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Resurrection: A movie that will tug at your heartstrings
There are plenty of movies out there that aim to make you cry, but few do it as well as “Resurrection” does. Directed by Paul Schrader, this 1980 drama stars Ellen Burstyn as Edna Mae McCauley, a woman who dies briefly during surgery and returns with the ability to heal people.
The Storyline
From the moment we meet Edna, we can see that she’s a tough cookie. She’s been through a lot in her life, including an abusive marriage and a miscarriage. But even after her near-death experience, she’s not sure what to make of her newfound power.
As she travels from town to town, healing the sick and bringing comfort to the dying, she attracts the attention of many people – some who believe in her abilities and others who fear her for them. Along the way, she meets Cal Carpenter (Sam Shepard), a Vietnam veteran who is struggling to adjust to civilian life.
The two form a bond over their shared experiences of trauma and loss, but their relationship is complicated by Edna’s growing fame and Cal’s jealousy. As they try to navigate their feelings for each other and figure out what Edna’s purpose really is, they are forced to confront some deep-seated issues within themselves.
The Casts
Burstyn delivers an unforgettable performance as Edna, capturing both her strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Shepard is equally impressive as Cal, bringing a quiet intensity to his role that makes him incredibly compelling to watch.
Other standout performances come from Eva Le Gallienne as Grandma Pearl, Edna’s grandmother who encourages her to embrace her power, and Richard Farnsworth as Esco Brown, a man who believes Edna is the second coming of Christ.
The Plot
At its core, “Resurrection” is a movie about the power of faith and the human spirit. It explores themes of grief, trauma, healing, and redemption in a way that feels both authentic and deeply resonant.
The plot moves at a deliberate pace, allowing the audience to really sink into the story and get to know the characters. There are plenty of emotional moments throughout that will have you reaching for your tissues – but there are also moments of humor and hope that provide a nice balance.
The Characters
One of the things I love most about “Resurrection” is how fully realized each character feels. From Edna and Cal to the small-town locals she encounters, every person on screen feels like a real person with their own unique backstory and motivations.
Watching Edna come into her own as a healer is incredibly satisfying, but it’s the relationship between her and Cal that really propels the story forward. Their chemistry is palpable, even as they navigate some pretty heavy emotional territory.
The History
“Resurrection” was not a commercial success upon its release, but it has since gained a cult following thanks to its powerful performances and poignant themes. It was directed by Paul Schrader, who is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese (including “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”).
The screenplay was written by Lewis John Carlino, who based it on his own experiences with healing after a near-fatal car accident. Burstyn was so moved by the script that she personally financed the film’s production.
The Score and Popularity
The score for “Resurrection” was composed by Maurice Jarre, who also wrote music for classic films like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.” The music perfectly captures the film’s emotional highs and lows.
Despite its initial lackluster box office performance, “Resurrection” has become something of a cult classic in the decades since its release. It’s a movie that really resonates with people on a deep level, thanks to its themes of hope and healing.
The Evaluation
Personally, I think “Resurrection” is one of the most underrated movies of all time. Burstyn’s performance alone is worth the price of admission – she brings such depth and nuance to her portrayal of Edna that it’s impossible not to be moved by her story.
The themes of trauma and healing are so relevant today, especially as we continue to grapple with the effects of the pandemic. “Resurrection” reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for redemption and renewal.
The Cinematography
Schrader’s direction and cinematography by John Bailey are also top-notch. The film has a dreamlike quality to it that perfectly captures Edna’s journey into the unknown. There are plenty of breathtaking shots throughout – from sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups – that really draw you into the story.
The Scenes
One scene in particular that stands out to me is when Edna visits Cal at his home in Arizona. They share a meal together, and it’s clear that there is a deep connection between them – but also a lot of pain and heartache.
The dialogue is sparse, but Burstyn and Shepard convey so much with just a look or a gesture. It’s a beautiful scene that showcases the actors’ talents and really drives home the emotional core of the movie.
The Soundtracks
As I mentioned earlier, the score by Maurice Jarre is fantastic. But there are also some great songs featured in the movie, including “Amazing Grace” and “Down by the Riverside.”
These songs help to ground the story in its Southern roots and provide an additional layer of emotional resonance. They’re perfectly woven into the fabric of the movie, making it all the more powerful.
The Analysis
“Resurrection” is a movie that can be analyzed from many different angles. From a religious perspective, it raises questions about faith and what it means to be a healer. From a psychological perspective, it explores themes of trauma and healing.
One interpretation of the film is that Edna’s healing powers are actually a manifestation of her own repressed emotions. By finally confronting her past – both through her near-death experience and her relationship with Cal – she is able to heal not only herself but others as well.
The Special Effects
Given the nature of the story, there aren’t a ton of special effects in “Resurrection.” But the few that are there are fantastic. The scenes where Edna heals people are shot in a way that is both beautiful and eerie, conveying the sense of wonder and fear that her powers inspire.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in “Resurrection” is sparse but powerful. There are plenty of moments where what isn’t said is just as important as what is.
One scene in particular that comes to mind is when Edna visits her abusive ex-husband in prison. They don’t exchange many words, but Burstyn’s performance speaks volumes about the pain and trauma she has experienced at his hands.
The Crews
“Resurrection” was made by a team of incredibly talented filmmakers. Schrader’s direction is top-notch, and he’s supported by an excellent crew including cinematographer John Bailey, editor Tom Rolf, and production designer Richard Macdonald.
These creatives come together to create a cohesive vision that really elevates the material. Everything from the lighting to the set design feels like it was crafted with care and attention to detail.
The Criticism
Of course, no movie is perfect – and “Resurrection” has received its fair share of criticism over the years. Some have accused it of being too sentimental or melodramatic, while others have taken issue with the way it handles issues of faith.
Personally, I think these criticisms are unfounded. The film wears its heart on its sleeve, but that’s precisely what makes it so moving. And while its take on faith may not be for everyone, I think it raises some interesting questions about the nature of healing and spirituality.
The Production
Making a movie like “Resurrection” is no easy feat. It requires a lot of dedication and creativity from everyone involved.
According to interviews with the cast and crew, Burstyn was very involved in the production process – not only did she finance the film herself, but she also worked closely with Schrader to develop her character and shape the story.
The Editing
Tom Rolf’s editing is also worth noting here. He does an excellent job of pacing the movie and allowing each scene to breathe. The transitions between scenes are seamless, and the final product feels like a cohesive whole.
The Gossip
There isn’t a ton of gossip surrounding “Resurrection,” but there are a few interesting tidbits out there. For example, Burstyn has said in interviews that she felt a spiritual presence on set while filming – something she found both comforting and eerie.
Additionally, there has been some speculation over the years about whether or not Edna’s healing powers were meant to be taken literally or metaphorically. Schrader has never given a definitive answer to this question, leaving it up to interpretation.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, “Resurrection” is a movie that will leave you feeling deeply moved. It’s a story about trauma, healing, and the power of human connection – themes that are just as relevant today as they were in 1980.
Whether you’re a fan of drama or just looking for a good cry, I highly recommend giving this one a watch. Burstyn’s performance alone is worth the price of admission, but there’s so much more to love about this underrated gem.