Lately, many of my posts have been about older or recent TV series but occasionally I like to blog about films or movies that leave a lasting impression on me long after I have finished watching it. One such movie is the film titled Master Gardener by Paul Schrader which premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in 2022 and which was subsequently released in the US by Magnolia Pictures the following year. Actually, I was drawn to this movie after watching Jane Campion's 2021 film The Power of the Dog which was based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same name. Because The Power of the Dog was such a good movie and Benedict Cumberbatch's performance in it truly brilliant, I was searching for another indie or arthouse film with a storyline that was just as intriguing as The Power of the Dog when I stumbled upon this movie. By the way, those who have not seen The Power of the Dog yet should really invest in the film since Benedict Cumberbatch's performance in it is alone worth your while. Another thing that attracted me to this film was the involvement of upcoming actor Joel Edgerton and veteran actress Sigourney Weaver. Edgerton, an Australian actor, has played many diverse roles, from Pharaoh Ramesses II in Exodus : Gods & Kings to more recent ones like Richard Loving in Loving, a movie about an interracial couple in 1960s Virginia which at that time had state laws prohibiting interracial marriages. You can also catch him in the current science fiction TV drama Dark Matter from Apple TV. It is also worth mentioning here that long time actor, Esai Morales, has a small cameo role in the movie and that newcomer Quintessa Swindell's performance in the movie is also exceptionally good. For those not acquainted with Paul Schrader, he is the legendary film maker, director and screenwriter responsible for movies like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, American Gigolo, Cat People, The Mosquito Coast and the more recent 2021 movie The Card Counter starring Oscar Isaac. In my humble opinion, most of Schrader's films are truly an examination of the human condition. A fact which is further validated by this film.
So back to the intriguing storyline of this movie (which I will try not to give too much away), Edgerton plays the role of Narvel Roth, a meticulous horticulturist who tends to a vast but beautiful estate owned by the wealthy Mrs Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver). When first introduced to the character, Roth seems very contented with the tranquil life and daily routines in Gracewood Gardens but in actuality, he hides a very dark secret. However, his ordered existence within the estate will soon be disrupted upon the arrival of Mrs Haverhill's grand niece, Maya. Roth is truly an ironic role for Edgerton as the character actually contradicts a previous role played by him, Richard Loving. Through a series of clues and flashbacks, the viewer is slowly given glimpses of Roth's past life. A complex character, Roth is a very different man from his past self and by the end of the film, we see him evolving even further. The movie also uses a lot of imagery and symbolism like the fact that Roth views gardening as a way to project the future. Something that he can control like the scheduled way he runs everything on the estate grounds. Even the beautiful and tranquil images of flowers that adorn the movie's opening credits are deceptive and seems to hide the actual violent nature of the film's story. But what actually attracted me to the movie was Schrader's (the film was written and directed by him) ability to see into the darkest recesses of the human soul but yet find something redemptive and faith restoring there. The characters, despite their huge flaws, are always portrayed sympathetically and handled with reserved judgement in his films. At the age of 77 and after some personal struggles, perhaps this film is Schrader's ode to life hence the optimistic ending of the film. Apparently, Master Gardener is the final part in Paul Schrader's "Man In A Room" trilogy of films. The first and second films being the 2017 film First Reformed starring Ethan Hawke and the 2021 movie The Card Counter with Oscar Isaac. However, when I first discovered this movie I was completely unaware that it was part of a trilogy of films. Until now, I have never seen the other two films but from articles like the one linked below from The New York Times (which contain some spoilers), I found out that these three films are actually connected and that they share some similar themes like self destruction, dormant violence and redemption.
So, if you are curious about this movie and you want to know who Roth actually is and what happens to him in the end, check out the film and let me know what you think in the comments. I would really like to hear them. Lastly, please note that the film received mixed but mostly favorable reviews but it contains some very adult situations, so its not for the kids or family viewing. There is a comprehensive review of this film on RogerEbert.com by Glenn Kenny which best describes this film, if you don't mind some minor spoilers, or that you can read after viewing the movie. The film garnered a 4 star rating on the website while Mr Kenny is obviously a fan of Paul Schrader. As for me, I might be tempted to explore the other two earlier films in the trilogy at a later date.
Review on Master Gardener (RogerEbert.com) By Glenn Kenny
Trailer Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing
(the above video contains some minor spoilers)
If you are interested, this movie is available on DVD/Blu-Ray from Magnolia Home Entertainment and via streaming on Amazon Prime. The links are provided below.
Master Gardener Blu-Ray (Amazon US) (paid link)
Master Gardener (Amazon Prime) (paid link)
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