Joel Edgerton on starring in ‘Train Dreams’

Key Concepts

• Train Dreams (Film): An adaptation of Dennis Johnson's short novel, set in the early 20th century Pacific Northwest, exploring themes of solitude, change, and the life of an ordinary man.
• Robert Graier (Character): The protagonist, a humble logger and railroad worker, portrayed by Joel Edgerton.
• Pacific Northwest Wilderness: Depicted as a significant character in the film, influencing the protagonist's life and experiences.
• Stillness and Solitude: Central themes in the film, reflecting the protagonist's isolated existence and internal world.
• Ordinary Life: The film celebrates the heroic nature of everyday existence and the experiences of common individuals.
• Unexpressed Emotions in Men: A recurring observation about men carrying and suppressing feelings, impacting their well-being and their place in the world.
• Nature as a Character: The film portrays the natural environment not just as a backdrop but as an active force shaping events and the protagonist's life.
• Materialism vs. Human Connection: The film suggests that true value in life lies in relationships and experiences rather than material possessions.

Film Adaptation and Setting

"Train Dreams" is a film adaptation of Dennis Johnson's short novel, a work recognized by the Pulitzer Prize finalist. The story is set against the backdrop of the "raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest" and the "relentless change of early 20th century industrial America." The film aims to bring this "folktale" to life on screen, focusing on themes of "stillness, sorrow, and the enduring power of solitude."

Joel Edgerton's Portrayal of Robert Graier

Joel Edgerton stars as Robert Graier, described as a "humble logger and railroad worker." The film opens with a scene depicting "rough work" involving cutting down ancient trees, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of such labor. Edgerton discusses the challenge of conveying isolation and the breadth of a man's entire life, spanning decades, which includes "the beautiful nature of falling in love and the the joys of life and also some of the sadnesses of it."

Themes of Solitude and Ordinary Life

The film explores the idea that "the world needs a hermit in the woods as much as a preacher in the pulpit." Edgerton agrees with this sentiment, emphasizing that the story "celebrates the life of an ordinary person." He believes that holding up an ordinary life and acknowledging "the heroic nature of just being alive and all the things you go through" is a significant aspect of the film.

Expressing Unexpressed Emotions

Edgerton reflects on his observation that "people of few words there's really a potency to to watching them." He draws inspiration from the men he grew up with, suggesting that "a lot of men carry around a lot of feelings and express them unexpressed, unexpressed to their own detriment sometimes." He notes that his character "really doesn't need to be a man of monologues" because this internal struggle is relatable.

The Pacific Northwest as a Character

The film treats the "Pacific Northwest" as a "living, breathing character." Edgerton acknowledges that the director and cinematographer recognized nature not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the narrative. A significant event in Robert's life occurs "at the hands of of the world around him, the nature that he's living in." This aspect is seen as relatable to audiences who understand that the world can be "a beautiful but can also be a dangerous place."

Personal Impact of the Role

Edgerton shares that the role "definitely made me feel an amplified guilt about the way that I relate to the world and being good to the planet." He describes the movie as something that "can crack your soul open and make you realize what's valuable about the life we live at the end of the day is not material goods. It's about the people we move through what our life with." This resonated with him on a personal level, inspiring him to "play more characters that have more of a personal connection to who I am rather than hiding behind all the masks that I like to when I play dressups."

Conclusion and Availability

"Train Dreams" is currently playing in theaters and streaming on Netflix. The film is being recognized as a potential Oscar contender and one of the best movies of the year.