This is the best video essay I've ever watched and one of the best films yet created. I learned so much. It is so good that you used Malick's script, for besides elucidating your analysis well, it's style is absolutely counter to the prevailing standards of screenwriting that expects no exposition. Yet, as Kubrik said, if it can be written, it can be filmed, and though that seems impossible to me to believe as the medium is different, this film proves that with this script full of exposition and narrative, it can be done and unspeakably well. The quote from the script to seek inspiration from science is not a sufficient premise for an atheist perspective. That's a leap.
Thank you! The script in itself is an amazing piece of writing and it surprised me that a filmmaker who uses little words in his films is actually such an eloquent and poetic writer. About your last point; in the script there are other quotes as well that suggest Malick wanted to stick to current science (he actually seems highly knowledgeable on these topics) and not have any definitive elements beyond-the-world-we-know; because that would lead him to fall back on traditional apologetic explanations of the main existential question (like the story of Job) which I'm pretty sure he wanted to avoid. To me personally, that leaves enough room for an atheist interpretation, but the main point I wanted to make is that The Tree of Life is a film that I believe can be appreciated and insightful even to the most die hard atheists out there and doesn't require you to be a Christian or believe in God to be relatable.
Ah yes, that conclusion is valid and I believe the best, to make something spiritually or psychologically or personally meaningful whatever one's faith or beliefs. Malick studied philosophy at Harvard and Oxford.
@@LikeStoriesofOld you believe in nature,but you don't know anything about spirituality.an atheist cannot understand this movie, because everything is meaningless in existence.you also don't understand in God.
Very few films achieve that. I found some lifelike childhood representations in: "Tideland", "The Tree of Life", "Where the Wild Things Are", and an adolescent echo of child-like sensibilities in "The Science of Sleep".
Totally agree, fathers thinking they can teach us life but they made us dreamless, emotionless sometimes there is some light when i travel or encounter a good soul. We become child again, i forgive him but i know if i am who i am, it's part of him ... Be good to anyone even complicated person but don't use too much energy. Life is short, enjoy every minute. Universe is indifferent but this is unique.
I first watched The Tree of Life in theatre when it came out and thought it was pretty amazing. Now, after having seen it about 6 or 7 times, it might just be my favorite film of all time. To me it’s simply an awe-inspiring experience and I find something new in it every time I watch it. I wanted to make a video about it for a long time, one that is accessible and insightful for both those who got nothing out of this film (which I totally understand) and those who already share my love for it. I hope I succeeded. I’m also working on a Patreon page, which will be launched soon. So if you’re interested in supporting me and my work, be sure to stay tuned :) Greetings, Tom
Great content brother. I didn't care for this film at on my first viewing. I watched it again during a deployment in Afghanistan and I fell in love with it. I was actually born in Waco too!
Like Stories of Old Like you, I've seen the film 6 or 7 times now, and each time it's a revelatory journey. It's hard to put into words everything that this film makes me feel, but I connected to a lot of the things that you mentioned, and am grateful that quality content creators like you are examining this work of art. I've been looking for video essays on The Tree of Life for years, and am happy I stumbled upon yours. Can't wait to view more of your content!
I totally get your experience of this film. The first time I saw it, when it came out, I didn't fully understand it, yet I could grasp its ambition, its importance and beauty. I had the feeling of witnessing something larger then life. It stayed with me for days after and then changed my life, as I decided to attend cinema studies because of this. I already had studied art but I found my love for the medium of film in these frames. I understood that unless I pursued something I loved, my life would have flashed by. Thank you for this video essay.
