Terrence Malick's directorial debut, *Badlands*, released in 1973, was a film marked by both innovative creative choices and significant production challenges. Malick, who also wrote and produced the film, embarked on this project after his second year at the American Film Institute, beginning work on the screenplay during a road trip in 1970. His meticulous approach included developing a "sales kit" with slides and video tapes of actors to attract
investors. He personally contributed $25,000 of his own funds and raised additional money from professionals like doctors and dentists, with executive producer Edward Pressman securing the remaining half of the budget. This grassroots funding effort underscored the independent spirit of the film's creation.
Casting and Character Development
Casting for *Badlands* involved careful consideration, particularly for the lead roles of Kit Carruthers and Holly Sargis. Sissy Spacek, in only her second film, was the first actor cast. Malick found her small-town Texas roots and accent perfectly suited for the naive and impressionable high school girl, Holly. He actively involved Spacek in his creative process, asking her about her life "as if he were mining for gold." When he discovered she had been a majorette, he even worked a twirling routine into the script, demonstrating his collaborative and adaptive directorial style. For the role of Kit Carruthers, several up-and-coming actors were auditioned. Malick was initially hesitant about Martin Sheen, thinking he was too old for the part. However, Spacek recalled that "the chemistry was immediate. He was Kit. And with him, I was Holly," highlighting the undeniable connection between the two leads. Sheen, in turn, based his characterization of Kit on the iconic actor James Dean, adding another layer to the film's exploration of youth and rebellion.
Filming Locations and Technical Hurdles
Principal photography for *Badlands* commenced in July 1972 in Colorado, operating with a non-union crew and a low budget of $300,000, excluding some deferments to film labs and actors. The production was not without its difficulties. Several crew members reportedly clashed with Malick, and one individual was severely injured during the filming of a fire scene. Malick's first cinematographer, Brian Probyn, quit mid-shoot, reportedly balking at the director's unorthodox methods. He was subsequently replaced first by Tak Fujimoto, and then by Stevan Larner, who ultimately completed the film. Despite these changes in cinematography, producer Edward R. Pressman noted that "amazingly, despite the input of these different hands, the film looks remarkably seamless," a testament to Malick's strong visual direction.
The film utilized various locations in Colorado to capture its distinctive atmosphere. The script's beginning was largely filmed in the southeastern Colorado towns of La Junta and Las Animas, including a scene where Holly runs out of Columbian Elementary School in Las Animas. The Frank G. Bloom House in Trinidad, Colorado, served as the rich man's mansion. Malick himself made an uncredited cameo in the film, stepping in to play the 'Caller at Rich Man's House' when the hired actor failed to show up. The closing credits express gratitude to the people of Otero County "for their help and cooperation," acknowledging the local support that facilitated the production. These details underscore the resourceful and often challenging nature of independent filmmaking, particularly for a debut director with a unique artistic vision.
