselves onto this almost taciturn character. Others may find the restraint off-putting—I didn’t.
Some viewers may interpret Edgerton’s character as frustratingly silent or lacking depth. This viewer, thanks to the film’s artistry, felt otherwise.
Review copyright 2025 by Dennis D. McDonald
