Master Gardener

⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

Legendary writer and director Paul Schrader may not be a household name. Still, many films he has penned are part of cinematic lore. From Taxi Driver to Raging Bull to First Reformed, he has written and directed a multitude of critically acclaimed films over the decades and has been a regular collaborator with Martin Scorsese. Yet, for anyone who has regularly partaken of his artistry, his writing is an acquired taste, and most delve into the darker recesses of the human condition.

Schrader’s leading characters have many layers that take most of the film to unearth. Throughout his filmography, most of what is eventually discovered about these individuals may cause many to wish they had never seen what is harboured within their souls. Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton) is his latest creation. He comes off as a focussed and gifted horticulturist who manages Gracewood Gardens. As one of the last privately funded gardens in the United States, Mrs. Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver) is the wealthy, widowed title owner who expects her property to be cared for well. Narvel's responsibilities include overseeing the vast estate’s care, he also is endowed to Mrs Haverhill for his role due to his questionable past, which she then expects romantic interludes as one form of payment. Until she asks her head gardener to mentor her orphaned grandniece, Maya (Quintessa Swindell), as a gardening team member. This request and relationship opens the door to Narvel’s past, leading to troubles for the estate, threats to his safety, and exposing secrets no one wants to be brought into the open.

Despite his decades-long success, Schrader would never be credited with being mainstream in his style or appeal. For some, he is a master craftsman who writes and directs in a manner that challenges how viewers see humanity. This is especially true of the creation of Narvel Roth, who is methodical and brilliant at his craft in botany. As he narrates his work and how it reflects the world around him, he manages to draw the viewer into his world and make gardening unexpectedly compelling. Yet for all of his brilliance, as he works off of the land, the gardener has a difficult time managing his life in the same way

When things remain in the confines of the garden, there is an order and appeal to the story. The challenges within the storyline occur when the human component is sown into the soil. Joel Edgerton is undeniably suited for this role as he is brilliant at his character's understated and meticulous aspects. Unfortunately, Sigourney Weaver and Quintessa Swindell’s parts are not written with the same level of care. Each fails to meet the intensity and convincing form of Edgerton’s performance. Neither is believable as being romantically involved with this man as one is too old and the other too young to be credible.

Master Gardener has the narrative seeds for this earthy tale to come alive on screen. Yet, each character needed the same level of care and cultivation for it to blossom. Paul Schrader stays true to his style, and this film will tantalise his fans with its initial beauty, but fails to have the aroma to entice them to take in all of his creation.

REEL DIALOGUE: Do you need to be a gardener to appreciate Paul Schrader’s latest film? No, but it might make you understand your very existence.

To appreciate the botanical language of Schrader’s film, spending time in the garden and getting your hands dirty would be worthwhile. There is value in the old saying, ‘taking time to smell the roses’ or walking through the local botanical gardens. Gardening comes in various forms, and the appreciation manifests itself in different ways. It is why some love studying flowers, and others thoroughly enjoy growing their own food.

The more profound question is why do humans have a fascination with gardening at all? It is a complex idea to consider, but the simple but profound answer is found in the Bible at the beginning of time. God created men and women and then placed them in the perfect garden. The true master gardener inspires humanity to work the soil and benefit from its provision. Everything from the smell of the earth to the beauty of flowers to the bounty brought forth from the soil arouses the gardener in all of us because it is part of our very DNA. Humanity has a penchant for horticulture because the seeds are planted in our souls by the master gardener.

'But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.' - Isaiah 64:8

'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.' - Genesis 2:15

If you would like to discuss the topic of gardening, creation or God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.