Review of Knight of Cups (2015) by Sarim H — 16 Jan 2016

Powered by it's extreme meaning, fundamental redolence, as well as evocative depth, the breathtaking experimental film by Terrence Malick performs a pivotal specimen, deeming itself so through it's representations and numerous depictions.

Haran Townshend's provocative score and Lubezki enthralling cinematography work together intoxicatingly to present Malick's various depictions through utter beauty, as well as grace. Lubezki successfully captures the occurrences - throughout which the film's many stars perform laudably - which offer a resonant take on the film's themes of deviation and glamorization.

Christian Bale embodies the film's protagonist - Rick - a screenwriter who seems to be living hollowly within the glamorized world which has been established so throughout an infinite amount of generations by mankind, and who tries to rid himself of his hollow circle by entering into relationships with multiple women - inclusive of Freida Pinto, Teresa Palmer, Natalie Portman, and Cate Blanchett - concept glamorized throughout society regarding man's utmost desire for the opposite gender. Rick's desire to be something more than how he's depicted in the film is revealed through many voiceovers. It's as if he were trying to rid himself of being this ridiculously desperate hypersexual man he is. He wants to deviate from the glamorized method of living, completely. Voiceovers from many other characters are shown to be supporting his deviation, at times, as well. The aforementioned voiceovers, along with the live-action performances, also play pivotal roles within telling Malick's quintessentially redolent tale.

Terrence Malick proves himself a sheer paragon of ingenuity through his immersive concept. His technique in filmmaking establishes it's place in the hall of fame as one of the greatest, as well as one of the utterly ingenious ones. His depictions throughout this film prove permeated with depth.

As dazzling and breathtaking as an art film should be, Knight of Cups indubitably depicts greatness in it's numerous aspects, ultimately concluding strongly, showing that Malick still shows great promise in his style and upcoming works.