I completely agree with this and I praise you for your video essay on this Malick´s masterpiece. People often do not know what they see and the initial issue is that in order to see, we must be taught that. Without teaching there is not real vision. I am very moved by your video essay and I have to admit it is one of the best interpretations of Malick I have ever seen. Although I am atheist or agnostic, I would see here a clear vision of Malick and The Tree Of Life as clearly a film about searching for and finding God in terms of Eternity or Life-Giving Substance, Consciousness, Higher States of Cousciousness or, also can be named as Tao / Dao. This film is highly spiritual and it aligns and follows the paths of modern higher spirituality which seeks the ultimate existential goales in forgiveness, acceptation, defenslessness, absence of resistance, pure joy and blissfulness. I have not read the Malick´s script yet, but I am pretty sure here we are touching the bases of the modern spirituality which does not have much in common with the modern atheism - which cannot explain and cannot lead to such an understanding of divine & existential features such as Mallick has clearly shown in his film. The end of the way of Grace which is clearly a spiritual concept is explicitly shown in the one of the last scenes in the big area close to the sea where all the characters are gathered and the Mother with peacefulness in her voice tells the God that she hands over her died sun R. L. to him. This is the climax of the way of Grace, is is not a resignation, it is pure peace and oneness with the life, being and consciousness & higher consciuosness themselves. I believe Tree Of Life is the best film I have ever seen. Despite the fact that many cinefils, cinema lovers or cultural lovers or so called philosophers still do not recognize the qualities of it, it still has to be fully discovered and known by vast audience and valued as one of the greatest spiritual films ever made. This films makes possible the old dreams of mystics of the World: to become one with the God, to become one with the Universe, with the Nature, with the Being, with Yourself, with your Consciousness, to become fully aware of your Existence.
What's also so beautiful about the depiction of childhood is when Jack is being swung around by the mother literally a few moments later he is a preteen. His mother, fluidly through play and grace, literally stretched him into being.
I believe I felt what this movie, and your analysis, has tried to articulate recently in my life. I looked all around me, even at myself, and realized that I, my fellow man, the animals, the grass, the water, the sun, are all interconnected in a timeless manner. We are all as complex and unique as the stars and the universe - celestial in our natures. Love truly is this penetrating depth of our soul that we intuitively feel if we only allow ourselves to access it. I felt, like Jack towards the end of your video, as if seeing the world anew for the first time. So much complexity, so much beauty. Our lives are finite, and yet I feel deeply that something always remains.
So true. Our finite self and universe existing in infinite possibilities - our soul and the Source. Using our limited mind to understand our existence in infinite possibilities. Perhaps, like Malick said, instead of seeking to understand, just feel. Guess the religious call this infinite possibilities - eternity? As Long as there is life, infinite possibilities never cease?
The movie starts with a verse from Book Of Job. Might want to study that book to understand the movie. Then read the rest of the Bible to understand Malick.
What a great analysis! Thank you!! The Tree of Life is my favorite film. I wrote my master's thesis on the use of voice-overs in Malick's films and found that another passage was inspired by Dostoyevsky. When the mother says to her sons: "Help each other. Love everyone. Every leaf. Every ray of light. Forgive", this echoes the following passage in The Brothers Karamazov : "Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything."
This film, to me is a gift. As I grow and rewatch I get more out of this film. The first time I watched it I had no idea what was going on, yet i told people it was my favourite film because it was, it was so beautiful to me. Now i watch it and cry and cry because i can relate to it, I'll wait another ten years and i wonder how i'll feel then. Great analysis, i wonder if Malick experienced a Near Death Experience and that perhaps Jack is going up in the elevator, towards the light and into another realm, meeting his loved ones, experiencing pure love and then coming back down, with new eyes for the world and hope restored.. :) xxxxx
Beautifully done sir! The Tree of Life and 2001: A Space Odyssey are both transcendent work of art. 2001 always was my favorite, but when I saw this film in theatre, it shook this film hierarchy of mine.
I think The Tree of Life is a direct answer to 2001 : A Space Odyssey. That was also said of Tarkovsky's Solaris, if you haven't seen this one! Though Stalker is my favorite from Tarkovsky!
