Joel Edgerton looks at the Western epic ‘Train Dreams’ and what to expect

“Train Dreams,” starring Australian actor Joel Edgerton as a logger in the 1900s, is not a conventional movie.

Based on the novel by Dennis Johnson, the narrative spans one man’s life, showing his highs, lows and all the stories in between.

“It’s a western epic celebration of an ordinary life, you know. And I think there’s something so dignified about that,” Edgerton said. Reuters.

Beginning in childhood, the film soon sees Edgerton’s socially awkward Robert meet the love of his life, Gladys, played by Felicity Jones.

However, he must spend considerable time away from his wife and newborn child to earn money for the family logging in the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Edgerton, who has been praised by critics for his role, said his role was surprisingly easy.

She said, “I know what it’s like to be in love. I’m in love right now. And I’m struggling with how to marry work and life, and I felt like Robert was just me with an ax in his hand.”

For director Clint Bentley, Edgerton was more than that, saying, “The fact that he can do so much with so little and that he can, you know, break your heart with a look away or tripping over a line. I think he’s just such a powerful actor, but in such a humble way that it’s really beautiful to watch.”

While the film follows Robert’s life, it also shows how technology dominates almost every industry while nature is undermined. This is most felt in the film through Robert’s relationships with veteran logger Arn (William H. Macy) and environmentalist Claire (Kerry Condon).

The physical element of the film is also palpable as many of the scenes are shot outdoors.

Jones said, “It’s always really nice to shoot outside. You kind of feel the pressure less, you know, if there’s tension, it’s diluted because you’re, you know, out in the elements.”

“Train Dreams,” which is currently playing in limited theaters and will stream on Netflix on November 21st, currently sits at 97% on review aggregator rottentomatoes.com from 99 reviews.

Edgerton recalled one of his favorite reactions to the film, saying, “This guy in the front row of the screening the other day, as we were getting up to leave this Q&A, he said, ‘This movie makes me want to go home and hug my wife and my kids.’ And I was like, yeah, I love the stuff you’ve got right now.”