Just a blog about movies, sandwiches and a bunch of other random stuff.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

A Big Movie

Terrence Malick has a made a big movie with “The Tree of Life”. It’s big in its imagery, themes, performances; even the little details are big. But what else is to be expected from a movie that is about the creation of the world?

Some critics will argue that the majority of the opening is a glorified program that would be better placed on the Discovery Channel than in a movie theater. What these critics have wrong is that the Discovery Channel has never produced something as beautiful and as well done as this movie, which could be considered as Terrence Malick’s masterpiece. The problem with stating your opinion on this movie is that it is the type that if you like it, people will call you a pompous and pretentious asshole, but if you do not like it then you are an idiot and just did not “get it.” So what am I? Well, I guess you would have to say that I’m a pretentious asshole because I loved it. “The Tree of Life” is a gorgeous, wonderful film that despite containing the grandest themes of love and life is anchored into personal and human connections through the riveting performances of Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain.

I know that it’s not in too many theaters (I made an hour commute into Boston to watch it in the only theater that’s screening it in Massachusetts, and likely New England) but if it is at all possible make sure you see it while it is in theaters. There is something magical about this movie and it is simply awe-inspiring to see it on the big screen. It is movies like this that make me so angry that James Cameron’s “Avatar” was as successful as it was. “The Tree of Life” will make a fraction of what “Avatar” made at the box office, but the true value of the film is infinitely greater.

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