Days of Heaven

Days of Heaven is a 1978 film written and directed by Terrence Malick and starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard and Linda Manz.

The story concerns Bill (Gere), a Chicago laborer who flees to the Texas panhandle with his girlfriend (Adams) and sister (Manz) to escape a murder charge. The three hire on as seasonal workers with a farmer (Shepard) and a complicated relationship ensues among the four. The story has numerous allusions to the Old Testament, particularly to the Book of Genesis.

The film won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Per Academy custom, the award was given in the name of principal photographer Nestor Almendros. This was somewhat controversial, as renowned cinematographer Haskell Wexler also received credit on the film. Wexler has complained about not receiving an Oscar statue for his contributions to the work.