[Expendable.]

Director/Writer: Terrence Malick (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line, The New World)
Cast: Brad Pitt + Sean Penn

IMDb - Wiki

TRAILER (HD)

Plot: Tree of Life is a period piece centered around three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son of two characters witnesses the loss of innocence.

More details:

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.

Framing 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.



The Tree of Life is hits theaters May 27th, 2011.

[Krev]

I know we aren't seeing this until late this year, but I had to create an anticipation thread...since is the most anticipated film of the year. :D

Major Malick fan here and I just have to say...Damn straight!


Terrence Malick's meticulousness knows no bounds. I find it incredible that after submitting an early version to the Cannes organizers and seeing it invited to the festival, he's decided not to let it screen because it's only...97% complete. :lol

He was contracturally bound to finishing his last two films in time for awards season deadlines, but this time around working outside of the studio system has essentially given him unlimited time to polish the work to his satisfaction. I guess this shows once and for all that there's no rushing Malick.

I've been following this film for 3 years and wasn't going to go to Cannes anyway, so I'm just happy it's nearly done. This movie is going to blow minds. That or bore people stiff. Probably both, and I wouldn't have it any other way. :D

[Expendable.]

I can't believe we are going to see Malick scenes in IMAX 70MM. CAN'T WAIT!

[Krev]

Malick depicting the prehistoric world...in IMAX 70mm.

I get the sense that the audacity and scale of this project (not to mention the cast) will mean that it recieves significant public and media attention, but it could just as easily end up being ignored. The New World was a period epic with an A-list cast, and it seemed to pass through cinemas unnoticed. TOL's concept doesn't exactly scream 'multiplex'. It might be a bit arty and earnest for the mainstream.

It's interesting that Malick was able to get his hands on the budget needed for a project like this after a string of financial failures.

[BaronLundi]

Terrence Malick's meticulousness knows no bounds. I find it incredible that after submitting an early version to the Cannes organizers and seeing it invited to the festival, he's decided not to let it screen because it's only...97% complete. :lol

And Luc Besson is not happy. Would've been great to see a Malick film in competition.

[Expendable.]

I've actually never seen Badlands, what is your fav Malick film?

[Siebzehn50]

Huge Malick fan, this will be the best movie of the year.

[traveler]

Never saw a Malick film until I picked up A New World on a whim just a few months ago and was blown away. As such, I can't wait for this. I should also probably get around to seeing Days of Heaven.

[Siebzehn50]

Never saw a Malick film until I picked up A New World on a whim just a few months ago and was blown away. As such, I can't wait for this. I should also probably get around to seeing Days of Heaven.

and The Thin Red Line. Its my favourite war movie by far.

[Eric WK]

My most anticipated film of all time. God, I can't wait.

[swoon]

i guess i'm excited, though people saying it's his best film since badlands make me think haven't seen the film, or any film he's made since badlands.

i do like how we don't know if it was a separate imax project, or the film, which apparently won't be released in imax.

[Zeliard]

i guess i'm excited, though people saying it's his best film since badlands make me think haven't seen the film, or any film he's made since badlands.

Not exactly a whole lot to choose from. :P

Malick is probably the most selective great director in Western film history.

I am greatly looking forward to this. Malick is Malick, i.e. unique and wonderful. Sean Penn is always reliable, but I'm expecting something particularly fantastic out of Brad Pitt here. He's an underrated actor - given the right material, he excels.

[Count Dookkake]

There was a screening in Austin.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/44711

Dude says it is Malick's best since Badlands.

EDIT - Beaten by the OP, but at least I've seen Badlands.

[xbhaskarx]

I've actually never seen Badlands, what is your fav Malick film?

Watch it.

[Tobor]

I've actually never seen Badlands, what is your fav Malick film?

WAT.

[_Isaac]

I didn't quite understand the love for Badlands. I thought it was merely okay. I think I liked The Thin Red Line better. I still haven't seen his other two. The New World and...ummm Days of Heaven?

[Zeliard]

I didn't quite understand the love for Badlands. I thought it was merely okay. I think I liked The Thin Red Line better. I still haven't seen his other two. The New World and...ummm Days of Heaven?

Sir, there is no "ummm" to be preceding that title. Days of Heaven is one of the most majestic films anyone could ever hope to watch.

[Expendable.]

Badlands is now #1 on the Netflix queue!

[BaronLundi]

I've watched his whole filmography soon after the Thin Red Line release:D . I remember Badlands being my favorite but I don't know if that would still be the case, need to watch again.

[Jexhius]

Should have called it Yggdrasil. Would resonate well with audiences.

[XMonkey]

Cannot wait :D

[Expendable.]

anyone get the recently released Days of Heaven Blu-ray? That has got to look unbelievably gorgeous.

[Dr. Strangelove]

anyone get the recently released Days of Heaven Blu-ray? That has got to look unbelievably gorgeous.

It does.

[Borgnine]

My most anticipated film of all time. God, I can't wait.

This.

Also wtf @ "best since badlands," what a dumbass thing to say.

[Danne-Danger]

recently released Days of Heaven Blu-ray

Criterion? Is it region free?

[Mr. E. Yis]

anyone get the recently released Days of Heaven Blu-ray? That has got to look unbelievably gorgeous.

I did, but haven't seen it yet, due to being very busy atm. I can't wait.

My first exposure to Malick was watching the dvd A New World last year. I liked it a lot, and a few weeks ago bought the dvd of Badlands and the BluRay of Days of Heaven, after hearing only good stuff about them both. Supposedly Days of Heaven is a 'spiritual' sequel to Badlands? When I have a good chunk of time, I 'll watch them both.

[Krev]

Douglas Trumbull is returning to effects for The Tree of Life!

