Nominee
It has been an unforgivably long time since I last posted, but what a breathtaking film to restart on.
This was an incredibly humbling experience. So much so that I am not certain I am qualified to critique it. However, it must be discussed for that is its main purpose: to commence a conversation on all things. This film strives to reach the farthest corners of our existence throughout time and space, from the magnificent to the minut it is all interconnected to comprise the human experience. Yet how is it that experience comes to be? How is growth induced?
All the years of history surmount to whatever we make of it in our everyday lives. This is shown to us both by entrancing images of the world around us, and by beautiful or heart-retching moments brought to us by the family we follow throughout the narrative. A family brought to life by Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, who each embody the opposing forces of life: the way of nature and the way of grace. Their performances are crucial and they deliver us the foundation of this story: the act of nurturing, the beginning of growth. The children in this film exude a level of acting maturity not even accessible to some well beyond their years, their strikingly honest performances are influential.
But perhaps the cinematography is even more notable in this case. There is no frame in this film that is not absolutely stunning. Whether it be a revealing angle or a saturation of color the defamiliarization with the ordinary is achieved in ways that it has never been seen before. In addition, I cannot even begin to fathom what the editing process was like, the visual associations are vibrant and true, whilst also being elegant and precise. All of this comes down to Terrence Malick. A director who had a vision and dared to push the limits of film making resulting in a rewarding experience for all who chose to engage in it.
Overall: This is one of those films that comes by every decade or so and refreshes what can be done. And ,although, it may seem completely inaccessible at times, remember it is depicting a shared knowledge of beauty and experience. If I haven't made it clear yet. I believe it is well worth the watch. Happy Viewing!
