Tree of Life
Directed by: Terrence Malick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain
Rated: PG-13 for some thematic elements
When talking about the Cannes Film Festival awarding-winning film Tree of Life, renowned director Chris Nolan compared the film’s director, Terrence Malick, to another great director: Stanley Kubrick. Oddly enough, the first thought I had after seeing the film was how Tree of Life reminded of the structure of Kubrik’s classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Both films had a very transcendental voice, more like poetry or music than a narrative. Both were beautifully shot, had terrific scores, were deep, philosophical, and spanned eons of time. However, their philosophical differences set both films uniquely apart.
Tree of Life wrestles with the deep questions of life, mainly revolving around man’s existence and God’s purpose for them. The two paths the film juxtaposes is the way of nature, as shown by the “tough love” and drive of a father (Brad Pitt) and the way of grace, as shown by the gentle and selfless mother (a radiant Jessica Chastain). However, neither way is an easy road: both ways have to deal with the trials of life (exemplified in the death of one of their sons) and neither guarantee any easier path, yet both ways explain their characters' distinct reactions and understanding of these troubles. While these individual paths provide us plenty of insight, almost everything is seen through the eyes of one of their young sons, Jack (Hunter McCracken) whom even as an adult (played by Sean Penn) is ever struggling with which path to take. In a poignant scene, Jack nearly repeats the apostle Paul’s words how he doesn’t do the good he yearns to do. He is consistently trapped by trying to win the goodness and happiness of the world around him, missing that the more humbling and trusting way of grace (as exemplified by his mother and younger brother) are often more relationally and spiritually rewarding.
Similarly to 2001, Tree of Life also spends time looking at the larger picture of life. In his twenty minute grand retelling of the formation of the world, Malick shows the world which evolved through grace, while death was brought through nature (characterized in the brilliant yet infamous dinosaur scene.) This is a stark contrast with 2001, which depicts evolution and progress through death. The same goes with the ending; 2001: A Space Odyssey sees death as the beginning of some new hope or life while Tree of Life finds hope, grace, redemption, and peace in the after life. While perhaps not the most Biblically sound of understandings, it is a great picture of trusting in the sovereignty of the creator, as the mother finally reaches a peace with the God whom took her son’s life.
This review is only scratching the surface of the film's depth; I'm sure by more time spent thinking of the film and several more viewings, I will come to even greater understand and appreciate Malick's masterpiece. Beautifully shot, paced, and performed, Tree of Life is one of the few films I've seen that I really feel will stand the test of time. However, while driving home, I looked into the sky and noticed the sun light cutting through the clouds, something I probably wouldn't had noticed before. "Thank you for the beauty of life," I silently prayed. Perhaps that is the greatest compliment I can give the film.
Watch the wonderful trailer here:
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain
Rated: PG-13 for some thematic elements
When talking about the Cannes Film Festival awarding-winning film Tree of Life, renowned director Chris Nolan compared the film’s director, Terrence Malick, to another great director: Stanley Kubrick. Oddly enough, the first thought I had after seeing the film was how Tree of Life reminded of the structure of Kubrik’s classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Both films had a very transcendental voice, more like poetry or music than a narrative. Both were beautifully shot, had terrific scores, were deep, philosophical, and spanned eons of time. However, their philosophical differences set both films uniquely apart.
Tree of Life wrestles with the deep questions of life, mainly revolving around man’s existence and God’s purpose for them. The two paths the film juxtaposes is the way of nature, as shown by the “tough love” and drive of a father (Brad Pitt) and the way of grace, as shown by the gentle and selfless mother (a radiant Jessica Chastain). However, neither way is an easy road: both ways have to deal with the trials of life (exemplified in the death of one of their sons) and neither guarantee any easier path, yet both ways explain their characters' distinct reactions and understanding of these troubles. While these individual paths provide us plenty of insight, almost everything is seen through the eyes of one of their young sons, Jack (Hunter McCracken) whom even as an adult (played by Sean Penn) is ever struggling with which path to take. In a poignant scene, Jack nearly repeats the apostle Paul’s words how he doesn’t do the good he yearns to do. He is consistently trapped by trying to win the goodness and happiness of the world around him, missing that the more humbling and trusting way of grace (as exemplified by his mother and younger brother) are often more relationally and spiritually rewarding.
Similarly to 2001, Tree of Life also spends time looking at the larger picture of life. In his twenty minute grand retelling of the formation of the world, Malick shows the world which evolved through grace, while death was brought through nature (characterized in the brilliant yet infamous dinosaur scene.) This is a stark contrast with 2001, which depicts evolution and progress through death. The same goes with the ending; 2001: A Space Odyssey sees death as the beginning of some new hope or life while Tree of Life finds hope, grace, redemption, and peace in the after life. While perhaps not the most Biblically sound of understandings, it is a great picture of trusting in the sovereignty of the creator, as the mother finally reaches a peace with the God whom took her son’s life.
This review is only scratching the surface of the film's depth; I'm sure by more time spent thinking of the film and several more viewings, I will come to even greater understand and appreciate Malick's masterpiece. Beautifully shot, paced, and performed, Tree of Life is one of the few films I've seen that I really feel will stand the test of time. However, while driving home, I looked into the sky and noticed the sun light cutting through the clouds, something I probably wouldn't had noticed before. "Thank you for the beauty of life," I silently prayed. Perhaps that is the greatest compliment I can give the film.
Watch the wonderful trailer here:
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