The Tree of Life is the new film by iconic writer and director Terrence Malick and, despite its release being pushed back until later next month, it is already getting Oscar buzz.

The film’s title, Tree of life refers to the often used image of the tree of life, used in science and religion and philosophy to represent the interconnectedness of all living things and systems. Malick has been working on the film, in various forms, for what is thought to be more than 20 years.

As with any Malick film, it features an all-star cast, including Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. The film’s plot revolves around a middle-aged man, played by Penn, as he has found himself lost and confused by his meaning in today’s world. He reflects on his childhood, growing up with a strict and domineering father, played by Pitt, and a loving and gentle mother, played by Jessica Chastain. The mother and father reflect two key and opposing approaches to life – the often brutal and indifferent natural world and a life lived with love and grace.

The film uses Malick trademarks. It moves throughout time in the film, not merely a straight chronological story. The directing and cinematography are beautiful and captivating and offer a sort of meditative quality. It also utilizes a voice over of characters, and a narrator, to reveal the internal thoughts and feelings related to the story’s theme.

Malick has made only a handful of films in his decades-long career, but is still thought to be one of the greatest living filmmakers and attracts some of the greatest actors, wanting a chance to work with him. His last film New World, a retelling of the Pocahontas tale, starred Colin Farrell and had a supporting role by Christian Bale.

Malick won two Oscars in 1998 for his epic and star-studded The Thin Red Line. He gained the Academy Awards for Best Directing and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film focused on a group of soldiers in the World War Two pacific islands, and featured actors George Clooney, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte and a slew of others wanting to work with Malick.

Source:  LosAngelesTimes.com