Review of To the Wonder (2013) by James T — 14 Apr 2013

The trailer had me instantly!!!

Malick's prior film, TREE OF LIFE left me a bit confused upon exiting the theater but I grew to love it... (it is still one of the most beautifully shot films ever!)....

TO THE WONDER seemed like a perfect follow up... And, I was pretty much aware of what to expect... However, I was let down.

But, question... "am I just initially let down and going to come to love this film?" I don't know.

As Malick goes, it is shot beautifully and does resonate some deep emotions. He definitely knows how to make a single shot, accompanied by three words trigger those emotions and thoughts that make you reflect upon yourself.

Told in a "memory" type way-- showing little pieces of this and that, it ties things together in a odd hypnotic-poem sort of way.

The dialogue is sparse and the music is overwhelming to much of what little dialogue there is, often subtitled on top of it all.

But, there is "something" here.

I appreciate the "random memory" approach it seems to have...

It is funny how we remember split seconds more than lifetimes themselves...

But, in the end, I was not entirely entranced... I feel it will grow on me... Something has stuck with me, I just do not know what it is, quite yet...