Cast: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn
Directed by: Terrence Malick
Written by: Terrence Malick
Genre: Drama

When asked what The Tree of Life is about, it’s nearly impossible to explain to the “weekend” moviegoers, (as I lovingly refer to them), that it isn’t about anything, but rather about everything. Naturally, I feel I fail in my ability to convey the importance of this film to viewers who are looking for the most bang for their buck. Perhaps it’s for the best. Terrence Malick isn’t for everyone, particularly those who refer to The New World as “that Pocahontas movie”.

But all pretension aside, The Tree of Life is a film that defies the identifiers of being a “good” or “bad” film. How does one judge something so indeterminate? Instead of labeling the film “good” or “bad”, or even “I understood it” or “I didn’t”, a more appropriate reaction would be “I felt something” or “I didn’t feel anything”. The Tree of Life is too vague in its cerebral realm to “get”, and it defies comparison to other films to conclude its worth. And even whether or not you connect with the film is still a moot point when considering the level of artistic merit that it achieves.

A summation of this film could be: it’s the view of childhood and family dynamic through the eyes of a middle-aged man who seeks the edges of the universe for a way to come to terms with the struggles between him and his father. Another summation could be: it’s an overview of humanity in the cosmos through the lens of a family in all of its joys and despair. It’s impossible to say what Malick’s intentions are, but as personal as they may be, they are also a bit beside the point. As soon as a viewer enters the theater, the relationship between he/she and the film take on a life of its own, transcendent of any creator.

What can be said, on a technical level, is that this film is told in a never ending series of vignettes that pulsate in and out of each other with the energy of the universe. It’s a constant barrage of beautiful photography, poetic voice over, and raw performances. Not a single frame of this film is stagnant, even in the moments we’re given to reflect, which give the effect that the film itself is alive, an entity itching to connect with another being to share its thoughts and emotions. Just as the editing keeps the (seemingly) free flowing montage of images constantly moving, so does the camera as it utilizes more (beautiful) steadicam work than I’ve ever seen.

There aren’t many films ambitious enough to grapple with a scope as large as this, which is why there are so many comparisons to 2001: A Space Odyssey. There is an undeniable similarity to Kurbick’s sci-fi opus, particularly in its defiance of structure and grandiose themes, but parallels can be drawn between a more unassuming film: Disney’s Fantasia. Both films tell an encapsulated story within each “chapter” (or perhaps more appropriately: “movement”), yet each film is greater than the sum of its parts. Fantasia and The Tree of Life portray a series of emotions: wonder through magical imagery of walking broomsticks or a flooding house; fear from the demon on Bald Mountain or an eruption from a strict father; or even the inquisitiveness of dinosaurs. And through these singular moments, a larger picture of life is painted.

So it’s impossible for anyone to answer whether or not they “liked” it or if it was “good”, because asking those questions feels as intrusive as someone asking, “do you like your life?” or “is your life good?” It’s extremely personal, and even the most seasoned film critics and everyday moviegoers will have just as justifiable reactions. It is, however, something everyone should see.

USA. 138 minutes. Rated PG-13.

Click here to read Blu-ray Review.

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