Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Bishop Barron will be commenting on subjects from modern day culture. For more visit www.wordonfire....
Keep your mind open. You don't have to be religious to have faith and to know God. The more evil the world reveals itself to be, the harder it will be to deny God. I pray you know the truth, and that it sets you free. ❤🙏🏼
This is the first review/commentary of Fr. Barron's that I watched. Fr. Barron's commentary is very good. THE TREE OF LIFE is one of my favorite films of all time.
I have never been so spiritually moved than when I’ve seen this movie. No sermon has ever managed to affect me like this movie. It was two hours of prayer and philosophy. And the music and images are stunning. This film is a masterpiece.
Malick did something very wise in this film by acknowledging that spirituality and science aren't opposing forces, but complimentary ones. The Tree of Life is depicted as God's biological map of earth: the trunk is our common ancestry (single celled organisms) sequentially splitting into branches of different evolutionary paths, including homo sapiens. A beautiful answer to both a grieving mother asking God if this was part of His plan, and her eldest son's struggling for transcendence.
I have never found a more beautiful explanation this movie. Everything had meaning - I will think about this for a very long time. There is a reason for why I loved it so much and it brought so many emotions. Truly a masterpiece.
Father Barron, you beat most film critics out there who failed to comprehend and analyze the film. Your analysis is clever, profound and meaningful. BRAVO!
@xjaskix Oh come on! The title of the film is taken from the book of Genesis and the statement that opens the entire movie is taken from the book of Job. More to it, Malick is a passionate Christian. And you think it's about evolution?!
@iloverumi I am not really a a practicing Christian, though I was reared Roman Catholic, lost my faith, then became evangelical protestant, then Eastern Orthodox, and am currently a practicing alcoholic. But I like this guy, too! I will keep listening to this guy, although what he says often convicts me. I hope you do the same.
While I am an atheist, and do not agree with the themes presented by this film, I have to say that this analysis is absolutely brilliant. Honest hats off to you father, I would love to see you review other films in the future, because you are amazing at it!
Beautiful film and a wonderful insight from Fr. Barron. See also his review of A Serious Man - another fabulous film. After watching his review of that film, I went back and read the Book of Job. Though I am not a Christian, I feel there is so much truth in Job and in the Tree of Life.
Fr. Barron, you have a talent for interpreting art. I enjoyed listening to your exegesis of this film the way I enjoyed listening to my literature professors in college. Thank you
I'm an atheist myself but this film is one of my all time favourites. It's crafted so well and the spectacle is so awe inspiring that I'm happy for Malick to put his faith up on screen and I absolutely loved this film. And this is a very nice analysis of it
I agree with Fr. Barron when he says that Gods allows evil, but I think that we are the ones who choose or let evil to come into our lives with our own wrong actions, atitudes, and bad choices that we make. And Evil is not a good Master; it is a tyrant that drags you deeper and deeper into his traps. It is by the Grace of God that we can overcome, fight it or not surrender to it.
Hmmm.... Even though the director is a devout Christian, the film's title is a verse from the book of Genesis, and the movie begins with a citation from the book of Job! It's just "philosophy and science."
@anthtan You know, it's kind of a film that you admire more than enjoy. I liked the theology of it, but it was kind of tedious in parts, to be honest with you.
@painsmins How does your reading square with the fact that Malick is a devout Catholic? And if there is no final "answer," then how do you read the mystical ending of the movie?
i think that's the great thing about this film. people can discuss for ever on what is it exactly about, but everybody will always see something different and it will mean something different for each person. i think the director achieved his goal, on making people think outside the box a little bit, and reminding people that there's so much more to life than what we limit ourselves to see now days. wether it's about religion, science, evolution, etc.....we all came to a personal conclusion.
Enjoyed his opinion and he really knows his stuff. I don't find myself religious or atheist. For me when I hear someone say the word God I have to assume they're talking about something more then an individual.
I'm NOT a "religious person" AT ALL, but I've ALWAYS been deeply, deeply and lastingly affected by ALL of Terrence Malick's movies ... including verrrry much "The Tree Of Life" that I saw for the first time last night and which I'll certainly be seeing AGAIN VERRRRY soon.... --John Pluntze (Ketchum, Idaho)
@amirhosseinfarhang So let me see if I have your position straight? The film is religious, but it's just against religion! If you think this movie is just a meditation on evolution, why do you think it commenced with a quotation from the book of Job?
