Thin Red Line (1998)

Nominee

When I first became aware that Terrence Malick had made a war film I was certain that the message would be clear: the ever enduring Man vs. Nature. The viewer was going to be led along through a visually stunning three hour escapade of how war is destroying our humanity, intercut with vibrant images of animal life and landscapes. And besides the visual presence of a number of birds and mountainsides, I could not have been more egregiously mistaken.

I want to make clear that I do not mean that Malick celebrates war, for that would also be a misrepresentation of the film's core. What he achieves instead is the visual implication that war in and of itself is part of our nature, but that is precisely what makes it all the more grotesque. For as one solider states in a very Malickian (I can make up words right? My blog, my rules.) manner: "What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?" Nature is constantly at war, and it can be both beautiful and savage. 

This violence is at the heart of nature itself, but that does not mean that that truth identically manifests itself in every individual. This is expertly written as well as performed by a truly impressive ensemble cast. Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, and Nick Nolte just to name a few present to us the many faces innate violence forms. Whether it the previously AWOL soldier who is able to suppress this instinct, or the high ranking General who's self worth is tied to it, these actors portray every nuanance in this spectrum. 

Almost needless to say that this film successfully couples the brutality of war with the visually intoxicating syntax that Malick has mastered. Full of light, and animal life he is able to establish an awe inspiring, almost dreamlike state. I will mention that some find Malick's existential musings sometimes repetitive throughout his work, but I find it rather intriguing that he has dedicated his craft to the questioning of humanity, and his skill with a camera wins him that right. For after all, he will keep trying to find an answer, and may never be satisfied.

Overall: A war film unlike any other. Malick dares to question the existence of war with heightened grace, and vitality. His films ebb and flow with their own pulse. You just need to be willing to go for the expressive ride. Happy Watching!