Terrence Mallick's Tree of Life

Went to the movies this Friday after walking around with Penny all day. Tried to see the 6:30 showing of Terrance Malick's much anticipated masterpiece, Tree of Life but 7 of the evening shows were sold out already.

Decided to buy a 11:15PM ticket and wait around the five hours reading and such. I'm glad I actually saw the film last night.

Tree of Life (2011)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478304/
For such a highly stylized and experimental film, a score of 86 on the top critics section of Rotten Tomatoes is very exceptional.

The film is a highly condensed and abridged version of the history of the universe. At least the creation of the universe is identifiable in the beginning of the film.

What little part of traditional story telling can be recognized in the film revolves around a young boy names Jack as he grows up in an American town of the 1950's. Shot in mostly flashbacks, an older Jack (Sean Penn) dissects his adolescence growing up with a loving mother (Jessica Chastain) and a very difficult father (Brad Pitt) and his two other brothers.

And it's not an easy film to watch. Many dialogueless scenes and tracking shots to truly unnerve an unexpected ADD-riddled audience.

This film WILL try your patience. This film feels so much longer then 138 minutes. Just remember patience is a virtue. The film WILL confuse most viewers (including myself). Still it was a rewarding watch.

The trailer doesn't do the film justice.
http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/thetreeoflife/

Hopefully, the film distributors will move the film from a limited US and Canadian release to a fully national release. It won't break any box office records but seeing this film on a small screen would be a crime.

The acting is absolutely stellar. The cinematography and the editing will be and should be considered legendary.

I kind of figure this film will be this year's Black Swan, (not in terms of actual style and Tree of Life is far more ambitious) , because it will be a highly divisive film. Half who see it will hate it and half will love it. But it will likely be the most discussed film of the year, if not one of the most discussed films this decade. That's if a critical amount of people ACTUALLY see the film.

I believe that will at least get the following nominations come January 24th, 2012:
Best Picture
Actor in a Leading Role: Brad Pitt
Actor in a Supporting Role: Hunter McCracken
Actress in a Leading Role: Jessica Chastain
Directing
Cinematography
Film Editing
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Music (Original Score)

Here's a slideshow of film stills presented in the NYTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/05/27/movies/tree-of-life.html?ref=movies