This movie tells the life story of Jack O'Brien (played by Sean Penn) as he reviews his life, fractured Texan family, and complex relationship with his authoritarian father (played by Brad Pitt). The movie was written and directed by Terrence Malick and released in 2011.
The movie opens with a passage from the book of Job, where God answers Job's questions and laments with "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations ..." (Job 38:4) - at once acknowledging Job's complaints, his dearness, and his position in the scheme of creation). Epic scenes of creation follow. Later Jack's mother narrates "You can follow the way of science or the way of grace." In juxtaposition to these sweeping ideas and acts of creation is the intimate and difficult story of Jack's life told in flashback, images, and fragmented utterances.
I'm selecting this as one of the summer movies for the integration of beautiful mature trees in the movie's narrative. The trees evoke strength and endurance, permanence and life, and family tree and connection. The ancient limbs, reaching toward heaven, are excruciatingly beautiful. The movie is difficult to describe because it uses visual language as much as spoken language. If nothing else, watch the trees and let the rest wash over you. And, by the way, I chose the way of grace.
The movie opens with a passage from the book of Job, where God answers Job's questions and laments with "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations ..." (Job 38:4) - at once acknowledging Job's complaints, his dearness, and his position in the scheme of creation). Epic scenes of creation follow. Later Jack's mother narrates "You can follow the way of science or the way of grace." In juxtaposition to these sweeping ideas and acts of creation is the intimate and difficult story of Jack's life told in flashback, images, and fragmented utterances.
I'm selecting this as one of the summer movies for the integration of beautiful mature trees in the movie's narrative. The trees evoke strength and endurance, permanence and life, and family tree and connection. The ancient limbs, reaching toward heaven, are excruciatingly beautiful. The movie is difficult to describe because it uses visual language as much as spoken language. If nothing else, watch the trees and let the rest wash over you. And, by the way, I chose the way of grace.
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