The Tree of Life is my favorite Malick film, and truly where I think he peaked. I love all of his films, but for his fifth film, he achieved all the cosmic grandeur of 2001 with the heartbreaking emotion of one family's drama, connecting the sould of one person, that most indivisible spiritual unit, to all of existence. Like the vast majority of the commenters here, I love the film and greatly appreciate the thorough, thoughtful, and aesthetically-pleasing construction of your video essays. I also noticed that you seem to exemplify the Way of Grace by liking comments which I found myself tempted to vote down, or to reply with rebuttals, to somehow assert my "superior assessment" in counterargument. I am inspired by your willingness to acknowledge the vast majority of comments with a dignity and grace. You are furthering a benevolent way of being in the world which seems to be at the root of so many problems confronting us. Keep up the great work; keep being you.
Having spent my entire adult life working in the cultural film world, I have, in general found most English language film 'criticism' wanting in either knowledge or understanding. But this is a truly wonderful exposition of the nature of easily the greatest film of our era. The medium is different from that which I have ever used, but the insight and expression is so good that, for the first time in years, I say "I wish I had made that." Congratulations.
i swear to have a gift, your calm voice and understanding of the topic your referring to is amazing. If you start a patreon, I will happily contribute.
Coming back after watching your most recent video LSOO andI must say -- this is one of your most well-crafted and illuminating videos on TM's magnum opus.
I ask anyone who didn't like this film on their first viewing to give it a second chance. I watched it in a theater and didn't know what to make of it. And then it stayed with me for 6 months. So I bought it on blu ray, and know I've seen it countless times and is one of my 5 favorite films
I m writing a tesis on Malick and how his work connects with philosophy ( my teaching area) and this was really well put together and helped me with the direction. Thank you sir !
@@inco9943 mostly about the indifference of nature regarding the human dramas and misery, a lot of Kieekergaard can be found in his earliest works especially. I did the thesis in my Student years for philosophy and culture, I have now moved at post modernism philosophy on my degree, but I still write movie related pieces from time to time. My most recent was one about nihilism and stanley kubrick. I would really like to do one about the deconstruction of the body in the western media and the east media too.
I always looked at this movie as a film that needs to be experienced instead of being understood. As mentioned in this essay. The creation scene has made me tear up, makes you small, gives some perspective on what time and infinity mean, guided by a masterful music piece. This movie is pure, artistic, a visual reminder, which asks several existential questions and answers them through the medium of images, not by interpertation, meaning or dialogue, merely estatics. I do feel like Melick accomplished his vision on creation a film that can hold value for everyone that takes an effort not to ‘watch’ but reflect within ones self.
Excellent work. You really deserve more views. This goes far beyond an entertaining analysis. The ending monologue from Dostoyevsky...man. Truly one of the best TH-cam videos I've ever seen. Tree of Life is a beautiful film but a nevertheless difficult one. I'm glad I have that final monologue to keep in mind.
The first Malick movie for me was ' A Hidden Life' and was completely moved by it, my life literally changed a lot after watching that movie. I had watched 'The Tree Of Life' in part before because i kinda had a child's movie taste like MARVEL stuff back then but as i got bigger and started realising other stuff *beautiful stuff* like 'A Hidden Life', i watched THE TREE OF FRICKIN LIFE and i totally loved it. I hope Imanuel lubezki(forgive me if i spelled it wrong), the cinematographer of this movie to work with Malick again and the person who did 'A Hidden Life' too. Much love Terence, Lubezki, Desplat
I really liked your video, man. I struggled with Malick's Tree, and felt bad for it, knowing that I loved his previous films, but with your interpretation I think I'm ready to see it again and give it another shot. Thank you so very much!
This is the most beautiful and eloquent exposition of a film I have ever heard. I loved this film before I watched your video, but I understood and appreciated it so much more after hearing your commentary.
Superb analysis of a great film -- one of my absolute favorites. So many filmmakers aspire to poetry, but Malick actually achieves it here. Although The Tree of Life is bursting full of ideas and philosophical questions, it never stops the film from capturing countless wisps of beauty and emotion. Despite being Malick's most personal film, it's also his most universal. I'm much younger than he is with parents from a very different culture and I still recognize so many of the memories depicted in the film...as if they were ripped from my own childhood.
