The Tree of Life
A middle-aged man (Sean Penn) remembers his childhood in the 50's.
Filming is literally a matter of life and death for director Terrence Malick. Time is running out: beauty will save us all. His new film is a collection of striking visuals, some of them staying with me since I saw the film yesterday: Jessica Chastain dancing in the air, a buried boy seen from under the ground, a woman meeting younger versions of herself, a house in the water, ... Malick is a truly gifted director; "The Tree of Life" is like nothing you will see this year.
That being said, I unfortunately failed to connect to the characters, a serious issue for a character-driven drama. In my opinion, the crucial "space segment" arrives way too soon in the film, before we could even relate to Sean Penn's character and what he's been through. Childhood memories then become the best part of the film, but here again I felt the characters were quite one-dimensional. I am even more worried by the fact that neither me nor my friends could explain which one of the two younger brothers died, although his death becomes the main character's trauma. Like Gaspar Noé's "Enter the Void", I enjoyed the ride but felt the film could easily be one-hour shorter.
But, wait a minute, terms like "main character" or "plot" actually do not apply to "The Tree of Life".
"Did I miss something ?" asks Sean Penn. Was there a clue that one of his brothers was going to die ? Was this little boy doomed ? One can't help but search the film (his soul ?) for an answer.
The film is messy ? Well, life is messy. Characters don't say much ? So do we, when you think of it. Nothing extraordinary happens ? You know the answer. Unless... you let your imagination run free, and dream of infinite landscapes, blinding lights and secret doors. Unless you watch this drowning clown, this red-haired girl and her white dress. Unless you see the happiness in your garden and hear the mysteries in a whispering voice.
I'm glad this film exists.
Summary: An original variation on the theme of mourning, with gorgeous cinematography, seamless editing and amazing performances by Brad Pitt and the kids, but lacking emotion.
Rating: 7/10
By Movie Parliament Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Arnaud Trouve
Filming is literally a matter of life and death for director Terrence Malick. Time is running out: beauty will save us all. His new film is a collection of striking visuals, some of them staying with me since I saw the film yesterday: Jessica Chastain dancing in the air, a buried boy seen from under the ground, a woman meeting younger versions of herself, a house in the water, ... Malick is a truly gifted director; "The Tree of Life" is like nothing you will see this year.
That being said, I unfortunately failed to connect to the characters, a serious issue for a character-driven drama. In my opinion, the crucial "space segment" arrives way too soon in the film, before we could even relate to Sean Penn's character and what he's been through. Childhood memories then become the best part of the film, but here again I felt the characters were quite one-dimensional. I am even more worried by the fact that neither me nor my friends could explain which one of the two younger brothers died, although his death becomes the main character's trauma. Like Gaspar Noé's "Enter the Void", I enjoyed the ride but felt the film could easily be one-hour shorter.
But, wait a minute, terms like "main character" or "plot" actually do not apply to "The Tree of Life".
"Did I miss something ?" asks Sean Penn. Was there a clue that one of his brothers was going to die ? Was this little boy doomed ? One can't help but search the film (his soul ?) for an answer.
The film is messy ? Well, life is messy. Characters don't say much ? So do we, when you think of it. Nothing extraordinary happens ? You know the answer. Unless... you let your imagination run free, and dream of infinite landscapes, blinding lights and secret doors. Unless you watch this drowning clown, this red-haired girl and her white dress. Unless you see the happiness in your garden and hear the mysteries in a whispering voice.
I'm glad this film exists.
Summary: An original variation on the theme of mourning, with gorgeous cinematography, seamless editing and amazing performances by Brad Pitt and the kids, but lacking emotion.
Rating: 7/10
By Movie Parliament Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Arnaud Trouve
Midnight In Paris
While visiting his parents-in-law in the French capital, Hollywood writer Gil Pender surely did not expect he would magically be transported back in time to meet his idols: artists of Paris in the 1920s.
Woody Allen delivers another witty comedy, where a bunch of wealthy people struggle to find meaning and satisfaction in their well-ordered life. His new film evokes a Parisian mash-up of "Match Point" (a man vs his in-law family and fiancée) and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (the American look towards Europeans).
As Gil the writer, Owen Wilson is truly convincing. He manages to express the wide range of his character's expressions (from bewilderment to joyful amusement), not only using the brilliant lines of Allen's script, but also with his full gesture and body. This may be his best performance since "The Darjeeling Limited". In addition to Wilson, the whole supporting cast is equally brilliant: Kathy Bates, Rachel McAdams, Tom Hiddleston (Loki in "Thor"). Corey Stoll is a revelation, while Adrien Brody literally steals the one scene he appears in. I should not say more in this regard, as a big part of the film's pleasure is that it takes you from one surprise to another.
Like if he wants to get rid of them as soon as possible, the film starts with a series of clichés, then totally avoids them until the very end (which in fact may be a wink to the audience, I let you tell me what you think). "Midnight in Paris" is a refreshing look at the ideal Parisian bohemian lifestyle, the life we dream of and the illusions of the past.
As he attempts to write its first novel after years of shallow screenplays, Gil first looks for answers and advice, but he soon realizes the importance of his own will and talent. The film's depiction of the role of an artist and the necessity of art definitely striked a chord with me. Like a little miracle, the film succeeds in being simultaneously nostalgic and down-to-earth, magical and realistic. It is a lovely reverie, for the years to come.
Summary: An exquisite, well-acted comedy, full of surprises and tenderness.
Rating: 8/10
By Movie Parliament Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Arnaud Trouvé
Woody Allen delivers another witty comedy, where a bunch of wealthy people struggle to find meaning and satisfaction in their well-ordered life. His new film evokes a Parisian mash-up of "Match Point" (a man vs his in-law family and fiancée) and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (the American look towards Europeans).
As Gil the writer, Owen Wilson is truly convincing. He manages to express the wide range of his character's expressions (from bewilderment to joyful amusement), not only using the brilliant lines of Allen's script, but also with his full gesture and body. This may be his best performance since "The Darjeeling Limited". In addition to Wilson, the whole supporting cast is equally brilliant: Kathy Bates, Rachel McAdams, Tom Hiddleston (Loki in "Thor"). Corey Stoll is a revelation, while Adrien Brody literally steals the one scene he appears in. I should not say more in this regard, as a big part of the film's pleasure is that it takes you from one surprise to another.
Like if he wants to get rid of them as soon as possible, the film starts with a series of clichés, then totally avoids them until the very end (which in fact may be a wink to the audience, I let you tell me what you think). "Midnight in Paris" is a refreshing look at the ideal Parisian bohemian lifestyle, the life we dream of and the illusions of the past.
As he attempts to write its first novel after years of shallow screenplays, Gil first looks for answers and advice, but he soon realizes the importance of his own will and talent. The film's depiction of the role of an artist and the necessity of art definitely striked a chord with me. Like a little miracle, the film succeeds in being simultaneously nostalgic and down-to-earth, magical and realistic. It is a lovely reverie, for the years to come.
Summary: An exquisite, well-acted comedy, full of surprises and tenderness.
Rating: 8/10
By Movie Parliament Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Arnaud Trouvé
