Train Dreams

Distributed by Netflix, this film is set in the wild American Northwest of the early 20th century. The protagonist is a quiet man, a tireless worker in the service of railroad expansion and the logging industry between Idaho and Washington. A labourer and lumberjack, he spends his days between bridges under construction, forests cut down and miles of rails. The world around him is one of engineering marvels, but also of everyday brutality. Striking in its cinematography and overall aesthetics, this interesting product has no ambition to win. To be in the ten or so Best Picture nominees is award enough.