You have the gift of helping other humans to understand beauty and allow themselves to be amazed by the wonders of a marvelous creation like the tree of life. I'm speechless and in tears. Thank you.
This was very good. A real keeper. You well analyzed Malik's classic movie-one of my favorites. Thank you. I wanna leave you a gift. Your analysis made me recall it. "People say that what we are all seeking is a meaning for life. I don't think that's what we're seeking. I think that what we're seeking is an experience of being alive: The experience of eternity in the here & now is the function of life." - Joseph Campbell, American mythologist, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. Colombia University
These stories, these wonderful essays, are like the ones my absent father never told me. I don't know if you will read this, but I thank you infinitely for everything you make me feel. Thanks from my heart
I only found your videos today but that doesn't change the fact that you are now my favourite content creator on youtube. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Neither did I, I was interested in the novel because I knew Malick was inspired by it but it wasn't until I read that I noticed he actually used the material for some of his dialogue in the film.
This is the best video on this site.. So thankful for this! Tree of Life is a film that people need to learn from and this video gave such a better insight. Thank You.
This vid made me like Tree of Life more! Another youtuber was saying if you look at this movie face value your probably gonna hate it. Which is very true, Tree of Life isn’t that kind of film, it’s different, it’s interesting. When I saw the movie I was kinda bored but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like and appreciate it. I didn’t understand a lot of what was going on, but I kinda understood some of it, when the movie ended I knew this was special, I knew I had to understand this movie. This helped so much and in fact this helped me love the film even more then I did! Great essay I just subbed keep it up
I’ve meditated on your analysis of “no one who loves the way of Grace ever comes to a bad end” for over a year now. I think the statement is True. We must think about what it means to love the way of Grace. When we do this we offer ourselves and our souls to God completely and rejoice in salvation of eternal life with Him. This means that no matter what destruction comes to our physical bodies that our souls are ultimately welcomed into the Kingdom of God in eternal life. That is not a bad ending because it is neither bad nor an ending. Hopefully you see this Tom and can play with this rebuttal analysis. Thanks for all you do, the beauty you create through your content, the focus on what is True, Good, and Beautiful.
I've watched The Tree Of Life for 2 times and even though I was immersed by the visuals, the plot baffled me. After watching this terrific analysis, I'm gonna give it another try. 👍
Amazing! Your commentaries are sooooooooo inspirational......that I love to start my day with them.....with a cup of a espresso. It gives me the whole new outlook on the day and I thank you for it sir.💙
i was one of the people that was a bit confused of the message of the film but after seeing this i feel like i understood it more and a better appreciation for the film thank you, great video.
This is easily the best analysis on The Tree of Life I ve ever seen. I pretty much understood everything only by this one video. It's very obvious in the video that it has took much effort to make this and the video pays off. Keep making such good content!!
I always loved this movie but I didn't understand the whole meaning of it and I thought that some moments were actually useless and meaningless... Until I watched this video ! You did an amazing work of analysis and you definitely deserve more views ! So, thanks for your job ! A french film-lover.
I love your essays! Your writing and insights speak to my soul. This was a film that took my breath away the first time I saw it--and consistently does so on multiple viewings. I'm not religious. My god is nature and life. This film is a prayer--a prayer to the higher-self--a meditation on the wonder of how I fit into all this beauty and chaos. Thank you for sharing this!
I really liked Malick's "The Tree of Life", but also Gilliam's "Tideland", and Eggers' "The Lighthouse". Like "The Tree of Life" I would call "Tideland" impressionistic, but "The Lighthouse" expressionistic, and beyond that it seems to me that all three carry a sense of constructivism and existentialism.
All your videos are miniature masterpieces. They are inspirational and enlightening. It is unavoidable to feel connected to something higher and superior to ourselves after watching your content. Thank you!
For long I was struggling to give meaning to this film that, since I saw it, I knew that changed me forever, without understanding why. Thank you sir. Thank. You.