I'd like to echo the comments of some others I have seen that, although I am not religious in the least, I found this to be a very thoughtful and insightful analysis of this wonderful film. Mr. Barron actually explained the "universe sequence" in a way that I hadn't considered before, but which makes perfect sense. Very appreciative!
This was a beautiful interpretation. You mention that nature is the hard edge that is without compassion or mercy. And you site the example of the larger dinosaur overpowering the weaker. And i actually feel like that scene had a far more important purpose. The stronger did not eat or hurt the weaker in that scene. Because the weaker seemed to be dying. I can see malick saying a couple things about this- perhaps one is His mercy is not just in grace- but also nature. Or, that before man- there were both in balance- and when the first design was destroyed and rebuilt- man now held the duality within them as a choice. But what is very important in the whole ideology of this is to acknowledge that there *IS* mercy and compassion in nature. Because other species display this. In their nurturing of their young and kin, the fighting to protect their flocks and herds. It is a very dated view to assume that we are the only creatures that hold the "grace" of god. And i think maybe that was malicks brief insertion of that point.
Padre, Thanks for the good work. Keep it up. Your comments on the human demand for understanding suffering reminds me of the accounts in Luke where we see the difference between Zachariah's and Mary's response to the prophecy of the angel Gabriel. Zachariah does not understand and will not believe. Mary does not understand but concedes to the prophecy despite her lack of understanding how it could be possible. The path to holiness is in following God, not in understanding Him.
I watched the movie aday after my mothers funeral. I thought it was marvellous. The funny thing is three years later watched it again and it was different. Something about been in deep grief opened by eyes to it.
While Fr. Barron has difficulty appreciating films that aren't in line with his religious beliefs on their own terms (see his review of "A Serious Man" where he completely misses the point) this film is right in his wheelhouse and he hits a home run this time. Although I am certainly not a "believer" in any way, shape or form this is the most beautiful film I've seen in the last decade & Barron gets it right. He might want to stick to what he knows (faith) and steer clear of films about doubt.
@cinesimonj hat sequence was not preceded by "how did I get here" though. It was preceded by Jessica Chastain's "Lord, why? Where were You?" In fact, i'm not 100% sure but "how did I get there" I don't recall that line being in the film.
@adstanra First, do you notice what a grand, sweeping philosophical claim you have made? The fundamental reality is "space" and "fluctuating vacuum." The empirical, testable evidence for this is precisely what? I mean, I've got nothing against making philosophical claims, but I'd like something beyond a bald assertion. But once again, the problem is that anything that is finite or changeable cannot be unconditioned in its being, and the ground we're looking for is unconditioned.
Bishop Robert Barron I agree with this statement, although I don’t believe in the devil per se, I do believe that evil has a job to do, and is allowed with God’s permission.....just wish there was less of it in the world. 😞
One of the reviewers made a clever observation that it is not an accident that Jack O'Brien's name initializes to JOB. For another exposure to some of the same themes that the Priest mentions here from the movie, read Carlos Eire's exquisite memoir, Learning to Die in Miami.
Now if only they ever picked you to do an analytical commentary for a special edition release of the movie haha because I truly enjoyed your comments and you definitely know what you are talking about!
@rivasdre Oh I don't know, man, that strikes me as a tad facile! I mean, there are certainly Biblical citations that are generic enough to appeal to an agnostic with a conscience, but the book of Job?! I think it's impossible to make any sense of that book apart from a specific belief in God. Don't forget, too, that Mallick is a profoundly believing Christian.
You explained the movie very well sir! The Tree of Life is the fundamental meaning of Life, Faith and all its connections within the whole universe. Very Deep stuff, and with basic aspects of humanity too.
(1 of 2) Malick is a very private person, and there's no public records of him saying anything about his religious beliefs. But considering that A. He was raised Catholic B. He attends an Episcopalian church presently and C. He was instrumental in leading Martin Sheen back to Catholicism I think it's more likely than not that he is a devout Christian. There's a new semi-biography published this year on him that has more information about his life than has ever been published. I (cont.)
I suggest that you watch more of Fr. Barron's videos, or if possible his Catholicism Series. You will be surprised how the Church sees other religions. I was surprised myself how inclusive Christianity is.
Your insight on the opening segment being a re-enactment of Job was fascinating, but I'd disagree that the dinosaur scene was about nature. The one dinosaur does dominate the other, but being able to let him live, I think, demonstrated grace.
@adstanra Just keep repeating this to yourself, like a mantra" E=MC2; E=MC2." Teach it to your children, and they will teach it to your children's children (if you decide to leave such a carbon footprint). This will be a wonderful family legacy for you!
skworq, this was just one interpretation of many available. I'm just glad that people are responding thoughtfully to this movie. I sat through a screening with people who texted throughout and booed at the end. I think your absolutely right about the dinosaur, though.
