Badlands Story Hour Ep 129: Badlands (1973)

Burning Bright and Chris Paul dive into Badlands (1973), Terrence Malick’s haunting debut inspired by real-life events. They explore the film’s unsettling blend of beauty and brutality, following the crime spree of Kit and Holly across the American Midwest. The hosts unpack Malick’s unique storytelling style, the dreamlike cinematography, and how the film juxtaposes innocence with violence. Along the way, they discuss the performances of Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, the sparse yet impactful dialogue, and the ways the film challenges viewers to question morality, influence, and the romanticizing of outlaws. It’s a layered conversation that connects the movie’s themes to broader cultural narratives, making this episode as thought-provoking as the film itself.