Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Steve G — 11 Apr 2015

Surprisingly, a highly spiritual film.

I understand the ambition of what he's trying to accomplish, and I'm certainly impressed by it. I wouldn't have minded something more in the way of narrative. The artsy camera angles & quick cuts serve a purpose, but, at some point, tire on the mind. It would've been nice to have the camera sit still for a bit, and just watch them live, like in Boyhood (not saying that was necessarily better). The endlessly pouting Sean Penn kid was almost as insufferable as the Boyhood kid.

You have a feeling that Malick was onto something, though perhaps not fully realized, in its intent. Regardless, the attempt was a noble one, and there is enough goodness here that makes the effort well-worthy of credit.

It's one of those films that leaves with you, after it's over. Those are increasingly rare kinds. Tarkovsky-esque, with shades of Herzog. Almost a parable. Overall, a lovely, memorable film.