Review: The Tree of Life
This is a snapshot review of Terence Malick’s latest offering. I say snapshot because I have not been able to shake off my initial feelings for the film once stepping out of the cinema. So here goes.
My primary issue lies with the director’s attitude. From his elusive persona to his stubborn, singular brand of film-making, he appears to make his movies solely for his own pleasure and to sate his creative juices. In my opinion, cinema is not there to philosophize about such deep questions as the meaning of life, at least if such an undertaking renders the film so utterly baffling, unenjoyable, and mind numbingly dull. Experimental cinema by all means has its place, but not when it means that there is no plot, no dialogue, and no scene to speak of. And please, don’t ever think that it is acceptable to include dinosaurs and Hubble-esque images when depicting the Creation. A gallant effort, but sorry Malick, your ego just isn’t big enough for the job.
2/5
