"Train Dreams": Explore the Screenplay of a Cinematic Journey into a Unique Era
The ongoing series "Read the Screenplay" from Deadline continues to shine a light on the scripts behind some of the most talked-about films of this awards season, and this time, it features Train Dreams. Directed by Clint Bentley, this period drama was brought to life in collaboration with co-director and co-screenwriter Greg Kwedar, who together adapted Denis Johnson’s poignant novella that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2011. The film stars a talented cast including Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, William H. Macy, and Kerry Condon.
Making its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, Train Dreams quickly caught the attention of Netflix, which acquired the film soon after its premiere. The narrative follows Robert Grainier, portrayed by Edgerton, a laborer navigating the early 20th century Pacific Northwest. Through his eyes, we witness themes of love, loss, and the dramatic transformations taking place in society around him, much like the trains that symbolize progress in the story.
This week, Train Dreams received a nomination for Best Picture at the Producers Guild of America Awards, after previously earning four nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards and five at the Critics Choice Awards. Among these nominations are prestigious categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor for Edgerton, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Notably, the screenplay crafted by Bentley and Kwedar, who previously garnered an Oscar nomination for their work on Sing Sing, also triumphed as the National Board of Review's screenplay winner this year. Additionally, they received nominations at the Gotham Awards and the USC Scripters, which recognizes both screenwriters and the original authors of adapted works.
Edgerton’s performance has also earned him a nomination at the Golden Globes, alongside recognition for the film's title song composed by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner. This song has appeared on the Oscar shortlist, along with nominations for Adolpho Veloso’s cinematography and Dessner’s score—which adds further depth to the film’s storytelling.
Bentley and Kwedar have a shared passion for transforming real-life stories into cinematic narratives, a bond that originated from their mutual appreciation for documentary filmmaking. Their previous projects, such as the 2006 film Transpecos, which delves into the lives of U.S. border agents, and the 2021 feature Jockey, starring Clifton Collins Jr.—who also appears in Train Dreams—demonstrate their commitment to exploring authentic human experiences. Their production company, Ethos, focuses on crafting stories that highlight connections between people in challenging circumstances.
In Train Dreams, they depict Grainier’s journey as envisioned by Johnson, employing minimal dialogue to create a vivid portrait of a man striving to understand his place in a world propelled by change. The film captures both the breathtaking beauty and the harsh realities of the land where it was filmed—in Idaho—while showcasing the complexities of life itself.
So, if you're intrigued by the art of storytelling through film, dive into the screenplay below and see how this remarkable tale unfolds.
