Blog #11: Days of heaven

 Of all the films in this class, this one I think stood out to me the most. Despite the title of the film, it wasn't as heavy handed on the religious aspects as I was expecting, in in fact required a deeper understanding of what was going on in order to discern religious meaning. Having said that though, it may have been more obvious to those who are more familiar with the biblical story it is mirroring, however I am not. From my perspective as a Hellenistic pagan however this film subtly intertwines the ethereal with the earthly, demanding a nuanced perception to unravel its spiritual undertones. The narrative, while not explicitly religious, mirrors themes of exile, redemption, and the search for paradise, all of which are elements deeply rooted in various religious traditions, including my own. Malick’s approach to storytelling, with its muted emotions and detached narration provided by Linda's character, allows for a contemplative space where one can project their own spiritual interpretations. The film becomes a canvas, reflecting the viewer’s beliefs and experiences, but it is much more than that as well. While watching the film the part that stood out to me the most was easily when the land caught fire as a result of the farmer's rage. we can draw parallels to the ancient Greek understanding of hubris and nemesis. In Hellenistic thought, hubris often refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, which leads to a violation of the natural order, inviting the wrath of the gods or the universe, also known as nemesis. In this context I also find it interesting that the farmer is never actually given a name, perhaps to symbolize that he is held in a position of higher power where his name is sacred, holding almost a god-like status. In the film, the act of setting the land ablaze can be seen as a human attempt to assert control over nature, an act of hubris. The farmer, in a fit of rage and desperation, tries to eradicate the locust plague that threatens his crops by fire. This destructive act against the natural world could be interpreted as a defiance of the divine order, which in Hellenistic terms, would inevitably lead to nemesis, retribution, or downfall as we see at the end of the film. The farmer's Hubris gets the better of him and he ends up being stabbed in the chest.

The fire scene is also reminiscent of purification rituals in ancient religions, where fire symbolizes both destruction and renewal. From a Hellenistic perspective, the fire could represent a cleansing force, albeit a tragic one, that paves the way for new growth and a return to balance. It’s a moment of catharsis, where the characters and the land itself undergo a transformation through the purifying flames.