"Terry is a friend," Trumbull said. "He said to me, 'I don't like CG.' I said, 'Why not do it the old way? The way we did it in 2001?'"

This will be the first time he's done special effects work since Blade Runner in 1982.
Aint It Cool posted this news a year ago, but now it's finally been confirmed by the man himself.

This film is going to be really interesting from a VFX standpoint, with a mixture of CGI, practical effects from Douglas Trumbull, and macro photography from Peter Parks (who created the amazing space backdrops from The Fountain).

[Siebzehn50]

Christ, I didn't think I could get more excited for this film

[Expendable.]

watched Badlands, holy shit. Amazing movie. Surprised it was a Malick film, there was more narrative than I though.

[Krev]

watched Badlands, holy shit. Amazing movie. Surprised it was a Malick film, there was more narrative than I though.

His following films show a gradual progression into a more stream-of-consciousness orientated approach. Given how The Tree of Life was VFX boss guy's favourite Malick since Badlands, it will be interesting to see if it continues this progression or reverses it.

[jett]

Douglas Trumbull is returning to effects for The Tree of Life! This will be the first time he's done special effects work since Blade Runner in 1982. Aint It Cool posted this news a year ago, but now it's finally been confirmed by the man himself. This film is going to be really interesting from a VFX standpoint, with a mixture of CGI, practical effects from Douglas Trumbull, and macro photography from Peter Parks (who created the amazing space backdrops from The Fountain).

epic.

[WyndhamPrice]

Now watch for Brad Pitt's role to get edited down to 5 minutes of screen time!




I've never actually seen a Malick film but I do love the story of how Thin Red Line turned out. He seems like a total auteur.

Where do I start with his stuff? I have Thin Red Line sitting around here somewhere, should I just start with that?

[Krev]

Now watch for Brad Pitt's role to get edited down to 5 minutes of screen time! I've never actually seen a Malick film but I do love the story of how Thin Red Line turned out. He seems like a total auteur. Where do I start with his stuff? I have Thin Red Line sitting around here somewhere, should I just start with that?

I started with The New World and worked backwards, but working forwards from Badlands might be a better idea.

[Eric WK]

Watch Badlands this year, Days of Heaven in 2015, The Thin Red Line in 2035 and The New World in 2042. There's no other way.

[Siebzehn50]

Where do I start with his stuff? I have Thin Red Line sitting around here somewhere, should I just start with that?

I started with that. Go for it.

[Discotheque]

I've actually never seen Badlands, what is your fav Malick film?

Days of Heaven

Movie of the fucking year right here. Sean Penn will rock this. Just think of what could have been though, if Ledger were alive he would have been in Brad Pitt's role. Heath Ledger!

[Stinkles]

Douglas Trumbull is returning to effects for The Tree of Life! This will be the first time he's done special effects work since Blade Runner in 1982. Aint It Cool posted this news a year ago, but now it's finally been confirmed by the man himself. This film is going to be really interesting from a VFX standpoint, with a mixture of CGI, practical effects from Douglas Trumbull, and macro photography from Peter Parks (who created the amazing space backdrops from The Fountain).

thefuck

[~Kinggi~]

Nice to see Malick embracing new technology such as IMAX. He strikes me as a very traditional fellow. Ive seen Thin Red Line and New World and enjoyed them. Very good movies.

Also kinda crazy to hear he is actually involved with 2 movies right now. The guy usually makes a movie every 10 years or something. Guess he realizes he is running out of time!

[Eric WK]

Where do I start with his stuff? I have Thin Red Line sitting around here somewhere, should I just start with that?

But seriously, watch them in order. There's absolutely no reason not to and it makes for a fantastic look at Malick's development as a filmmaker across four decades.

[Expendable.]

@eug:

"Tree of Life" not ready for Venice or Toronto, Malick tinkering, says Cameron Bailey Wonder if it could do NYFF?

[Eric WK]

=/

NYFF is a weird place to premiere. On the upside, I could probably go. But something tells me we leave another December without The Tree of Life in theaters.

[Blader5489]

Nice to see Malick embracing new technology such as IMAX. He strikes me as a very traditional fellow. Ive seen Thin Red Line and New World and enjoyed them. Very good movies. Also kinda crazy to hear he is actually involved with 2 movies right now. The guy usually makes a movie every 10 years or something. Guess he realizes he is running out of time!

James Horner would say otherwise. :lol

[Dead]

@eug:

Whatever. He can take as long as he wants. The result will be worth it.

[xbhaskarx]

Director/Writer: Terrence Malick (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The New World)

The New World? :lol
Why wouldn't you list The Thin Red Line instead of The New World?
Or just list Badlands and Days of Heaven?

[Mifune]

Director/Writer: Terrence Malick (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The New World) The New World? :lol Why wouldn't you list The Thin Red Line instead of The New World? Or just list Badlands and Days of Heaven?

Because The Thin Red Line is his weakest movie.

[Snowman Prophet of Doom]

If this doesn't make it out this year, 2010 am fail. This is my most anticipated movie by a wide, wide margin.

[brianjones]

badlands is his weakest movie

[xbhaskarx]

Because The Thin Red Line is his weakest movie.

It's actually my least favorite of the three Malick movies I have seen, by far.
I haven't seen The New World, it doesn't really interest me plus it stars Colin freaking Farrell, but most critics and viewers seem to consider it inferior to TTRL...

[Dead]

Director/Writer: Terrence Malick (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The New World) The New World? :lol Why wouldn't you list The Thin Red Line instead of The New World? Or just list Badlands and Days of Heaven?

The New World is nothing short of amazing. Its as deserving of a spot on a Malick resume as any of his movies.

[Expendable.]

his next film is shooting in October...which means Tree of Life will hopefully be done this year!