I'm cautious to accept any kind of film analysis in fear of it crushing the work's grand emotions into words, but this is a very poetic, clear explanation of the film. I think this is the kind of articulate open-minded man who should be a spokesman for Catholicism.
I'm atheist, and although we disagree on things I love hearing your opinions on films and to hear some comments and analysis from a christian perspective, it's good to hear insightful remarks from an individual such as yourself. Personally I don't see the Tree of Life as a religious film per se, rather a spiritual film as the movie explores that which is imbedded in every human, regardless of creed. I'd like to hear you talk about this film more and maybe some comments on 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Very nice commentary. The producer on The Tree of Life, Grant Hill, was also the producer on the film Cloud Atlas. Like The Tree of Life it examines humanity's place in the cosmos using a highly unorthodox cinematic style. It tells six different stories, spanning six different time periods, and tells them simultaneously using the same actors for each story. It was directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski (the directors of The Matrix movies) and Tom Tykwer (the German director of Run Lola Run) and based on a novel by David Mitchell. I'd like to listen Father Barron's commentary on that film.
I'd like to express my admiration for Fr. Barron's excellent reading of the film. A film which at its core, indeed, does capture the essense of the Christian philosophy (salvation and solace offered by a purposeful grand scheme). While as an agnost I understand unbelieving fans feel somewhat akward having to admit this, they really shouldn't. After all, some of the greatest works of art in Western civilization were inspired by Christianity.
My own mother and father were like Grace and Nature when I was growing up. I think they counterbalanced each other pretty well in my own experience of being a kid.
I also think that in the book of Job, God answer to Job, is I am Grand, and you are small. How can you judge my Justice? That is the answer to all suffering. The whole world give us plenty of joy, yet, we complain about its harshness. The same goes for the boy in the movie, he had a great life, but always complaining about his father, he didn´t feel small compared to his father. This same atittude we have toward life; to judge, instead of being grateful
Hi Bishop, have you watched Malick’s A Hidden Life about the St. Franz Jaggerstatter yet? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. I think it is the best Christian film I have ever seen.
@painsmins You are right, this is a conversation for another place and different means, and you are right, my comment was dismissive. I apologize. But I don't mean to beach scene when I say the end. I mean Jack's smile.
@skworq the "nature" referred to by the movie is slightly different from your understanding of natural "processes" IMO. Malick's film isn't talking about the natural world when it referred to "nature." Nor does the film laud Grace over Nature. It simply states that they "always....wrestle inside me."
@wordonfirevideo I think part of what makes the movie so great is it can be seen through religious and agnostic eyes. The Job quote does not denote - for me (because I'm Agnostic) - that Malick believes in story of Job specifically. It can simply be a narrative tool. I've used multiple Bible verses in some of my short stories because I've studied religion (I grew up Christian) & because it's an interesting device that is easily relatable to the masses.
@rivasdre The Coen Brothers might not be Christian, but they are certainly interested in spiritual themes and the things of God. And friend, I'm not telling you that you're incapable of enjoying a film like Tree of Life, but I think it's disingenuous of you to say that you don't see the religious themes in it.
@klausweasley --judging from his film it wouldnt surprise me if malick was a regular churchgoer with an intelligent, very deep belief. while i dont share this belief, the beauty of his vision and the eloquence of his defense or "apology" for faith really was stunning. hes not lecturing because hes not teaching; hes building a bridge (the image at the end). a transcendent vision; i was surprised.........
Direct quote from Tolkien: "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out, practically all references to anything like 'religion', to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism"
I agree with you. I am not sure I would word it as "unnatural", because there are people like that, perhaps I'd call his emotional state/development unhealthy or incomplete, but not unnatural. On average, normal/healthy human adult behavior is more balanced. We might choose different words, but I think we are talking about the same thing.
Well, both religions focus on escape from Earthly life, moving beyond desire/sin which leads to suffering, You have a Triune God, invoking the idea of Connection (a segment - two ends and what connects them - is one), Buddhists have Ying/Yang, invoking the same idea of Unity and Oneness of seemingly different things. You pray - they meditate. You say "Holy Spirit", Lao Tze says "chi", Yoda says "force". Another would say Balance, or 0. Both advocate respect and charity. A rose by any other name.
