Just recently we went to see this film and I just cannot stop thinking about it.
The Tree of Life has had its critics and it is sometimes difficult viewing but it's also a magnificent, toweringly ambitious and visionary piece of cinema. I was mesmerised by the sensory experience of the first 20 minutes of the film but at times bewildered by the narrative.
The scenes set in 1950s Texas are beautifully filmed and acted - a dreamlike-scape of images from the idyllic childhood of three brothers – poetic but also sometimes harsh, and interspersed with terrible grief and the unchangeability of the past. Brad Pitt gives the performance of his life as the father of the family. All the while the screen is taken up with gigantic scenes from a kind of secret life of the cosmos and giving a spiritual dimension to the dramas that the family are going through.
In the present day Jack (Sean Penn) briefly forces himself to consider his own negligible place in the universe. It is hinted that this is maybe the anniversary of his brother’s death – 20 years perhaps – and Jack struggles on an existential, spiritual and religious level to find meaning in his brother's death. These scenes I found most baffling. They just didn’t work for me. But others may find them consoling depending on their own personal beliefs.
Whatever the critics say, this film is totally unique and a visual feast of momentous proportions. Go and see it without preconceptions and I guarantee you will be thinking about it for a long time afterwards too.
Jeanne
x
link: Cinema City Norwich
Hello Jeanne:
ReplyDeleteFor some reason we have not even heard of this film, let alone seen any trailers or read any reviews. Hence, we have found your account of great interest. It does sound to be a complex amalgamation of ideas and images but, as both Brad Pitt and Sean Penn are actors we admire, we may well give this a try.
However, as we learned yesterday that Woody Allen's film, 'Midnight in Paris' is not due to be released in Budapest until October, we may have to wait some time for the 'Tree of Life'. Perhaps a forest by then!!!!!???
My daughter saw it and had a similar perspective as you. She has taken film classes in college and has learned how to appreciate film more than the average 'joe'. She also said that it was visually stunning but to complex leading making it difficult to truly relate to. She liked the childhood reflections best and unique beauty of cinematography. I will see it when it comes out on DVD. On another note...we both loved Midnight In Paris!!!
ReplyDeleteoops...I meant 'too complex making it difficult to truly relate to."
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed to admit that I have not heard of this film before. However your review captures my curiosity. I am off to see a trailer now.
Enjoy your evening!
Lieve groet, Madelief x
I enjoyed the trailer and will look for this film - intriguing!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Jeanne and I am now suitably intrigued! x
ReplyDeleteJeanne,
ReplyDeleteIt has gotten pretty good reviews in the US, however, so far only shown in small theatres, limited release.
I will definitely go to see it when it comes closer to my area.
They say Brad Pitt will be up for best actor with this film.
Eileen
i hope to see it soon, i actually don´t know if it is already in german cinemas (or in cinemas next door - they are sometimes a little bit late)
ReplyDeleteI have not seen or heard of the film but will keep me eyes open.
ReplyDeleteLike some other people here, I'm not sure I heard about this film - maybe only vaguely. But I'll look into it. It seems to have some great elements: beautiful visuals, complex characters, and great acting; depending on if it's done well and isn't too gimmicky or incomprehensible, I also like it when a narrative is strangely constructed. Thanks for pointing it out.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review. I knew it was coming (because I'm an avid Angelina fan, and therefore know about all Brad's upcoming projects as well...) but I just hadn't gotten a take on what it was actually about. I will most likely wait for it to come out on DVD, because going to the movies gives me hives lately. Too many discourteous people, and I end up so aggravated I can't concentrate on the film. We went to see "Captain America" in the theater last night (someone gave us gift cards) and an endless stream of teenagers were going in and out of the auditorium, galloping up and down the stairs, changing seats, texting on cell phones, rattling cellophane packages (snacks that were smuggled in - they don't sell cellophane wrapped items in the theater for exactly that reason) and gabbing with each other.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the DVD release of this movie!
I am sure this will be a movie I will be seeing Jeanne, although I never get to go to the cinema and have to wait for the DVD. Now I will be anxious to see it.
ReplyDeleteI love the beautiful Emily D. poem of the bee above.
Beautiful photo too.
Have a lovely Thursday.
sending hugs...