DAYS OF HEAVEN QUESTIONS (surprise!)

Mr. Fleig,

We were very disappointed, let down rather, that you failed to come to class today. However, we did notice that you were well enough to critique our grammatical “skills” (or lack there of), so we appreciate that. Moreover, we have decided, as a class, that our comments on the film will all be the same. Thus, we are making one large post just for you. Through our mature class discussion, a special bond has kindled within the 8th hour film class that you so fortunately lead. And we have also grown to a deeper understanding of the film, ‘Days of Heaven’.

“Your eyes... Your ears... Your senses... will be overwhelmed” – hardly. The landscape depicts the attitudes and lifestyles of the characters in the film. The movie is set during the depression and the landscape provides the work that is required to survive during those difficult times. The landscape, because it is barren, really reflects the characters. It is also flat, which portrays their “hum-drum” and simple life. Static landscape= static characters. How does it shape the characters? Because of the barren land, it causes the characters to want to progress in their own lives to get out of their personal depression. These are the motives for Abby marrying Sam Shepard. I think it causes Bill to become desperate—there is nothing to do so it makes him long for getting away and for better things (such as money). Their desperation causes their downfall. One hundred percent of the class agrees that we are shaped by our physical surroundings. For example, how much do you use a car? What if you did not have a car? What if you knew everyone in your town or you only knew people who live in your neighborhood? Your thoughts, actions, and character are all therefore shaped by your surroundings.

Abby’s original character was innocent and passive. She used Bill (her boyfriend) as an excuse for her marriage to Sam Shepard. She appeared to be innocent and possess pure intentions, but the conclusion of her character reveals her true motives throughout the film. They were purely selfish.



~ The Class