The Gist: A story filled with deep life questions that centers on a man affected by his childhood relationship with his father in 1950’s Texas.
First Impressions: This is definitely NOT a movie intended for the casual viewer. The trailer shows themes of duality within the character of Jack, as in nature (father) vs. grace (mother). Which, if either, will win him over? Beautiful shots and expressive music are accompanied by philosophical explorations of life, the universe (and everything), death, science, faith, time, and love. With mixed audience reactions at Cannes, don’t expect this film to be entirely pinned down in one viewing.
Review:
This intricate portrait of an American family juxtaposed with the well-known story of the universe adds depth through the questions it asks. The Tree of Life is not a film for those looking to be entertained with your typical narrative, but more like an interpretive piece of art found in museums.
By opening with the biblical quote “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the Earth?,” no matter what one’s religious beliefs are, the idea forms that the human race, in all its complexity, is but a whisper in the great stretch of time. When an older Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien (Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain) learn about the death of one of their sons, a friend tells the mother the truest statement of all, that life goes on. Yet the mother continues to question God “Why?” and “What are we to you? Answer me.” An adult Jack (Sean Penn), seemingly lost and depressed, has moved as far away from the natural Texas suburbs of his childhood and immerses himself in the skyscrapers of a city, remarking that “people are greedy.” Meanwhile, the birth and life of the universe is portrayed, a tough place for some to watch though beautiful in its execution. Volcanoes erupt, cells join, the barren world creates life, a dinosaur spares another, and a seemingly insignificant rock crashes into the Earth leading to the ice age. The O’Brien family’s story continues with Jack (Hunter McCracken) feeling the internal struggle of Grace and Nature represented by his mother and father. Will this tear him apart or can the family live and love?
While Brad Pitt played the domineering father well, a personality the actor admitted differed greatly from his own parenting, Jessica Chastain truly led the cast. She personified grace incarnate, no doubt aided by her past dance experiences, her movements working well with the camera and balancing the energy of her three boyish co-stars. Despite this being their first film, the boys acted as one would expect of professionals. While McCracken held more screen time and showed a fire in his eyes, Laramie Eppler also impressed in his depth and range of emotion.
The camera following characters through rooms, a street, or a field put the audience into the action. Notably the intense operatic music, such as during the universe sequence, touched on the gravitas of certain themes and lighter tunes displayed the fun, happier times of childhood.
Above all, there is the repetitive theme that love gives the greatest meaning to life. With the obvious work and dedication director Terrence Malick has put into this film, it’s obvious that love was at the heart of it.
One Positive Critique: This isn’t giving anything away but the fact that the movie ends with the word “Amen” being sung is humorous in its conclusiveness, letting the audience know "yes, it's over." Then again, almost every line of dialogue in the film possessed depth and provoked contemplation.
It seems the only theatre in the Baltimore area showing this interesting film is The Charles. For those afraid of downtown parking, however, don't be. There are plenty of movie theater parking lots both across the street and around the corner at East Lanvale St. for only $2.
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