What’s it about? For the most part, it’s about the childhood memories of Jack (Sean Penn), as he recalls growing up in 1950s Texas with his two brothers, his loving mother (Jessica Chastain) and his disiplinarian father (Brad Pitt). But it’s also a meandering meditation on Life, the Universe and Everything. With some dinosaurs in it. No joke.
I don’t trust you. What do others think? Well , it pretty much polarized opinions. When it screened at Cannes film Festival, half the audience applauded, the other half laughed and booed. It went on to win the Palme d’Or, although the notoriously reclusive Malick wouldn’t turn up to collect it. Upon general release, it was described either in glowing terms (“magnificent”, “challenging”, beautiful”) or scathing ones (“dull”, “pretentious”, “self-absorbed”). Perhaps the wisest advice was from Sean Penn who did not entirely like the final product. “A clearer and more conventional narrative would have helped the film without, in my opinion, lessening its beauty and its impact.” he said. “But it’s a film I recommend, as long as you go in without any preconceived ideas. It’s up to each person to find their own personal, emotional or spiritual connection to it. Those that do generally emerge very moved.” Pity the film wasn’t that succinct. Or this review, come to think of it.
Anything else I should know? Whatever you think of their meaning, the Universe segments are extremely striking to look at and were created with old-skool techniques by the effects team, which included the legendary Douglas Trumbull who had worked on the effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey, a film which The Tree of Life bears much comparison with. This little clip gives a nice insight into the processes involved.
What does the Fonz think? “Are you there God? It’s me, Terrence.”
Buy it on Amazon