by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What has Paul Schrader brought to the world of cinema? His dark and primal look at humanity has created some of the most troubled and complex protagonists in all of film. Travis Bickle of Taxi Driver. Jake LaMotta of Raging Bull. Jesus Christ of The Last Temptation of Christ. But his career did not end as just a screenwriter for Martin Scorsese. He moved into directing, including First Reformed,which just might be one of the most underappreciated independent films of that last decade. It is his men at the center of his stories who have cemented his long-lasting legacy in film.
Who is the latest man who Schrader has brought to life on screen in Master Gardener? Narvel Roth. Played by Joel Edgerton, he is the meticulous horticulturist who has brought to life the estate of a rich woman (Sigourney Weaver). But he has a past that is tattooed all over his body. A life of white supremacy was his existence, but now it is one of love and understanding for all living beings. That is the titular master gardener. But Schrader unfortunately does not seem to fully dive into this new tale that he has created. There seems to be an inertness to this film which makes it hard for it to reach its maximum impact. It just feels like a dulled version of Schrader’s work.
Where does Schrader take this story of white supremacist-turned-horticulturist? Even though Roth wants to put this life behind him, his boss seems to get off on his past. That makes for a complex dynamic when her young family member (who happens to be a woman of color) comes to become an apprentice with Roth. There is so much potential for tension and conflict with this strange triangle of characters, but Schrader seems content only sliding along the surface. Maya (the new apprentice, played by Quintessa Swindell) is a victim of violence which brings about one of the few real tangible elements of conflict. Does Roth turn back to his ways of violence to protect her? Or does he leave it up to the police? There is plenty of potential, both narratively and thematically, but this film struggles to pull it all together.
But can the cast get more out of the elements of the story than are on the page? Edgerton gives a rock-solid performance as a man who struggles with elements of life that threaten his newfound peace. He is a strong and powerful presence who displays himself as a tender and supportive being. Weaver delivers a complex performance as a buttoned-up, wealthy woman, who certainly has some vile tendencies sitting underneath the surface. Swindell is a strong presence who plays well off Edgerton, especially as their connection becomes stronger. But despite their performances, you don’t really buy into this dynamic that grows between them, especially to the extent that it finds itself in the final moments of the film.
Is Master Gardener another solid and impactful entry in the legendary filmography of Schrader? Unfortunately, this latest work feels more like a diluted attempt to continue the work he has been delivering his whole career. The pieces are there in the story and its ideas, and the performers show up to bring it to life, but in the end, this film leans heavily into clichés that do not feel natural for Schrader, and an inert atmosphere that never quite delivers the sharp bite that he is known for.
Score: 5/10
Master Gardener is currently playing in theaters
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