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.
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.
@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?!
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!
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'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
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
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.
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!
@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.
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."
@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.
@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?
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. 😞
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!
@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 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.
@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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
@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.
@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.
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.
@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."
(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.)
@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!
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.
Hey Barron, like many other I too think that your explanaition is very good, well understood and to the point. and like Dobersaurus I´d like to see the hour long explanation, is that ever gonna happen? But for now there is scene I cant rly figure out. It´s the scene at the end where Sean Penn is on the beach meeting his whole family - why is Sean the only one who aged in that scene?
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.
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?
I don't understand why Terrence Malick would insert a quote from the Book of Job and put it at the beginning of the movie. Could anyone care to explain? D:
I too saw the dinosaur scene as a form of grace as well. The way the scene was setup, the audience is made to expect that the larger dinosaur is going to kill and eat the smaller dinosaur. But then Malick defies expectations and large dinosaur winds up sparing the smaller dinosaurs life. Of course, this momentary grace note in the movie is immediately undercut with the scene of the asteroid that collided with the Earth and cause the extinction of the dinosaurs.
@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.
i saw "the tree of life" a few weeks ago and while i'm still baffled by it. i also love the film. this is a fascinating interpretation about the film. i'm not sure i whether i agree or disagree but i like this interpretation. it's not trying to talk down to you but rather brings a broader perspective. i wonder what this guy thinks of malick's other films.
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).
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
Father, I always love your movie reviews. Wonderful insights, and you bring up things that I completely missed even though I watch movies pretty thoroughly and always look for the Christian symbolism that can be gleaned. I also loved your review of "Fargo." I was a bit disappointed by "Tree of Life." I think Mallick's film "The Thin Red Line" was much better. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that one. (BTW, I'm becoming addicted to your TH-cam commentaries! Always excellent.)
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. ❤🙏🏼
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.
wow, as a non-religious person, it was a great commentary, full of reflection. thanks!
Malick is an Episcopalian. The only time I went to the movies and spent the entire time in worship, even forgiving my father.
He was raised Catholic and currently attends an Episcopalian church.
The Christianity of Tree of Life is very evident.
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.
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.
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.
@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?!
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!
@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?!
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!
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'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
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!
I loved Tree of Life like no other film. Thank you for your particular and helpful insights on the film.
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
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.
Thank You Father Barron. Your explanation is BIG.
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!
@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?
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."
@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.
@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?
@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. 😞
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..
Thank you so much for all these extremely relevant points in this film. I surprised myself at how many I missed.
Sure, I know about trolls. But sometimes people can benefit from the way I engage them.
@ShadowLink108 I'm afraid you'll have to unpack that one for me, friend.
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!
@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 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.
Well put Father. Gives me much to ponder.
Your review is by far the best
@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.
Have you ever reviewed A Hidden Life by Mallick? I was a bit surprised when I couldn’t find a review of it by you on TH-cam. Would be interesting.
Amazing. Malick is truely a genius. I have to rewatch this film again now
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 actually like this "Father Barron". His analysis was not too shabby.
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.
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.
Brilliant summery!
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.
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)
thanks for this. ad majorem dei gloriam
Definitely the best explanation of the movie I've ever seen.
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.
@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.
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.
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.
Beautiful. I hope they show the film in my city.
While I am an atheist, I really liked this guy's analysis. Very open and clear.
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.
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?
@olliephelan Malick is a devoutly practicting Christian!
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.
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.
@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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks for posting this thoughtful review!
What are you thoughts on Malick's latest film, To the Wonder?
i'm not catholic or christian, and i like this guy
fantastic commentary
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'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.
I don't mean to sound sychophantic, but that line of sarcasm made me chuckle.
@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.
Great review bishop
@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.
well spoken. nice.
I miss the version of this analysis with the movie scenes inserted. Any chance I can still find that somewhere online?
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.
@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."
And I think you're right; I saw those things too.
Great review. Great movie.
A wonderful explanation!
(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.)
Nothing to be said against the film. I actually loved it. It was beautiful, as all of Terrence's movies are.
@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!
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.
Great comment!
Hey Barron, like many other I too think that your explanaition is very good, well understood and to the point.
and like Dobersaurus I´d like to see the hour long explanation, is that ever gonna happen?
But for now there is scene I cant rly figure out.
It´s the scene at the end where Sean Penn is on the beach meeting his whole family - why is Sean the only one who aged in that scene?
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.
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?
I don't understand why Terrence Malick would insert a quote from the Book of Job and put it at the beginning of the movie. Could anyone care to explain? D:
I too saw the dinosaur scene as a form of grace as well. The way the scene was setup, the audience is made to expect that the larger dinosaur is going to kill and eat the smaller dinosaur. But then Malick defies expectations and large dinosaur winds up sparing the smaller dinosaurs life. Of course, this momentary grace note in the movie is immediately undercut with the scene of the asteroid that collided with the Earth and cause the extinction of the dinosaurs.
So sorry. I'll leave the sophisticated work to you!
The video helped tons. Thanks! ^^
@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.
i saw "the tree of life" a few weeks ago and while i'm still baffled by it. i also love the film. this is a fascinating interpretation about the film. i'm not sure i whether i agree or disagree but i like this interpretation. it's not trying to talk down to you but rather brings a broader perspective. i wonder what this guy thinks of malick's other films.
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).
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
I might suggest you watch my video!
Father Barron's excellent review makes me want to do two things:
1. See The Tree of Life, and
2. Read the book of Job.
Thanks, Father Barron!
Father, I always love your movie reviews. Wonderful insights, and you bring up things that I completely missed even though I watch movies pretty thoroughly and always look for the Christian symbolism that can be gleaned. I also loved your review of "Fargo." I was a bit disappointed by "Tree of Life." I think Mallick's film "The Thin Red Line" was much better. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that one. (BTW, I'm becoming addicted to your TH-cam commentaries! Always excellent.)