The story of a family in Waco, Texas during the 1950’s whose
oldest son struggles with his parents' conflicting teachings. DRAMA
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The Tree of Life (2011)Written and Directed by Terrence Malick
Starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn, Hunter McCracken, Laramie Eppler, Tye Sheridan Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography |
I've always known that Terrence Malick's films weren't going to be my cup of tea. Everything I've heard about him and his style of filmmaking screamed pretentious auteur. But, I don't like chastising films and filmmakers before I actually see the work. So, I watched The Tree of Life, and I can now accurately say Malick is a total ego-stroker who thinks his films can answer the greatest questions of the universe. What a crock. This film is like a Family Guy joke about pompous artsy films come to life. There's nothing of value to be found here if what you seek is entertainment, which I believe to be the cornerstone of moviemaking.
Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain are pretty good for what they have to work with, which is virtually nothing. Just a stereotypical whitebread 50's dad who angrily imparts life lessons on his future sociopath kids while 50's mom just stands aside and cries. Also, Sean Penn pops up a few times because this is a Malick film and he's contractually obligated to do so. The worst part is there's a great family drama trapped in Malick's grandiose vision. You can't use the origins of the universe and the birth of life on Earth to explain why a dad in Waco beats his kids, and to claim that you can just makes me detest everything about you as an artist. The Tree of Life is a colossal waste of time for anyone who seeks to be entertained. Flashy images of space and time mean nothing if you can't back it up with substance. I'll never enjoy art films. They just reek of a filmmaker who is consistently up his own ass and unaware of it. The only redeeming quality of this film is the family drama that could've been, and Pitt and Chastain's performances for what they were. But this is not my kind of movie. |
There’s great power in allowing yourself to put your guard down and rewatch a film that you know is going to bring up massive amounts of emotions. I am no longer surprised when I rewatch something and feel completely different than I felt the first time I saw it. The Tree of Life is a film I got to see pretty shortly after its release, but I had no idea what I was watching or that you were allowed to do Terrence Malick things on the big screen. It seemed slow and plotless back when I saw it but I was completely wrong. It oozes with incredible questions about our existence and that’s enough of a plot for me.
The Tree of Life focuses on the O’Briens, a family living in Waco, Texas during the 1950’s. At the beginning of the film we are shown Mrs. O’Brien during the 60’s as she receives a telegram that her son has died in the war. Then we see Jack O’Brien in the current day, clearly struggling with some of his thoughts. Out of nowhere, there’s a breathtaking showcase of how Earth came to be. Then we end up back in the 50’s, where Jack, the oldest of the three O’Brien sons is eleven years old and full of curiosity. Mrs. O’Brien is a nurturing mother and Mr. O’Brien is a very stern father. Jack’s two younger brothers, R.L. and Steve have just as much energy as he does. The O’Briens live through hot summer days while present day Jack has a sort of existential experience while thinking about his past. The Tree of Life is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. Maybe the most beautiful and it’s not just showy for the hell of it. The film has very serious intent every single second, but it doesn’t spoon-feed you. It gives you some breathing room and then out of nowhere it sweeps you off your feet. Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain fucking nail it as Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien. Sean Penn gives a subtle but powerful performance as the current day Jack. It’s Hunter McCracken as young Jack who steals the show though. His ability to characterize what it’s like to just be a young kid is truly outstanding. Emmanuel Lubezki is one of the best cinematographers to ever do it in my opinion and his work in The Tree of Life is almost too much to handle. Jack Fisk has been working with Terrence Malick since the 70’s and that chemistry shows in this film. Malick lived in Waco for a good chunk of his childhood and Fisk was the only guy who could give him the right production design. The Tree of Life is a masterpiece through and through. |