@JordanJC92 I think it can be interpreted either way. Malick is a devoutly religious person but he doesn't wish to lecture his beliefs to his audience but rather allow them to interpret it their own way so that way, he gets to express his religiosity without alienating people who don't share his faith.
The film struck me more as pantheistic than religious. Although the theme of religion runs throughout the film, it never explicitly chooses a side (so to say), and instead chooses (as with his other film, The New World) to find beauty and meaning through nature.
The film is indeed spiritual, as it perfectly shows the struggles of people; however how can you reject it as religious? The first scene is a passage from the book of Job.
Terrence Malick has a degree in philosophy, and went to Harvard. I don't think it's too hard to believe that, upon creation of this film, he expressed ideas from different religious backgrounds. Evolution included.
This commentary echoes my thoughts. Malic's movies are heavy loaded with symbolism and he lets his images speak. In almost all his movies, the characters, move towards the sun or any form of light (symbolizing God) and his shots are slow paced giving a surreal and transcendental feeling. One question. Does his panentheistic views on the cosmos in tune with the christian idea of God and Cosmos?
Thing is that grace is part of our nature. As we go from childhood to adulthood, we tend to turn from receivers to givers (as we have to raise our own children, for instance), we learn to tolerate childish behavior and forgive it. Not just for our own posterity but it echoes generally in our psyche. Not for all perhaps, but for enough of us. So Grace is a part of Human Nature, which is part of Nature. But from a perspective of a childish/immature person, it may seem alien, separate from nature.
Im surprised you didnt mention what St. Bonaventure wrote in his Tree of Life, that God rules the universe partly through nature, partly through grace, partly through justice, and partly through mercy. I thought the father represented more justice than nature. Since nature is the brutal reality of a pitiless world. However, in the end of the fiilm everything led back to our heavenly Father and divine mercy as represented through Malick's use of blue and pink (as seen during Divine Mercy Sunday).
weirdly i found myself comparing this film to the coens' "A Serious Man".both are films about faith, but "Tree of Life" is the flip side to the brutally dark, almost nihilistic look at the human condition that is the coens' film.penns character finds late mid-life salvation in faith (going thru the doorframe at the end) whereas larry in "Serious" succumbs to despair. while im not a believer, i found malicks film an eloquent and deeply moving hymn to faith. both films are different takes on job.
@skworq I don't understand how you can ignore the opening. The movie is given a religious frame by the director. To ignore that is to assert a agenda different from his.
@adstanra But let me say this, too, Adstanra: You are a stimulating thinker. And on those occasions when I have behaved badly on this forum, you have been a gentleman. Your character, it seems to me, surpasses the implications of your philosophy (or however you would describe your beliefs), whereas my behavior never approaches the lowest frontiers of what I believe. Does this speak badly of my philosophy /religion? No, of me! Thanks for your patient responses. Now, get to work! Rip into me!
@wordonfirevideo I think this is a quite reasonable review. Is it leaning toward a certain interpretation? Well, of course. Isn't the entire movie a rumination on grace and faith, a question as to what it means and whether it should even exist? Of course, there can be no pure conclusion on which we'd all agree because that is the nature of faith, existing beyond the easily defined. If anything, a conversation about what this means could go back and forth forever. It is a poem... about grace.
I'm not religious, I don't believe in a God, but this was an eloquent, well-informed and insightful reading. Thank you.
Keep your mind open. You don't have to be religious to have faith and to know God. The more evil the world reveals itself to be, the harder it will be to deny God. I pray you know the truth, and that it sets you free. ❤🙏🏼
He was raised Catholic and currently attends an Episcopalian church.
The Christianity of Tree of Life is very evident.
This is the first review/commentary of Fr. Barron's that I watched. Fr. Barron's commentary is very good. THE TREE OF LIFE is one of my favorite films of all time.
Malick is an Episcopalian. The only time I went to the movies and spent the entire time in worship, even forgiving my father.
wow, as a non-religious person, it was a great commentary, full of reflection. thanks!
I have never been so spiritually moved than when I’ve seen this movie. No sermon has ever managed to affect me like this movie. It was two hours of prayer and philosophy. And the music and images are stunning. This film is a masterpiece.
Malick did something very wise in this film by acknowledging that spirituality and science aren't opposing forces, but complimentary ones. The Tree of Life is depicted as God's biological map of earth: the trunk is our common ancestry (single celled organisms) sequentially splitting into branches of different evolutionary paths, including homo sapiens. A beautiful answer to both a grieving mother asking God if this was part of His plan, and her eldest son's struggling for transcendence.
