Badlands (1973)

Based on the Starkweather-Fugate murders in Nebraska in 1958, this dark, unsettling drama about a disillusioned young couple in 50s South Dakota who go on a killing spree, hiding out in the area's badlands as the law closes in.

An angry young garbage collector called Kit Caruthers (Martin Sheen) has always felt spurned by society so decides to kill his teenage girlfriend's father when he forbids him to see her.

He then takes his girlfriend, Holly Sargis (Sissy Spacek) with him as they set off on a violent journey to infamy. On their way towards the Badlands of Montana they leave a trail of dispassionate and seemingly random murders.

A very intriguing narrative without judgements, and lacking the usually sensational approach of this genre. Very good acting and directing, and beautiful photography. The script was based upon the true story of the Charles Starkweather and Caril-Ann Fugate murders in 1958.