Terrence Malick is one of the most fascinating figures in Hollywood. Like Stanley Kubrick he commands respect and awe, even if his films are rarely profitable. His work speaks to some and completely baffles others, but like a lot of great artists, he’s developed his own cadence. His latest – Tree of Life – is his most effects-driven film, and yet even with Sean Penn and Brad Pitt in the leads this doesn’t look that commercial.
But for those Malick fans such as myself, today is a good day because the trailer for the film is now officially on-line. The trailer premiered with Black Swan about two weeks ago, but took its time to hit the internet official-like. It’s strange – but somehow fitting – that it’s arriving in the barrage of end of year trailers for other summer titles. Tree of Life is currently set for a late May launch, which would put it against Kung Fu Panda 2 and The Hangover 2. As I’ve said before, this has more to do with Cannes than this being a blockbuster, though I would love to see this catch on (somehow I doubt that).
What I love about the trailer is it appears to connect the cosmos, and – perhaps – the beginning of existence with a son’s relationship with his father as a child and as an adult. I’m reminded of a quote from another Brad Pitt movie: “”Our fathers were our models for God. If our fathers bailed, what does that tell you about God?” There’s also now an official poster, which is just as obscure and beautiful as you’d expect.
Again, here’s the link, tell us what you think in the comments or the message boards.