Days of Heaven
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Days of Heaven is a 1978 film written and directed by Terrence Malick and starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard and Linda Manz.
The story concerns Bill (Gere), a Chicago laborer who flees to the Texas Panhandle in 1916 with his girlfriend Abbey (Adams) and young sister Linda (Manz) to escape a murder charge. Bill and Abbey pose as siblings. The three hire on as seasonal workers with a rich farmer (Shepard). When the farmer falls in love with Abbey, Bill encourages her to marry him for his money. Bill stays at the farm, and the farmer eventually discovers their relationship. The farmer attacks Bill, and Bill kills him. Bill is subsequently killed by the police.
The story has numerous allusions to the Old Testament, particularly to the Book of Genesis (Hebrew Bible). The title is from Deuteronomy 11:21:
- "That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth."
The film won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Per Academy custom, the award was given in the name of principal photographer Nestor Almendros. This was somewhat controversial, as renowned cinematographer Haskell Wexler also received credit on the film. Wexler has complained about not receiving an Oscar statue for his contributions to the work.
Malick won the prix de la mise en scène (best director award) at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival for Days of Heaven.
The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Costume Design, Original Score, and Sound.