The most polite homicidal maniac you could wish to meet!
Cult seventies drama/comedy, based on a true story, starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek as two lovers, on the run from the law across the barren landscapes of the U.S.
Set in the fifties, Sheen plays Kit - a silver-tongued twenty-something, living on the edge of acceptable social behaviour. One day he meets Holly (Spacek), an awkward teenage girl who seems to fall for Kit’s unusual antics. The two enjoy a blossoming relationship, becoming inseparable whilst remaining on the edge, until one day Kit shoots Holly’s father, sort of by accident, and the two go on the run.
Whilst eluding the authorities, Kit and Holly eventually to lose their infatuation for each other. The stresses of being on the road, as well as being forced to commit further crimes, plays heavily upon each of them, and the inevitability of their capture becomes a chain around their necks.
Unusual and baffling, the film’s strong adult themes are brilliantly contrasted with the two main characters’ almost unemotional reaction to the crimes they have committed. Kit and Holly make light of the situation, without panicking, and seem light-hearted as they journey across the desert. It is only worry of being caught that seems to get to them.
Spacek is superb in a pre-Carrie role, offering a deep and affecting portrayal of this complicated teenager, whilst Sheen delivers the film’s comedy and the most intrigue.
Compelling throughout, Badlands portrays the blissfulness of youth against the backdrop of a killing spree, with pure genius.
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