Father,I am a muslim.i love your videos.Especially this one.This movie changed my life with your explanation. Thank you so much.
May God be praised!
I have never found a more beautiful explanation this movie. Everything had meaning - I will think about this for a very long time. There is a reason for why I loved it so much and it brought so many emotions. Truly a masterpiece.
Even though Terrence Malick is a Christian and the movie's title is borrowed from the book of Genesis and commences with a quote from the book of Job?
Great review father! I didn't know that Mallick was a Christian. Where did you get that info? I would love to read more about it.
Father Barron, you beat most film critics out there who failed to comprehend and analyze the film. Your analysis is clever, profound and meaningful. BRAVO!
Excellent excellent insights Fr. Barron. I liked the movie...but understanding the connection to Job and the mind of God..makes it that much better!
@skworq Friend, why would you think it "naive" to provide a religious interpretation to a film that commences with a citation from the book of Job?!
@xjaskix Oh come on! The title of the film is taken from the book of Genesis and the statement that opens the entire movie is taken from the book of Job. More to it, Malick is a passionate Christian. And you think it's about evolution?!
I loved Tree of Life like no other film. Thank you for your particular and helpful insights on the film.
@iloverumi I am not really a a practicing Christian, though I was reared Roman Catholic, lost my faith, then became evangelical protestant, then Eastern Orthodox, and am currently a practicing alcoholic. But I like this guy, too! I will keep listening to this guy, although what he says often convicts me. I hope you do the same.
While I am an atheist, and do not agree with the themes presented by this film, I have to say that this analysis is absolutely brilliant. Honest hats off to you father, I would love to see you review other films in the future, because you are amazing at it!
Beautiful film and a wonderful insight from Fr. Barron. See also his review of A Serious Man - another fabulous film. After watching his review of that film, I went back and read the Book of Job. Though I am not a Christian, I feel there is so much truth in Job and in the Tree of Life.
Fr. Barron, you have a talent for interpreting art. I enjoyed listening to your exegesis of this film the way I enjoyed listening to my literature professors in college. Thank you
Thank You Father Barron. Your explanation is BIG.
I'm an atheist myself but this film is one of my all time favourites.
It's crafted so well and the spectacle is so awe inspiring that I'm happy for Malick to put his faith up on screen and I absolutely loved this film.
And this is a very nice analysis of it
I agree with Fr. Barron when he says that Gods allows evil, but I think that we are the ones who choose or let evil to come into our lives with our own wrong actions, atitudes, and bad choices that we make. And Evil is not a good Master; it is a tyrant that drags you deeper and deeper into his traps. It is by the Grace of God that we can overcome, fight it or not surrender to it.
Father, I could sit and discuss this movie with you for hours. It is a stunning masterpiece of Catholic filmmaking, whether or not Malick knows it!
Episcopalian film maker..
Hmmm.... Even though the director is a devout Christian, the film's title is a verse from the book of Genesis, and the movie begins with a citation from the book of Job! It's just "philosophy and science."
@anthtan You know, it's kind of a film that you admire more than enjoy. I liked the theology of it, but it was kind of tedious in parts, to be honest with you.
@JordanJC92 Then how do you explain the citation from Job at the beginning of the movie?
@painsmins How does your reading square with the fact that Malick is a devout Catholic? And if there is no final "answer," then how do you read the mystical ending of the movie?
i think that's the great thing about this film. people can discuss for ever on what is it exactly about, but everybody will always see something different and it will mean something different for each person. i think the director achieved his goal, on making people think outside the box a little bit, and reminding people that there's so much more to life than what we limit ourselves to see now days. wether it's about religion, science, evolution, etc.....we all came to a personal conclusion.
I actually like this "Father Barron". His analysis was not too shabby.
Enjoyed his opinion and he really knows his stuff. I don't find myself religious or atheist. For me when I hear someone say the word God I have to assume they're talking about something more then an individual.
I'm NOT a "religious person" AT ALL, but I've ALWAYS been deeply, deeply and lastingly affected by ALL of Terrence Malick's movies ... including verrrry much "The Tree Of Life" that I saw for the first time last night and which I'll certainly be seeing AGAIN VERRRRY soon....
--John Pluntze
(Ketchum, Idaho)
Well put Father. Gives me much to ponder.
Sure, I know about trolls. But sometimes people can benefit from the way I engage them.
Brilliant summery!
@amirhosseinfarhang So let me see if I have your position straight? The film is religious, but it's just against religion! If you think this movie is just a meditation on evolution, why do you think it commenced with a quotation from the book of Job?