Years after this one, this channel will remain as one of the best channels to ever grace TH-cam and the internet as a whole. Thank you for your work. 🙏🏻❤
Oh man. So much to put in words right now. This movie has been a favorite of mine for a few years. This was my entrance to Malick and his way of seeing the world. Even when the movie has moved me truly, not even with reviews of the movie on the internet I could -not understand- but grasp the movie fully. Your video has got me as if I were watching the movie again. And thank you for it. Great editing, voice over and everything. Just saw this video and the one from Patterson and you got me in tears. Love all.
Your last quote makes me think of Martin Buber: "If you explore the life of things and of conditioned being, you come to the unfathomable; if you deny the life of things and of conditioned being, you stand before nothingness; if you hallow this life, you meet the living God."
Beautiful video. It really makes the film more comprehendible. I now can have more appreciation for the visual aspect of the story. Thank you for explaining it so clearly!
While i was watching this movie, i was as much saddened than amused by seing people leaving the projection, one after the other. This movie is, as you titled it, a real masterpiece, highlighting with maestro the paradoxal complexity of life and existence. I was moved and so in awe during most of the movie, yet i was less convinced by it's last part, which in my eyes, at the time, was a sort of apology of the act of faith, especially as a meaning of relief when you go through deep wounds. At the time, I perceived it as too "biblical"... or theological and less philosophical... Yet, that was the first movie i saw from T.M. and i obviously missed some language element he had built along the experience. Now that you have highlighted some of those "obvious" clues, i think i could reconsider my interpretation on that latest phase. Again, you made here a fantastic work (on a fantastic movie) and i can only salute the quality of your labor. Best regards.
I've been trying to understand this film and wrap my head around it for years with multiple viewing's. It is definitely a masterpiece. It touched me in a weird deep way that has me thinking over and over again about everything. All these little insignificant yet important to us individually moments lost in time like tears in the rain. (Bladerunner)👍
I saw the movie Thin Red Line, and I was just blown away by director Terrance Mallick, I truly was. I had never heard of the guy or saw any of his work until that movie. Watching him, it seems that he goes very deep with his themes in his movies. I truly believe that Mallick wants to represent, or somehow show us what he thinks God is like in his movies, God in his spiritual essence, God as God sees himself. This is what I really believe Mallick wants to put on film.
I feel as though this movie was made for me. I related to all characters simultaneously in such a profound way. I felt a penetrating empathy for everything and everyone I saw on the screen.
Thank you very much for this video! I learned a lot from this. I was totally blown away by the visual aspect of this film.. but also confused by the story. I wanted to understand it and I am very glad I clicked on this video!
Thank you for making this! Surprisingly, tree of life is never talked about in video essays. I was really inspired by this video in making my own tree of life video essay. Keep making dope long form video essays on non-discussed movies pls
I admit I , unfamiliar with Malik and anything about the film, found the film puzzling yet poetic. though I had no insight into the language used or the meaning/ questions. Your brief exposition has revealed a key and I have a new admiration and plan to watch again. I sense this will be an endearing favorite. much appreciation, ty.
I loss speech after the first time I finished the movie from zero expectations and didn't know what the movie was about. Your video was rather late after the movie released but you provided me a whole new understanding of the film. It's amazing, I am going to watch it again now.
Absolutely loved your analysis on this film! The inclusion of the script and its comparisons to "The Brothers Karamazov" was definitely interesting and something I had not yet learned. Additionally, I really admired your take on the different perspectives and views points on this film regarding religion and questioning of it. I normally wouldn't just announce my religious views online due to obvious reasons, but I would like for you to know that as an extreme atheist, this film was deeply relatable and definitely a rare film that hit me emotionally. The existential crisis and questioning of everything in this world was truly perfected in this film. Personally, The Tree of Life fits right in with Tokyo Story and The Mirror as one of the most moving and abstract artistic approaches on life. Overall I really enjoyed the video and gave you a sub!
