We all make mistakes in life. However, change and growth is inevitable as lessons are learned and paths are charted forward. Paul Schrader’s ‘Master Gardener’, this week’s movie review, is a master class in itself.
Directed and written by Paul Schrader, ‘Master Gardener’ deftly combines a complexity of issues by aligning them to the seasons and the floral adaptations. Nature is the master of change and out of destruction new life emerges.
If nothing else, this should give us hope for the future.
Master Gardener stars
Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, Quintessa Swindell
Master learning curve
Who knows what guides us with respect to our decisions in our youth… sometimes the directions chosen are correct. More often than not, however, they are part of the learning curve as we mature. Change and growth are undeniable facets of the process.
The main protagonist in Schrader’s cinematic masterpiece is Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton). Upon awakening to the real nature and agenda of the white supremacist cult, for which he was an appointed assassin, a complete U-turn was essential.
As a result, he turns informer and becomes a permanent member of the witness protection programme. This in itself is a challenge as he can never reveal his true identity – it would be an immediate death sentence. The major benefit is that he is taken under the wing of a wealthy dowager – Mrs Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver). Here he is groomed to take over her magnificent gardens and ultimately becomes a master craftsman.
Schrader has managed to craft a tale which intertwines many of the tensions facing modern society. The angst and remorse of a past which cannot be undone heavily tinged with inter-racial violence combined with a complete change in direction and inevitable growth.
Add to the mix a Romeo-and-Juliet-type romance complete with subterfuge and revenge.
Hope: The master of change
The entire movie is hued with light and dark – damage and death vs regrowth and change. All one really has to do is look at one’s garden – death and regeneration; seasonal growth; and inevitable change.
Despite everything there is hope… there’s always the opportunity to repent, change direction and become the person one is meant to be.
As usual, I don’t want to give too much away. “Master Gardener” is definitely worth watching, but it’s not for sensitive viewers! Currently showing at Cinema Nouveau, Rosebank.
Date night treat
Treat yourself to a trip to the cinema and in particular, Cinema Nouveau. Then, don’t rush home – spend the night at the Jack Rose (JR) a mere 5-minutes away from the Rosebank Mall. Reserve your room today.
Preview