#lubeski

"The Tree of Life", directed by Terrence Malick, it's a film that really defies any description possible, it’s by far one of the most visually beautiful films I’ve ever seen. While there is definitely a story running through the film, there's barely any dialogue and the story is non-linear.

"The Tree of Life" deals with some of the biggest and most complex spiritual and philosophical questions that we ask ourselves through our lives. It’s a very bold and challenging concept for a film and it is only possible from the mind of writer and director, Terrence Malick. The main focus of the film is on the contrast between nature and grace.  

The film focuses on the O’Brien family. Mr. O’Brien (Brad Pitt) symbolically represents the harsh realities and self-interest of nature and Mrs. O’Brien (Jessica Chastain) symbolically represents the mystery and wonder of grace. The interaction between them, their personalities, and the philosophies they represent is the heart of the film.

Another theme in the film is the relationship between the oldest son, Jack (as a boy played by Hunter McCracken, as a man played by Sean Penn) and his father. Mr. O’Brien clearly loves his sons, but he is also very strict and demanding. Young Jack struggles with his father’s personality and seeming hypocrisy.  

The contrasting force in the house is the loving and free-spirited Mrs. O’Brien. She balances out the harshness of her husband and provides a gateway for the boys to experience the world and enjoy the wonder through a child’s eyes.

The spiritual and philosophical themes are accentuated by the narrations that we hear throughout the movie, frequently by Mrs. O’Brien. It accents the story and asks many of the questions that the characters are thinking.