The Tree Of Life (Terrence Malick, 2011): USA

Reviewed by Michaela Pluskovich. Viewed at Landmark Screening Lounge, Los Angeles.

Finally, the day had come. On May 27th 2011, after a long awaited and delayed release, a memorable and promising trailer, and a Palme d’Or already on its list of prestigious recognitions, Terrence Malick‘s The Tree of Life opened to American audiences. I consciously chose the small screening room at the Landmark theater, hoping for the ultimate experience in a soft cushioned sofa with only a minimum amount of people who could bother me. In the end, my great expectations for a grand masterpiece from Terrence Malick were met. Not so much, though, was my hope for a like minded audience; the sighing wouldn’t stop, neither would the slurping on the family-sized Cokes, the constant running to the toilet, nor the presumptuous and cynical comments of pure ignorance disgorged into my neck. Really, people? After all the undeserved accusations of Stanley Kubrick’s inability to create excitement and a clear narrative structure in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) we have to go over this again? Yes, this film is some epic stuff. And yes, this film is obviously not for everyone, especially not for movie-goers who indulge in the effortlessness of Just Go With It (2011) or the like. However, The Tree of Life is appealing in regards to the empowerment of the spectator’s own ability at clarification, not necessarily giving us a distinct answer, but a stimulation.

Summed up, a stimulation of how the past, the present and the future of all existence that we know of could look like. In fact, it is an incredibly scientific and meticulously researched spectacle of the origins of the universe, contrasting the miniscule but at the same time individually significant human beings and their religious beliefs. The nonlinear narrative revolves around the grieving O’Brien family, set during the 1950’s in the rural and idyllic landscape of Waco, Texas, and is intertwined with what seems to be the history of Earth and Nature. We follow the eldest son Jack from his childhood (Hunter McCracken) to his haunted days as a middle-aged man (Sean Penn), who could never get over the death of his younger brother, and is leading a disillusioned life in the city of Dallas. Jack’s existence seems to be torn between the grace of his mother (Jessica Chastain) and the well-intentioned but overbearing strength of his father (Brad Pitt), the same way humanity stands between God and Nature.

The Tree Of Life is full of ubiquitous imagery and myths. Starting off with a quote from Job, it is clear that we are dealing with more than just beautiful pictures, but rather the whole philosophical question about life and religion. Terrence Malick, who studied philosophy and occupied himself with various religious beliefs, besieges us with numerous myths from Adam and Eve, to Oedipus and Job. The Book of Job, which is quoted in the very beginning of the film, could be the most significant myth for an interpretation, as it is about the suffering of a good individual to test their faith in God. Even the title shows the film’s religious consciousness. The concept of the “tree of life” is in many religions one that explains how humans can achieve a complete balance with the universe and, therefore, God.

Although this seems to be a rather intensive religious journey, and indeed many Christian reviewers are praising Malick for this work, you don’t actually have to be on the spiritual side to appreciate the beauty of this film. The remarkable work of Oscar nominated cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and the imperceptible editing lets the viewer float between the two worlds of the O’Brien family and the evolution of the universe as if they were one. All nature and life is connected in this film; the many images include the birth of our universe in explosive bright colors, the earth not being more than a small black dot, and in the next breath the playful movements of microscopic organisms, which bring to mind images of a 90’s lava lamp. By that time, when you don’t really know anymore if you are looking at the universe or an exiguous cell, it is clear that Malick wants to give the audience an understanding of the unity of all being. All this is heavily reminiscent of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and my first thought was that I am watching a newer version of this film, or perhaps even an answer to it. The themes of evolution and humanity within the greater realm of space seem to be almost identical in both movies, as well as the lack of dialogue, the breathtaking score and the luminous colors on a black background. Wether or not this was Malick’s intention, the visual and thematic resemblance is undeniably evident.

Watching The Tree of Life is definitely not painting by numbers, and people who are used to following a pattern that provides the answer right after the question won’t be satisfied with Malick’s The Tree of Life. My guess is, you will love it or hate it. Given all the imagery and the incredible depth of this film it is hard for me to not call it Malick’s greatest masterpiece, but I understand why someone would respond to it negatively. Nevertheless, it’s worth the experience, even if you just want to know what is on Malick’s mind. Coming from a similar town in Texas as the O’Brien family, it is definitely a personal film for Malick, which is probably one of the reasons why he doesn’t care to give us any insight to his intentions with his work. But it is, therefore, also a film that should be personal for the viewer. If the imagery, the orchestral music, or the cinematography doesn’t move one muscle in you, then there still are some talented actors who will be able to make this a personal experience for you. You should definitely form your own opinion about these epic 138 minutes (if you find a theater that shows the film), even if there is a chance that you won’t be enlightened as I’ve been.
Go see it because no review will be able to actually pin down what this film is about – as it visually shows what lies between the lines.

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Published:
07.12.11 / 11pm
Category:
Films