Coming from an agnostic constructivist angle, and also with an interest in history and intergenerational psychology and storytelling, this film resonated deeply with me. Would you give me some ideas on Tokyo Story and The Mirror and share what you like about and took from them? I had a similar experience with "Tideland", which follows a young girl's interactions with the world when both her parents die of drug abuse.
Thank you for this great analysis and POV. The way of Grace is for me to choose acceptance, to flow with the river of life in ease downstream, not to fight against everything and everyone, not to judge and find fault with ourselves and others. To reach a state of relative Peace. Once we allow ourselves to see more good we experience more good. It doesn’t happen all at once but like turning the proverbial oil tanker once momentum is gained it can be life changing. I believe Life is what we make of it. “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” (I don’t recall the source) means for me that we are more in control than we think. I haven’t watched the movie, from the trailer the childhood suffering put me off but I will give it a go. Thank you.
Tom, This film is my favorite of all time. I really love your analysis here and have watched it perhaps 50x over. It is beautifully done and analyzed with substantial depth. My interpretation of Grace is different though in the context of those who love the way of Grace coming to a bad end. I find this still to be ultimately true. Wherein the physical, material, realm this may be untrue but in the eternal sense it is true. This demands a theological framework but, give Malick’s background, is applicable to many who view this film. The theological interpretation being that Grace is sought through the acceptance of our submission to God, the ultimate Will, and the eternal life that we are bound to through our faith. So, even though individuals may face suffering and death in the material world, their end through Grace is eternal life with their Creator and all-encompassing Love. Her statement remains true and is not debunked by way of advances of modernity. My critique is not to be offensive but rather to explore deeper thought. Your channel is my favorite YT channel in existence and I always look forward to your art/work. Thank you for all you do. Jonathan
I saw the Tree of Life twice, once in a regular movie theater and the second time at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, with the film's music played by musicians live. Music is always seems to be an important element of Malick's films, and hearing the music played live really deepened the experience. My favorite Malick film is the Thin Red Line; 'favorite' does not really express how deeply that film moved me.
I've watched this movie over 25 times now and I never realized many of the points you brought up in this video essay. I am going to watch the movie again and MOST IMPORTANTLY, I'm going to read The Brothers Karamazov again...wow...I had no idea.
Thank you for making this video essay. I really adore your profound analysis and enjoyed every moment of the video. The Tree of Life is my favorite film and I love listening to different perceptions to broaden my understanding of it. I agree with you that the film portrays childhood so well, it truly seems like a memory and always manages to make me feel nostalgic. Thanks again ♡
This is the best video essay I've ever watched and one of the best films yet created. I learned so much.
It is so good that you used Malick's script, for besides elucidating your analysis well, it's style is absolutely counter to the prevailing standards of screenwriting that expects no exposition. Yet, as Kubrik said, if it can be written, it can be filmed, and though that seems impossible to me to believe as the medium is different, this film proves that with this script full of exposition and narrative, it can be done and unspeakably well.
The quote from the script to seek inspiration from science is not a sufficient premise for an atheist perspective. That's a leap.
Thank you! The script in itself is an amazing piece of writing and it surprised me that a filmmaker who uses little words in his films is actually such an eloquent and poetic writer.
About your last point; in the script there are other quotes as well that suggest Malick wanted to stick to current science (he actually seems highly knowledgeable on these topics) and not have any definitive elements beyond-the-world-we-know; because that would lead him to fall back on traditional apologetic explanations of the main existential question (like the story of Job) which I'm pretty sure he wanted to avoid. To me personally, that leaves enough room for an atheist interpretation, but the main point I wanted to make is that The Tree of Life is a film that I believe can be appreciated and insightful even to the most die hard atheists out there and doesn't require you to be a Christian or believe in God to be relatable.
Ah yes, that conclusion is valid and I believe the best, to make something spiritually or psychologically or personally meaningful whatever one's faith or beliefs. Malick studied philosophy at Harvard and Oxford.
A fantastic essay indeed :)
The telegram implies he died in Vietnam. His mother whispers, 'What would someone shoot my son'. This is a larger theme than this guy realizes.
