I hadn't originally planned on seeing this movie for the simple fact that the trailer did not entice me and make want to rush out to go see it. However, when the reviews came in from the critics, they were all positive, though there were the haters who could not understand what the movie was about and trying to portray. Fascinated by the amount of different views on the movie, I went in with an open mind ready to be amazed and or confused. Terrence Malick is not known for making very many films in his lifetime, but the films he has made are ingrained in film history and are known by all or at least all of his fans. He is known for making visually striking movies that make the viewer think and his films have several themes spread throughout that depending on the person, one can relate to. This is a very long movie clocking in at nearly 2hr 30 min. For an action movie, a run time like this can pass relatively quick; but for a movie that has no action and is very story and character driven it does feel long and at time drags to the point where you are fidgeting in your seat wondering when something is actually going to happen. The movie has three separate things going on and 2 main story line's. The film inter-cuts throughout from a family in the Texas suburb, random shots of nature and the big bang, and finally we spend time with Sean Penn's character who is an architect who now middle-aged cannot stop thinking about his brothers death which happened as a child. For the most part, I understood what was going on and I could relate to what was happening in the family what with the kids growing up and learning lessons. Brad Pitt's character is portrayed as the force of nature that wants his boys to succeed and not daydream about things that are not reality. The mother played brilliantly by Jessica Chastain is more in the form of grace and teaches the kids about god and all he does. This movie is not for everyone, and it has a fare chance at being nominated for best picture of the year, and Malick for best director. I didn't understand certain parts toward the end and certain ideals portrayed I did not believe in. Overall though, if you have patience and enjoy thought provoking films, this is one worth checking out.
Review of The Tree of Life