I'd like to echo the comments of some others I have seen that, although I am not religious in the least, I found this to be a very thoughtful and insightful analysis of this wonderful film. Mr. Barron actually explained the "universe sequence" in a way that I hadn't considered before, but which makes perfect sense. Very appreciative!
This was a beautiful interpretation. You mention that nature is the hard edge that is without compassion or mercy. And you site the example of the larger dinosaur overpowering the weaker. And i actually feel like that scene had a far more important purpose. The stronger did not eat or hurt the weaker in that scene. Because the weaker seemed to be dying. I can see malick saying a couple things about this- perhaps one is His mercy is not just in grace- but also nature. Or, that before man- there were both in balance- and when the first design was destroyed and rebuilt- man now held the duality within them as a choice. But what is very important in the whole ideology of this is to acknowledge that there *IS* mercy and compassion in nature. Because other species display this. In their nurturing of their young and kin, the fighting to protect their flocks and herds. It is a very dated view to assume that we are the only creatures that hold the "grace" of god. And i think maybe that was malicks brief insertion of that point.
Padre,
Thanks for the good work. Keep it up.
Your comments on the human demand for understanding suffering reminds me of the accounts in Luke where we see the difference between Zachariah's and Mary's response to the prophecy of the angel Gabriel. Zachariah does not understand and will not believe. Mary does not understand but concedes to the prophecy despite her lack of understanding how it could be possible.
The path to holiness is in following God, not in understanding Him.
Great analysis of a beautiful film.
Amazing. Malick is truely a genius. I have to rewatch this film again now
Thank you so much for all these extremely relevant points in this film. I surprised myself at how many I missed.
I watched the movie aday after my mothers funeral. I thought it was marvellous. The funny thing is three years later watched it again and it was different. Something about been in deep grief opened by eyes to it.
Different meaning it wasn't as powerful?
While Fr. Barron has difficulty appreciating films that aren't in line with his religious beliefs on their own terms (see his review of "A Serious Man" where he completely misses the point) this film is right in his wheelhouse and he hits a home run this time.
Although I am certainly not a "believer" in any way, shape or form this is the most beautiful film I've seen in the last decade & Barron gets it right. He might want to stick to what he knows (faith) and steer clear of films about doubt.
@cinesimonj hat sequence was not preceded by "how did I get here" though. It was preceded by Jessica Chastain's "Lord, why? Where were You?" In fact, i'm not 100% sure but "how did I get there" I don't recall that line being in the film.
Your review is by far the best
@ShadowLink108 I'm afraid you'll have to unpack that one for me, friend.
@adstanra First, do you notice what a grand, sweeping philosophical claim you have made? The fundamental reality is "space" and "fluctuating vacuum." The empirical, testable evidence for this is precisely what? I mean, I've got nothing against making philosophical claims, but I'd like something beyond a bald assertion. But once again, the problem is that anything that is finite or changeable cannot be unconditioned in its being, and the ground we're looking for is unconditioned.
@AgentDevlin Whatever the devil does happens through God's permission.
Bishop Robert Barron I agree with this statement, although I don’t believe in the devil per se, I do believe that evil has a job to do, and is allowed with God’s permission.....just wish there was less of it in the world. 😞
One of the reviewers made a clever observation that it is not an accident that Jack O'Brien's name initializes to JOB.
For another exposure to some of the same themes that the Priest mentions here from the movie, read Carlos Eire's exquisite memoir, Learning to Die in Miami.
Now if only they ever picked you to do an analytical commentary for a special edition release of the movie haha because I truly enjoyed your comments and you definitely know what you are talking about!
I love this review!
i'm not catholic or christian, and i like this guy
@rivasdre Oh I don't know, man, that strikes me as a tad facile! I mean, there are certainly Biblical citations that are generic enough to appeal to an agnostic with a conscience, but the book of Job?! I think it's impossible to make any sense of that book apart from a specific belief in God. Don't forget, too, that Mallick is a profoundly believing Christian.
You explained the movie very well sir! The Tree of Life is the fundamental meaning of Life, Faith and all its connections within the whole universe. Very Deep stuff, and with basic aspects of humanity too.
(1 of 2)
Malick is a very private person, and there's no public records of him saying anything about his religious beliefs.
But considering that
A. He was raised Catholic
B. He attends an Episcopalian church presently
and C. He was instrumental in leading Martin Sheen back to Catholicism
I think it's more likely than not that he is a devout Christian.
There's a new semi-biography published this year on him that has more information about his life than has ever been published. I (cont.)