@@LikeStoriesofOld you believe in nature,but you don't know anything about spirituality.an atheist cannot understand this movie, because everything is meaningless in existence.you also don't understand in God.
I agree that Tree of Life has one of the best representations of childhood ever committed to film. It left me speechless.
Very few films achieve that.
I found some lifelike childhood representations in:
"Tideland",
"The Tree of Life",
"Where the Wild Things Are",
and an adolescent echo of child-like sensibilities in "The Science of Sleep".
@@elfsieben1450 also boyhood maybe
@@alexm2136 Thanks for the recommendation. Might check it out.
@@elfsieben1450 one more movie which does that masterfully is Andrei tarkovskys " the mirror".
@@tarunindoriya902 Thanks for the recommendation. I really liked his "Solaris" adaptation.
I teared up. This is me. This is all of us. Thank you for this. I sincerely mean that.
Totally agree, fathers thinking they can teach us life but they made us dreamless, emotionless sometimes there is some light when i travel or encounter a good soul. We become child again, i forgive him but i know if i am who i am, it's part of him ... Be good to anyone even complicated person but don't use too much energy. Life is short, enjoy every minute. Universe is indifferent but this is unique.
I love you family ❤️
@@hobosapiensSinceShadowMoses Well said.
100%,
I first watched The Tree of Life in theatre when it came out and thought it was pretty amazing. Now, after having seen it about 6 or 7 times, it might just be my favorite film of all time. To me it’s simply an awe-inspiring experience and I find something new in it every time I watch it. I wanted to make a video about it for a long time, one that is accessible and insightful for both those who got nothing out of this film (which I totally understand) and those who already share my love for it. I hope I succeeded.
I’m also working on a Patreon page, which will be launched soon. So if you’re interested in supporting me and my work, be sure to stay tuned :)
Greetings,
Tom
Great content brother. I didn't care for this film at on my first viewing. I watched it again during a deployment in Afghanistan and I fell in love with it. I was actually born in Waco too!
Like Stories of Old Like you, I've seen the film 6 or 7 times now, and each time it's a revelatory journey. It's hard to put into words everything that this film makes me feel, but I connected to a lot of the things that you mentioned, and am grateful that quality content creators like you are examining this work of art. I've been looking for video essays on The Tree of Life for years, and am happy I stumbled upon yours. Can't wait to view more of your content!
Currently my favorite movie of all time as well. It took me a couple days to process how spectacular it was
I totally get your experience of this film. The first time I saw it, when it came out, I didn't fully understand it, yet I could grasp its ambition, its importance and beauty. I had the feeling of witnessing something larger then life. It stayed with me for days after and then changed my life, as I decided to attend cinema studies because of this. I already had studied art but I found my love for the medium of film in these frames. I understood that unless I pursued something I loved, my life would have flashed by.
Thank you for this video essay.
I completely agree with this and I praise you for your video essay on this Malick´s masterpiece. People often do not know what they see and the initial issue is that in order to see, we must be taught that. Without teaching there is not real vision. I am very moved by your video essay and I have to admit it is one of the best interpretations of Malick I have ever seen. Although I am atheist or agnostic, I would see here a clear vision of Malick and The Tree Of Life as clearly a film about searching for and finding God in terms of Eternity or Life-Giving Substance, Consciousness, Higher States of Cousciousness or, also can be named as Tao / Dao. This film is highly spiritual and it aligns and follows the paths of modern higher spirituality which seeks the ultimate existential goales in forgiveness, acceptation, defenslessness, absence of resistance, pure joy and blissfulness. I have not read the Malick´s script yet, but I am pretty sure here we are touching the bases of the modern spirituality which does not have much in common with the modern atheism - which cannot explain and cannot lead to such an understanding of divine & existential features such as Mallick has clearly shown in his film. The end of the way of Grace which is clearly a spiritual concept is explicitly shown in the one of the last scenes in the big area close to the sea where all the characters are gathered and the Mother with peacefulness in her voice tells the God that she hands over her died sun R. L. to him. This is the climax of the way of Grace, is is not a resignation, it is pure peace and oneness with the life, being and consciousness & higher consciuosness themselves. I believe Tree Of Life is the best film I have ever seen. Despite the fact that many cinefils, cinema lovers or cultural lovers or so called philosophers still do not recognize the qualities of it, it still has to be fully discovered and known by vast audience and valued as one of the greatest spiritual films ever made. This films makes possible the old dreams of mystics of the World: to become one with the God, to become one with the Universe, with the Nature, with the Being, with Yourself, with your Consciousness, to become fully aware of your Existence.
