The Tree of Life (2011)
Document Type
Miscellaneous
Publication Date
5-2017
Abstract
Terrence Malick's film The Tree of Life follows the protagonist Jack O'Brien (Hunter McCracken) as he grows up in the 1950s. He lives in Waco, Texas with his parents and two younger brothers. Jack's parents (Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain) have opposing views of the world, which are presented throughout the film as the concepts of nature and grace. Mrs. O'Brien embodies the way of grace, teaching her sons about religion and wonder, while Mr. O'Brien follows the way of nature, showing his sons how to get ahead in the world. As an adult, Jack (Sean Penn) attempts to reconcile the differences in his parents' teachings. He looks back on his childhood to examine his spirituality and his brother's death, who died at nineteen years old.
However, The Tree of Life is much more than its plot. The film is highly stylistic and contains many fantastical elements in its mise en scène. In an interview with Movie Web, Jessica Chastain said, "It's an impossible movie to describe" (0:25).
The Tree of Life's film poster, for example, gives a taste of Malick's unique style. Throughout the film, he inserts many nature shots, which emphasize the vastness of the world. He insinuates that a human's role is miniscule in comparison. On the poster, the film's small title among the large number of natural images reiterates Malick's idea.
In an increasingly secular world, Malick uses these elements juxtaposed with young Jack's perspective as a means to delicately discuss his spirituality and show a universal crisis of faith. Although the film's mixed reviews show the controversy surrounding this topic, Malick has effectively started a conversation about religion.
Recommended Citation
Brevard, Aubri, "The Tree of Life (2011)" (2017). ENGL 4360—Studies in Film. Paper 6.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/english_4360/6