Apparently, that "quartet of retirees" weren't the only ones confused by "The Tree of Life". I remember reading an interview with Sean Penn some years after the film's release and he revealed that he had no idea what his character's motivations were supposed to be. Surprisingly blunt considering that his participation in Malick's previous "The Thin Red Line" was instrumental in securing that film's funding, while he was still in awe of "Days of Heaven", like many of us.
Ty, “ in peak rebellion” I feel your pain. And it wasn’t until I retired that my mind seemed to open up and release some of the past. Getting old has its challenges, but opportunities to change as well. As they say, beats the alternative. Think I’ll try that Malick flick.
I love that you are looping in Millenial and GenZ film critics. And, yes, if you are intentional, and lucky enough to have your health and financial security, retirement can indeed be a time for opening up to the possibilities and nuances of the universe.
Regarding the first comment, I don’t think that Sean Penn complained about not understanding his motivations when he was shooting THE TREE OF LIFE. I know that Colin Farrell made such a comment to Christopher Plummer when they were shooting THE NEW WORLD. Some actors don’t quite get Malick’s wavelength and others do. How much or how little it affects the finished film is interesting to contemplate.
I think Sean Penn was mystified that his role in THE TREE OF LIFE, which had been substantial, was cut down to a very few scenes. As written, Adrien Brody’s character was a starring role in THE THIN RED LINE, but he’s barely in the finished film. I think that the actors in DAYS OF HEAVEN were also surprised at how much of their respective performances didn’t make it into the final film.
I suppose that Sean Penn’s presence in THE THIN RED LINE helped get it made, but so did Nick Nolte’s, John Travolta’s, Woody Harrelson’s, John Cusack’s, and so on.
As for the disgruntled quartet, they weren’t alone in being bewildered by THE TREE OF LIFE, but did they really expect an “escapist Brad Pitt movie?”
Thick into the holiday crunch, 6 grandchildren ages 6 and under descending soon, but I can’t wait to hear/read this conversation. I LOVED that film, TREE OF LIFE, and think I watched it five times ( because I could, as staff at an indie cinema at the time of its release).
It was definitely polarizing, though, patrons either loved or LOATHED it!!!
...one of my great peeves in life is people who are sitting right behind me talking through a movie. My memorable one was over 30 years ago; two 60ish couples blabbing to one another during "Raise the Red Lantern". I did get "into it" with them.
Ty, I'm tucking this comment down here in hopes that you will see it. I don't know how to message you. I'm watching Maestro, and thinking about Claire Dederers book, Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma. Are you familiar with her book? It seems something you would be. I've heard Dederer interact in podcasts. She is articulate, thoughtful and engaging. No one seems to be seeking her out for comments about Leaonard Bernstein, and I would enjoy to hear you two in conversation. Just a thought.
Apparently, that "quartet of retirees" weren't the only ones confused by "The Tree of Life". I remember reading an interview with Sean Penn some years after the film's release and he revealed that he had no idea what his character's motivations were supposed to be. Surprisingly blunt considering that his participation in Malick's previous "The Thin Red Line" was instrumental in securing that film's funding, while he was still in awe of "Days of Heaven", like many of us.
Ty, “ in peak rebellion” I feel your pain. And it wasn’t until I retired that my mind seemed to open up and release some of the past. Getting old has its challenges, but opportunities to change as well. As they say, beats the alternative. Think I’ll try that Malick flick.
Great definition of pretentious!
Great stuff, Ty & Alex—thoughtful and charming. Thanks for the work!
I love that you are looping in Millenial and GenZ film critics. And, yes, if you are intentional, and lucky enough to have your health and financial security, retirement can indeed be a time for opening up to the possibilities and nuances of the universe.
Regarding the first comment, I don’t think that Sean Penn complained about not understanding his motivations when he was shooting THE TREE OF LIFE. I know that Colin Farrell made such a comment to Christopher Plummer when they were shooting THE NEW WORLD. Some actors don’t quite get Malick’s wavelength and others do. How much or how little it affects the finished film is interesting to contemplate.
I think Sean Penn was mystified that his role in THE TREE OF LIFE, which had been substantial, was cut down to a very few scenes. As written, Adrien Brody’s character was a starring role in THE THIN RED LINE, but he’s barely in the finished film. I think that the actors in DAYS OF HEAVEN were also surprised at how much of their respective performances didn’t make it into the final film.
I suppose that Sean Penn’s presence in THE THIN RED LINE helped get it made, but so did Nick Nolte’s, John Travolta’s, Woody Harrelson’s, John Cusack’s, and so on.
As for the disgruntled quartet, they weren’t alone in being bewildered by THE TREE OF LIFE, but did they really expect an “escapist Brad Pitt movie?”
Thick into the holiday crunch, 6 grandchildren ages 6 and under descending soon, but I can’t wait to hear/read this conversation. I LOVED that film, TREE OF LIFE, and think I watched it five times ( because I could, as staff at an indie cinema at the time of its release).
It was definitely polarizing, though, patrons either loved or LOATHED it!!!
...one of my great peeves in life is people who are sitting right behind me talking through a movie. My memorable one was over 30 years ago; two 60ish couples blabbing to one another during "Raise the Red Lantern". I did get "into it" with them.
Ty, I'm tucking this comment down here in hopes that you will see it. I don't know how to message you. I'm watching Maestro, and thinking about Claire Dederers book, Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma. Are you familiar with her book? It seems something you would be. I've heard Dederer interact in podcasts. She is articulate, thoughtful and engaging. No one seems to be seeking her out for comments about Leaonard Bernstein, and I would enjoy to hear you two in conversation. Just a thought.