Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Timothy K — 11 Aug 2012

Malick is certainly unique. He made my favourite film of the 1970s, Badlands, and I have taken something away from each of his films since that incredible debut. The Tree of Life, his latest work, is another brauvara piece of film-making - almost unique in contemporary American cinema - it is a blend of narrative and philosophy that could only be from this most distinctive of film-makers.

If there is a flaw in this work it is that the conclusions it reaches are not profound - and anybody who is already converted to the Malickian sense of life will already have reached similiar conclusions on life. This is not a negative assault on the film, however, because such philosophy needs presenting to the world, and if Malick's film helps spread that message, then it is a good thing.

This is also a film that requires a couple of veiwing to full digest. There are thematic and subtle links that permeate this film that will not be appreciated entirely on a first viewing.

This, then, is mesmerising viewing. Best seen in HD, and with the sound up, Malick retains his power and uniqueness through this beguiling, enchanting film.