A film by Paul Shrader whose main subjects of his art which typically include lost men. The master Gardner is about a man who was also lost but having found peace is put into a situation where he is about to lose it all again. A film about a romantic. There’s a scene where he waxes poetic about touching the soil with our bare feet. In his previous life he is driven into action of great consequence by his ideals. A Byronic figure who risks it all and has for his values. The film even states as such. To Paul shrader who also wrote the taxi driver. This is his artistic ideal. The film is romantic. Even the values the Gardner held could be considered romantic. On the edge and fringe of society. This is reflected by his choice to not get rid of his tattoos. The other romantic side of this Gardner is his journaling habit. Thinking deeply about his life and his chosen art form. For the Gardner he was someone else. Someone whose art form was once violence. Again he is fitting into the role of Byron’s ideal. He is pragmatic. Accepting his fate once it is revealed. The Gardner is a cultured thug. It’s a solemn film but one with a happy ending. One that shows that people can change for the better. One that shows you. You can overcome your past and ride off into the sunset. The film is a great subtle journey. It was artistic. A lot of the cinematography only cinephiles would enjoy. I recommend to watch if you can. Posted.