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Screw the Cynics. The Tree of Life is Amazing SPOILERS IN THIS PIECE. I went to see The Tree of Life without knowing a single thing about the movie. Just walked in off the street and picked the movie that was about to begin. So, yeah, the weirdness what unfolded came as a surprise. By the end of the film I was exhausted. I know this film has polarized audiences, split between those who see it as a work of art, bordering on genius and others who say it is over-blown, self-indulgent and boring. I’m inclined towards the first view. I’m ambivalent about the whole ‘creation of the earth’ stuff, and especially the freakin’ dinosaurs, even though these scenes were lovely to watch. Also, as gorgeous as they are, the final ‘beach’ scenes are irritating, especially after a two and a half hour hauling. It’s obvious that this movie is wide open to ridicule and scoffery, indeed The Guardian has put the boot in, saying it’s a mish-mash of National-Geographic clips and Classic FM (way too harsh). But the central story is incredible. It captures childhood and parenthood like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Yes it’s sentimental, but so is Spielberg, but this movie has so much more to say about growing up and about being a parent. The kids aren’t merely vehicles  for a Hollywood narrative; they are real. Almost all of it is achieved with the sparest dialog twined with the most gorgeous visuals you will ever see on screen. Almost a week after seeing this film I’m still constantly thinking about it. As a parent, it’s impossible not to be deeply touched by its central themes and although it’s set in a specific time and place, the emotions it captures are universal and primal.      

Screw the Cynics. The Tree of Life is Amazing

SPOILERS IN THIS PIECE.

I went to see The Tree of Life without knowing a single thing about the movie. Just walked in off the street and picked the movie that was about to begin. So, yeah, the weirdness what unfolded came as a surprise. By the end of the film I was exhausted.

I know this film has polarized audiences, split between those who see it as a work of art, bordering on genius and others who say it is over-blown, self-indulgent and boring.

I’m inclined towards the first view. I’m ambivalent about the whole ‘creation of the earth’ stuff, and especially the freakin’ dinosaurs, even though these scenes were lovely to watch. Also, as gorgeous as they are, the final ‘beach’ scenes are irritating, especially after a two and a half hour hauling. It’s obvious that this movie is wide open to ridicule and scoffery, indeed The Guardian has put the boot in, saying it’s a mish-mash of National-Geographic clips and Classic FM (way too harsh).

But the central story is incredible. It captures childhood and parenthood like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Yes it’s sentimental, but so is Spielberg, but this movie has so much more to say about growing up and about being a parent. The kids aren’t merely vehicles  for a Hollywood narrative; they are real.

Almost all of it is achieved with the sparest dialog twined with the most gorgeous visuals you will ever see on screen.

Almost a week after seeing this film I’m still constantly thinking about it. As a parent, it’s impossible not to be deeply touched by its central themes and although it’s set in a specific time and place, the emotions it captures are universal and primal.