☻ ☻ The Tree of Life (2011). This film is supposed to be about a character named Jack (Sean Penn as the adult, Hunter McCracken as the child), now lost spiritually, attempting to reconcile the memories of his mixed-up father (Brad Pitt) and his own place in the present. What we as viewers experience is a series of vignettes, primarily of Jack's past, interspersed with hauntingly beautiful pictures reminiscent of the images of galaxies in National Geographic.
At first, the life of the O'Brien family -- dad (Brad Pitt), Mom (Jessica Chastain), and the three boys -- seems idyllic. Eventually, the truth emerges, with things going seriously downhill after the accidental death of one of Jack's brothers and the closing of the business that employs his father.
Visually, this film was wonderful. My biggest beef was that I had a terrible time following the hushed tones of the voices that accompanied the imagery. However, my hunch is that I didn't miss out on much. Jack's journey from happy toddler to mixed-up rebellious teen to lost adult isn't difficult given his home life.
I didn't quite get the point, though. Perhaps successive watchings will make it clearer. Although I have my doubts. I expect Jack's answer to life, the universe and everything is the same old story: It's a mystery beyond our comprehension. Just think Kubrick's black monolith on the earth, and then on the moon.
Enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Nice music too.
I expect that one reason for the disparity between the positive reviews by critics and the lukewarm reception by the general public lies in the differences between their expectations. The average person asks for a couple of hours of entertainment -- to be transported out of a mundane life into something else. The critic, being more jaded, tends to seek novelty and variety. If you're not transported by beautiful images and music, you're not likely to go far with this film. But, like it or not, I think you'll agree it is different.
Speaking out:
86%/66% rottentomatoes.com (23 Jun 2011*)
No comments:
Post a Comment