Master Gardener movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Master Gardener

This dramatic movie is now playing in select theaters, as well as Video on Demand.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 47 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

This drama was written and directed by Paul Schrader. It’s about a meticulous horticulturist who is devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate and pandering to his employer, the wealthy dowager. If you’re a fan of this director, you’ll recognize some of the common themes he uses in many of his films, yet the look and feel of this movie is quite different!

THINGS I LIKED:

The talented cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Joel Edgerton, Quintessa Swindell, and Esai Morales.
I love small details that underscore themes or subtle messages. For example, Joel Edgerton’s haircut was carefully designed to resemble the “Hitler Youth” haircut during World War II. Once we see his Nazi tattoos, we begin to understand the philosophy he’s fighting against in his own mind.
I hated the jellyfish wallpaper in the main house. That’s another example of an intentional detail that Paul Schrader included to make the viewer feel uneasy. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the director explained that he wanted to create a sense of coldness and that something is missing. Even the actors perform with that same wooden, empty sense that something is wrong.
The director used some creative camera angles that showed interesting perspectives.
In one scene, a character takes his shoes off and walks in the garden. He describes the healing process of nature. You can almost feel the dirt between his toes and his blood pressure lower.
If you love gardens, you’ll enjoy some beautiful ones in the movie. The descriptions of flowers and gardening are insightful metaphors of life.
Shout-out to Meals on Wheels charity. They do good work!
The song at the end of the movie was lovely.
The title of the movie has a double meaning. We know master gardeners to be people who have trained in a certification program as experts in horticulture. But the word “master” also connotes the Nazi philosophy that Aryans are the master race.
This is the kind of movie that people will skim over, saying it was just okay, but if you were told the deeper meaning behind the director’s intentional choices for various things, you would be much more impressed.
The color palette is pale and muted to allow the flowers and garden to pop. It also asks the question of whether a former drug addict and hater could ever see the true beauty in the world.
There isn’t any humor. It’s intentionally a drab existence except for the beauty of the garden.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The ending wasn’t believable, especially considering Sigourney Weaver’s character.
Some viewers might get bored because it’s slow moving and they’ll wonder when something is going to happen. Look at this movie as a character study. Looking for all of the garden and flower metaphors should keep you busy.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored.
Profanity, including F-bombs
We see a man covered in tattoos.
Violence
Lots of talk of drug use and distribution
We see the silhouette of a naked man and woman.
We see a woman throw up and go through drug withdrawals. Yuck.

THEMES:

Generational drug use and addiction
Legacy
Rich vs. poor
Control
Power
Gardening
Second chances and redemption
Consequences of our actions
Racism
Guilt
Internal peace
Overcoming and forgiving one’s past mistakes

FUNNY LINES:

“It’s always fun to watch grown men in pastel pants outbid each other for a flower.” – Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton)
“You can’t spreadsheet nature. It will only surprise you.” – Isobel Phelps (Victoria Hill)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Money is the best manure.” – Norma Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver)
“Gardening is the most accessible form of art. It’s already there.” – Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton)
“I’m a very simple person.” – Maya “There’s a lot to be said for that.” – Norma Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver)
“Are you satisfied with the life that you have?” – Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton)
“The seeds of love grow like the seeds of hate.” – Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton)
“I thought you should know I was once someone else.” – Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton)
“Gardening is the manipulation of the natural world.” – Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton)