18 December 2010

But You Can't Be Both

The trailer for Terrence Malick's upcoming film, The Tree of Life.




"We trace the evolution of an eleven-year-old boy in the Midwest, Jack, one of three brothers. At first all seems marvelous to the child. He sees as his mother does with the eyes of his soul. She represents the way of love and mercy, where the father tries to teach his son the world’s way of putting oneself first. Each parent contends for his allegiance, and Jack must reconcile their claims. The picture darkens as he has his first glimpses of sickness, suffering and death. The world, once a thing of glory, becomes a labyrinth."


It's interesting to see a different take on the themes and ideas that have recently informed my own work. I'm not necessarily a huge Malick fan (loved The Thin Red Line, yawned my way through The New World) but he is a visually amazing director. That upside down shot of the boys' dancing shadows is hypnotic.

The film also strongly reminds me of Mitch Albom's novel, For One More Day.