From beginning to end, Terrence Malick's "Badlands" (1973) kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't say that I really liked or disliked the movie. I would describe my attitude towards this film as fascinated, especially since the events are inspired by a true story. In my opinion, the strongest elements of this film are the cinematography and the creation of mood. From the moment that Kit (Martin Sheen) is introduced at the beginning of the movie, the viewer gets the overwhelming feeling of creepiness and danger, especially when he shows romantic interest in 14-year old Holly (Sissy Space).
As the events of the movie unfold the mood becomes even more frightening and bizarre after Kit unexpectedly kills Holly's father after he refused to let them be together. Subsequently, the couple hides out in a remote location in the woods and then goes on a road trip across the North Dakota Badlands. Throughout the movie, Kit kills individual after individual, never seeming to think before he pulls the trigger. In a weird manner, Holly seems to be almost desensitized to Kit's violent actions and the absurdity of the situation. Eventually, Holly wakes up and decides to abandon Kit and surrender to the authorities. In the end, Holly goes free and Kit is sentenced to death.
Connected back to the theme of criminality and celebrity, although lesser known than Bonnie and Clyde, the real life couple that inspired "Holly and Kit" are well known today as well. Bruce Springsteen's album "Nebraska" was inspired by the story of this couple. Like I said in a previous post before, the public has this extreme fascination with criminals and tends to glamorize their actions.
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