Writer/Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark as powerfully as Brad Pitt. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Pitt has become a icon. Whether it’s detectives seeking to investigate murders, Formula 1 drivers or fight club owners, Pitt has played several strong characters. Arguably, Pitt’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he is not the main focus of a movie, Pitt has left an impression. Despite reaching age of retirement, Pitt has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. A movie-star with charisma, Pitt has been an icon in Cinema. Throughout his strong career, Pitt has made many bold movies that are definitely worth absolutely talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Pitt and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “The Tree of Life” may be his most meaningful work. Released in 2011, Terrence Malick’s movie offered a powerful portrait of broken families. Packed with breathtaking visuals, engaging acting and strong storytelling, it’s one of the best family dramas ever made. At the centre of it all is an iconic performance by Brad Pitt, who portrays a father facing a tense scenario. Ultimately, what makes “The Tree of Life” a masterpiece of its universal appeal. Unlike most Terrence Malick films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about the lives of broken families, there are several reasons why “The Tree of Life” is a movie worth watching.
Set in 1950’s Texas, “The Tree of Life” tells the story of a family that’s precious. Brad Pitt portrays Mr. O’Brien, a father struggling to raise his broken family. O’Brien has often had a strong dedication to serving his family he regards with affection. However, his life changes when family embarks on journey to discover its identity. Faced with a situation of tension, O’Brien is forced to question if it’s possible to raise his family in a painful condition. As he grows distant from his son, O’Brien questions whether it’s possible to secure his family’s future which is in danger of destruction.
Terrence Malick is fascinated with themes of broken families. Malick has often made fantastic films about families that endure circumstances that are tragic. His iconic movie “Days of Heaven” offered a strong portrait of a farming family depending on religion. With “The Tree of Life”, however, Malick made his first existential drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture broken families facing adversities but he succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, Malick captures a broken family embarking on an existential journey. Inspired with Robert Benton’s “Kramer vs. Kramer”, Malick uses point of view shots to capture the lives of broken families facing disaster. For instance, POV shots elevate the familial argument scene. During this intense scene, O’Brien has an argument with his wife over his family causing tension. Using POV shots, Malick creates a portrait of a broken family that’s compelling. POV shots are complex techniques. As David Fincher’s “Fight Club” proved, POV shots enhance psychological thrillers. However, it works immensely in this film. Using bold visuals, Malick captures tensions families are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Tree of Life” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Evoking Sam Mendes’ “American Beauty”, Malick effectively uses the setting of American neighborhoods to capture tensions which families are facing. For instance, the setting of neighborhoods elevates the family bonding scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mrs. O’Brian has a moment of peaceful bonding with her family she loves dearly. Using the settings of an American neighbourhood, Malick created a portrait of a strong family that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Alexandre Desplat’s music contributes to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that American families bear. Using phenomenal production, Malick captures families which face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Tree of Life” is a family drama that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and uses silence to capture families which face tension. Malick’s screenwriting strength is capturing tensions families face through silence. For instance, silence enhances the family farewell scene. During this heartfelt scene, Jack bids tearful farewell towards his family that causes tension. Through silence, Malick created a portrait of families which audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use. As Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” suggested, silence enhances movies about slavery. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using a powerful screenplay. Malick captures broken families facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his finest career performances as Mr. O’Brien. Pitt earned appreciation for playing owners of fight clubs in thrillers. With “The Tree of Life”, however, he took on his most meaningful role. It isn’t easy to portray a father that seeks to raise his family in America, but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: angry, intense and vulnerable in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he conveys angst, desperation and protective nature of a father struggling to raise his family. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actors working.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Brad Pitt, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of praise. Jessica Chastain is captivating, capturing the pain faced by a mother struggling to raise children that she loves dearly in vain. Sean Penn is superb, capturing the emotion faced by a son that struggles to mend broken bonds with his father causing tension. Lastly, Fiona Shaw merits appreciation. As a housemaid, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “The Tree of Life” would achieve the appreciation of everyone for offering strong lessons about life. Unlike most movies made by Terrence Malick, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses themes such as ambition, family and trauma which everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about religion which would truly resonate among everyone. Therefore, “The Tree of Life” is one of those rare films which everyone would adore.
Fans of Brad Pitt will absolutely enjoy “The Tree of Life” and so would movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A riveting masterpiece, it honours an actor that has built a legacy that’s lasting.
Nearly 15 years following the release of an iconic film about a broken American family facing tragedy, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy by his abilities to portray competing characters in memorable films audiences have commonly loved dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 