Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Gary H — 30 Aug 2013

I really didn't know what I expected from myself after watching The Tree Of Life. Would I be satisfied? Would I think it's pretentious? Would it's ambition satisfy me? Could it still hold it's ground on subsequent viewings? The answer to all those questions is yes.

This Tree of Life was written by Terrence Malick. This would be my second film from him, the first being The Thin Red Line, and I came into this not with high hopes as others have dismissed the film as dull and I didn't find The Thin Red Line as interesting in it's story and the questions that was being asked (granted I have only seen the film once, so it my opinion may change in the future). This film gave me hope in Malick and that his work does have value. The Tree of Life tells the story, though not linearly, of this nuclear family from Austin, Texas and also in the middle of the story is the painting of the creation of light. The film's plot doesn't scream engaging on paper but once it starts, it's hard to stop as the film asks questions that makes the audience reflect on. The film discusses the existence and role of god to us on a personal level and also at the big picture. It may be hard to engage to this film in a spiritual level if one is not in touch with religion but if one has understanding of science and the development of life from the big bang, this film explores that too. The bulk of the film explores the growth of Jack, the eldest son, and this is where I connected the most as so much of what happens throughout his childhood is empathetic. My childhood may not be exactly the same as his but the idea and logic is the same. This is where the film has made a huge impact on me, as countless times it has made me reflect on myself, past and present, and see which path am I headed. The only issue I have with this film is that Sean Penn's adult Jack was very underused.

Terrence Malick's direction here is passionate. The man has taken emotions, values, ideas, logic, philosophy and love, from which I assume he has experienced, into this film. The film feels very personal, in particular the arc with Jack's childhood. Malick has not chosen a side, religion or nature, in this film but rather explore both and show how it has impacted their son who has grown up embracing both. The film's pacing may be slow and tiresome for some people but if one puts their whole selves into it then they will be guaranteed an experience that would probably change their perception of life.

The first thing I noticed about The Tree of Life, was that the film is absolutely stunning. It's beautiful from start to finish, and the credit goes both to Malick and the film's cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki. I have not seen Malick's other post-Thin Red Line films so this is the first time I have seen a Malick-Lubezki film, but I have seen his photography on films like A Series of Unfortunate Events, Cat In The Hat, and judging from the trailer I saw from the upcoming film Gravity, he knows how to the film's image look iconic and stylish. In this film he uses a lot natural light and this creates a more naturalistic effect. The footage from the 50's in this film feels like a gorgeous picture perfect moment on a home video. It brings the audience in like we're part of the family and that we can feel what they're going through. The scenes that show the creation and development of life is more of a showcase of special effects. I think it is an amazing triumph, it feels like something off a documentary but at the same time it still retains this cinematic quality that make the scenes even more gorgeous.

The film's score is composed by Alexandre Desplat who has worked on films like Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Moonrise Kingdom (a personal favorite of mine), Ides of March, and Argo. His work here is definitely a treat, when the score comes on whether it's on the scene with the cells or the scenes where Pitt and Chastain are just lying down on the grass, it definitely catches my attention. The score fits to what Malick is trying to show us. The score at times has this aura of spirituality which I liked, as it made the connection between the family and god all the more stronger.

The acting in this film is not what I call groundbreaking, as these actors are not portraying roles that will show off the highest of their abilities. These characters are something that everyone has; a father, a mother, a family. These characters are therefore simple yet true and personal. Every actor in this film shines, in particular Pitt and Chastain. Both have fantastic chemistry and has created something that people can empathise and connect with. There were times that Pitt has made me think about my own dad being strict and Chastain similarly to my mother speaking about religion. The children; McCracken, Eppler, and Sheridan; were great and they seem to have great chemistry and we buy that they are brothers. Sean Penn was decent in this and didn't really have a lot to work with but this is due to the film not utilizing his character to it's potential.

The film overall has made an impact on me and definitely be something I will keep coming back to whenever I need to search myself. The film is wonderfully acted, beautifully shot and has a strong idea. This film is something that will have people come back to later on and discover it's appeal.