I suggest that you watch more of Fr. Barron's videos, or if possible his Catholicism Series. You will be surprised how the Church sees other religions. I was surprised myself how inclusive Christianity is.
Beautiful. I hope they show the film in my city.
Your insight on the opening segment being a re-enactment of Job was fascinating, but I'd disagree that the dinosaur scene was about nature. The one dinosaur does dominate the other, but being able to let him live, I think, demonstrated grace.
Definitely the best explanation of the movie I've ever seen.
@adstanra Just keep repeating this to yourself, like a mantra" E=MC2; E=MC2." Teach it to your children, and they will teach it to your children's children (if you decide to leave such a carbon footprint). This will be a wonderful family legacy for you!
skworq, this was just one interpretation of many available. I'm just glad that people are responding thoughtfully to this movie. I sat through a screening with people who texted throughout and booed at the end.
I think your absolutely right about the dinosaur, though.
I'm cautious to accept any kind of film analysis in fear of it crushing the work's grand emotions into words, but this is a very poetic, clear explanation of the film. I think this is the kind of articulate open-minded man who should be a spokesman for Catholicism.
thanks for this. ad majorem dei gloriam
I'm atheist, and although we disagree on things I love hearing your opinions on films and to hear some comments and analysis from a christian perspective, it's good to hear insightful remarks from an individual such as yourself. Personally I don't see the Tree of Life as a religious film per se, rather a spiritual film as the movie explores that which is imbedded in every human, regardless of creed. I'd like to hear you talk about this film more and maybe some comments on 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Very nice commentary. The producer on The Tree of Life, Grant Hill, was also the producer on the film Cloud Atlas. Like The Tree of Life it examines humanity's place in the cosmos using a highly unorthodox cinematic style. It tells six different stories, spanning six different time periods, and tells them simultaneously using the same actors for each story. It was directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski (the directors of The Matrix movies) and Tom Tykwer (the German director of Run Lola Run) and based on a novel by David Mitchell. I'd like to listen Father Barron's commentary on that film.
While I am an atheist, I really liked this guy's analysis. Very open and clear.
I'd like to express my admiration for Fr. Barron's excellent reading of the film. A film which at its core, indeed, does capture the essense of the Christian philosophy (salvation and solace offered by a purposeful grand scheme).
While as an agnost I understand unbelieving fans feel somewhat akward having to admit this, they really shouldn't. After all, some of the greatest works of art in Western civilization were inspired by Christianity.
My own mother and father were like Grace and Nature when I was growing up. I think they counterbalanced each other pretty well in my own experience of being a kid.
I also think that in the book of Job, God answer to Job, is I am Grand, and you are small. How can you judge my Justice? That is the answer to all suffering. The whole world give us plenty of joy, yet, we complain about its harshness. The same goes for the boy in the movie, he had a great life, but always complaining about his father, he didn´t feel small compared to his father. This same atittude we have toward life; to judge, instead of being grateful
Hi Bishop, have you watched Malick’s A Hidden Life about the St. Franz Jaggerstatter yet? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. I think it is the best Christian film I have ever seen.
@painsmins
You are right, this is a conversation for another place and different means, and you are right, my comment was dismissive. I apologize.
But I don't mean to beach scene when I say the end. I mean Jack's smile.
Great review. Great movie.
Thanks for posting this thoughtful review!
@skworq the "nature" referred to by the movie is slightly different from your understanding of natural "processes" IMO. Malick's film isn't talking about the natural world when it referred to "nature." Nor does the film laud Grace over Nature. It simply states that they "always....wrestle inside me."
I don't mean to sound sychophantic, but that line of sarcasm made me chuckle.
fantastic commentary
@wordonfirevideo I think part of what makes the movie so great is it can be seen through religious and agnostic eyes. The Job quote does not denote - for me (because I'm Agnostic) - that Malick believes in story of Job specifically. It can simply be a narrative tool. I've used multiple Bible verses in some of my short stories because I've studied religion (I grew up Christian) & because it's an interesting device that is easily relatable to the masses.
@rivasdre The Coen Brothers might not be Christian, but they are certainly interested in spiritual themes and the things of God. And friend, I'm not telling you that you're incapable of enjoying a film like Tree of Life, but I think it's disingenuous of you to say that you don't see the religious themes in it.
@klausweasley --judging from his film it wouldnt surprise me if malick was a regular churchgoer with an intelligent, very deep belief. while i dont share this belief, the beauty of his vision and the eloquence of his defense or "apology" for faith really was stunning. hes not lecturing because hes not teaching; hes building a bridge (the image at the end). a transcendent vision; i was surprised.........
well spoken. nice.
