The World Today
Train Dreams: The new gem of independent cinema
At the Middleburg Film Festival, Joel Edgerton finds himself immersed in an atmosphere of anticipation, reviewing the event's program and enthusiastically highlighting internationally acclaimed films and American productions. However, his visit to Virginia has a different purpose: to receive the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting, not to analyze the competition. This dilemma is, ultimately, a significant inconvenience. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Edgerton shares that the festival circuit has been crucial to the success of Train Dreams, a film that has proved to be a pleasant surprise for audiences. With a theatrical release scheduled for November 7 and a subsequent Netflix release on November 21, the drama is gaining recognition thanks to word of mouth.
Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, is based on the short story by author Denis Johnson and portrays the life of Robert Grainier, a lumberjack working on the railroad in early 20th-century America. This film, which Edgerton considers one of the most personal of his career, examines universal themes such as love, loss, marriage, and fatherhood, becoming a highly emotional and visually stunning work. Edgerton, who plays the lead role, anchors the narrative with a subtle yet powerful performance that resonates deeply with audiences.
As Train Dreams has toured various festivals, from Sundance to various European and Latin American cities, it has generated growing recognition for its cinematic quality. Edgerton reflects on his connection to the character, suggesting that, although he hasn't lived Robert's experiences, he has delved into his emotions. "It's an exploration of life slipping away as we try to hold on to our loved ones," the actor says, highlighting the relationship between his work and his own family life.
The intimacy of Robert Grainier's personal journey is something many can relate to, especially in a world where finding a balance between work and family life has become increasingly difficult. For Edgerton, his motivation for acting stems in part from his desire to capture the attention of his constantly busy father. This reflection on fatherhood is further explored in his performance, echoing the individual struggles many face within their family relationships.
The creative process and personal connection
Filming Train Dreams wasn't an easy process, but Edgerton is satisfied with the result. "This film represents the most personal thing I've ever expressed on screen," he notes, admitting that a moment of emotional depth was reached that allowed him to open up and show his vulnerability as an actor. This sincere connection with the character has resonated with critics and audiences alike, generating renewed interest in his work in Hollywood, where he has played a variety of roles over the years.
Reflecting on his career, Edgerton mentions learning how to deal with rejection and how it has shaped his career in the film industry. He has been open in the past about auditions that didn't work out, which gave him a different perspective on the casting process: "Sometimes, it's not just about who the best actor is. There are factors beyond our control that influence the choice. The important thing is to continue to believe in yourself and remember that auditioning is an art form where everyone is on their own journey."
His choice to participate in independent projects, such as Train Dreams and his role in other low-budget productions, stems from his desire to engage with creativity at its roots. Throughout his career, Edgerton has found that smaller films often offer the opportunity to explore meaningful stories that might not receive the same attention from larger production companies. He recognizes that the importance of these stories lies in their ability to be visionary and tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences.
Edgerton admits that, faced with different opportunities in his career, he's had to resist industry pressure to opt for more commercial projects. The connection with Train Dreams, for example, was visceral and immediate: he knew he wanted to be a part of that film and that the visionary behind it, Clint Bentley, was ready to deliver something meaningful. "I wouldn't trade this kind of sacred project for anything," he adds.
A new era for cinema and streaming
With the imminent release of Train Dreams on various platforms, Edgerton reflects on the impact of digital distribution on contemporary cinema. While a few years ago there may have been resistance to platforms like Netflix, today audiences have immediate access to a variety of films that otherwise wouldn't have reached their screens. "Access is key. In a single download, anyone with an account can watch the film. That's invaluable for us as creators," he asserts.
The actor is also optimistic about the circulation and longevity of stories told in film. "What really matters is not whether a film is an immediate box office success, but whether it resonates with audiences over the long term. Train Dreams has the potential to become a classic if it manages to captivate those who decide to see it." The value of cinema lies, according to Edgerton, in its ability to connect people, inviting them to reflect and find resonance in their own experiences.
While awaiting the release of Train Dreams, Edgerton looks to the future, feeling that this work has established a new departure in his career as an actor and director. In both his directing and casting roles, he seeks to continue exploring themes that reflect the human experience and its complexities. "Life is full of light and shadow, and I believe my work will always seek to illuminate those shared experiences," he concludes.
As Train Dreams prepares for its theatrical debut on November 7 and its transition to Netflix on November 21, anticipation is growing for this indie gem poised to captivate audiences around the world.