Wednesday, November 3, 2010

First poster for "Tree of Life" [low quality scan] and synopsis


We trace the evolution of an eleven-year-old boy in the Midwest, JACK, one of three brothers. At first all seems marvelous to the child. He sees as his mother does with the eyes of his soul. She represents the way of love and mercy, where the father tries to teach his son the world’s way of putting oneself first. Each parent contends for his allegiance, and Jack must reconcile their claims. The picture darkens as he has his first glimpses of sickness, suffering and death. The world, once a thing of glory, becomes a labyrinth.

From this story is that of adult Jack, a lost soul in a modern world, seeking to discover amid the changing scenes of time that which does not change: the eternal scheme of which we are a part. When he sees all that has gone into our world’s preparation, each thing appears a miracle—precious, incomparable. Jack, with his new understanding, is able to forgive his father and take his first steps on the path of life.

The story ends in hope, acknowledging the beauty and joy in all things, in the everyday and above all in the family—our first school—the only place that most of us learn the truth about the world and ourselves, or discover life’s single most important lesson, of unselfish love.

It's very simple and direct, but very effective. The vague details of the synopsis have been summed up before, but it's nice to see such a detailed look at Malick's vision. Hopefully this means that the film's current May release is closer to being cemented.

1 comment:

Ruth said...

I've not heard of this film before - sounds intriguing, i'll have to keep an eye out for it in Australia.
Just like all Texans don't ride horses to school - not all Aussies ride Kangaroo's haha :) Nice blog!