The Wild Child
Malick admired cinematographer Néstor Almendros' work on "The Wild Child" (1970) and wanted him to shoot "Days of Heaven". Almendros was impressed by Malick's knowledge of photography and willingness to use little studio lighting. The two men modeled the film's cinematography after silent films, which often used natural light. They drew inspiration from painters such as Johannes Vermeer, Edward Hopper (particularly his "House by the Railroad"), and Andrew Wyeth, as well as photo-reporters from the start of the 20th century.