Direct quote from Tolkien:
"The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out, practically all references to anything like 'religion', to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism"
And I think you're right; I saw those things too.
I agree with you. I am not sure I would word it as "unnatural", because there are people like that, perhaps I'd call his emotional state/development unhealthy or incomplete, but not unnatural. On average, normal/healthy human adult behavior is more balanced. We might choose different words, but I think we are talking about the same thing.
Great comment!
Well, both religions focus on escape from Earthly life, moving beyond desire/sin which leads to suffering, You have a Triune God, invoking the idea of Connection (a segment - two ends and what connects them - is one), Buddhists have Ying/Yang, invoking the same idea of Unity and Oneness of seemingly different things. You pray - they meditate. You say "Holy Spirit", Lao Tze says "chi", Yoda says "force". Another would say Balance, or 0. Both advocate respect and charity. A rose by any other name.
@JordanJC92 I think it can be interpreted either way. Malick is a devoutly religious person but he doesn't wish to lecture his beliefs to his audience but rather allow them to interpret it their own way so that way, he gets to express his religiosity without alienating people who don't share his faith.
The film struck me more as pantheistic than religious. Although the theme of religion runs throughout the film, it never explicitly chooses a side (so to say), and instead chooses (as with his other film, The New World) to find beauty and meaning through nature.
The film is indeed spiritual, as it perfectly shows the struggles of people; however how can you reject it as religious? The first scene is a passage from the book of Job.
A wonderful explanation!
Terrence Malick has a degree in philosophy, and went to Harvard. I don't think it's too hard to believe that, upon creation of this film, he expressed ideas from different religious backgrounds. Evolution included.
This commentary echoes my thoughts. Malic's movies are heavy loaded with symbolism and he lets his images speak. In almost all his movies, the characters, move towards the sun or any form of light (symbolizing God) and his shots are slow paced giving a surreal and transcendental feeling. One question. Does his panentheistic views on the cosmos in tune with the christian idea of God and Cosmos?
Thing is that grace is part of our nature. As we go from childhood to adulthood, we tend to turn from receivers to givers (as we have to raise our own children, for instance), we learn to tolerate childish behavior and forgive it. Not just for our own posterity but it echoes generally in our psyche. Not for all perhaps, but for enough of us. So Grace is a part of Human Nature, which is part of Nature. But from a perspective of a childish/immature person, it may seem alien, separate from nature.
Im surprised you didnt mention what St. Bonaventure wrote in his Tree of Life, that God rules the universe partly through nature, partly through grace, partly through justice, and partly through mercy. I thought the father represented more justice than nature. Since nature is the brutal reality of a pitiless world. However, in the end of the fiilm everything led back to our heavenly Father and divine mercy as represented through Malick's use of blue and pink (as seen during Divine Mercy Sunday).
weirdly i found myself comparing this film to the coens' "A Serious Man".both are films about faith, but "Tree of Life" is the flip side to the brutally dark, almost nihilistic look at the human condition that is the coens' film.penns character finds late mid-life salvation in faith (going thru the doorframe at the end) whereas larry in "Serious" succumbs to despair. while im not a believer, i found malicks film an eloquent and deeply moving hymn to faith. both films are different takes on job.
@olliephelan Malick is a devoutly practicting Christian!
@skworq
I don't understand how you can ignore the opening. The movie is given a religious frame by the director. To ignore that is to assert a agenda different from his.
@adstanra But let me say this, too, Adstanra: You are a stimulating thinker. And on those occasions when I have behaved badly on this forum, you have been a gentleman. Your character, it seems to me, surpasses the implications of your philosophy (or however you would describe your beliefs), whereas my behavior never approaches the lowest frontiers of what I believe. Does this speak badly of my philosophy /religion? No, of me! Thanks for your patient responses. Now, get to work! Rip into me!
@wordonfirevideo I think this is a quite reasonable review. Is it leaning toward a certain interpretation? Well, of course. Isn't the entire movie a rumination on grace and faith, a question as to what it means and whether it should even exist? Of course, there can be no pure conclusion on which we'd all agree because that is the nature of faith, existing beyond the easily defined. If anything, a conversation about what this means could go back and forth forever. It is a poem... about grace.
What are you thoughts on Malick's latest film, To the Wonder?
Nothing to be said against the film. I actually loved it. It was beautiful, as all of Terrence's movies are.