What's also so beautiful about the depiction of childhood is when Jack is being swung around by the mother literally a few moments later he is a preteen. His mother, fluidly through play and grace, literally stretched him into being.
I believe I felt what this movie, and your analysis, has tried to articulate recently in my life. I looked all around me, even at myself, and realized that I, my fellow man, the animals, the grass, the water, the sun, are all interconnected in a timeless manner. We are all as complex and unique as the stars and the universe - celestial in our natures. Love truly is this penetrating depth of our soul that we intuitively feel if we only allow ourselves to access it. I felt, like Jack towards the end of your video, as if seeing the world anew for the first time. So much complexity, so much beauty. Our lives are finite, and yet I feel deeply that something always remains.
So true. Our finite self and universe existing in infinite possibilities - our soul and the Source. Using our limited mind to understand our existence in infinite possibilities. Perhaps, like Malick said, instead of seeking to understand, just feel. Guess the religious call this infinite possibilities - eternity? As Long as there is life, infinite possibilities never cease?
Beautiful
No you are wrong, it's not complex it's really simplicity.
The movie starts with a verse from Book Of Job.
Might want to study that book to understand the movie.
Then read the rest of the Bible to understand Malick.
This essay brought tears to my eyes.
Same here. Amazing! Thank you so much for this video!
I can't even think of this film without my eyes welling up and my heart filling my throat. Malick breathes images into our souls.
What a great analysis! Thank you!! The Tree of Life is my favorite film.
I wrote my master's thesis on the use of voice-overs in Malick's films and found that another passage was inspired by Dostoyevsky. When the mother says to her sons: "Help each other. Love everyone. Every leaf. Every ray of light. Forgive", this echoes the following passage in The Brothers Karamazov : "Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything."
Dear Claire C, could you please tell me the name of your thesis? Or, if possible, indicate me where can I read it? thank you
Interesting! Thanks for the comment.
Is that from Father Zosima? or Ayosha telling the boys?
This film, to me is a gift. As I grow and rewatch I get more out of this film. The first time I watched it I had no idea what was going on, yet i told people it was my favourite film because it was, it was so beautiful to me. Now i watch it and cry and cry because i can relate to it, I'll wait another ten years and i wonder how i'll feel then. Great analysis, i wonder if Malick experienced a Near Death Experience and that perhaps Jack is going up in the elevator, towards the light and into another realm, meeting his loved ones, experiencing pure love and then coming back down, with new eyes for the world and hope restored.. :) xxxxx
Beautifully done sir! The Tree of Life and 2001: A Space Odyssey are both transcendent work of art. 2001 always was my favorite, but when I saw this film in theatre, it shook this film hierarchy of mine.
I think The Tree of Life is a direct answer to 2001 : A Space Odyssey. That was also said of Tarkovsky's Solaris, if you haven't seen this one! Though Stalker is my favorite from Tarkovsky!
@@ajpdeschenes Solaris is very similar in theme.
That last quote you chose. Man... that hits the right spot.
The Tree of Life is my favorite Malick film, and truly where I think he peaked. I love all of his films, but for his fifth film, he achieved all the cosmic grandeur of 2001 with the heartbreaking emotion of one family's drama, connecting the sould of one person, that most indivisible spiritual unit, to all of existence.
Like the vast majority of the commenters here, I love the film and greatly appreciate the thorough, thoughtful, and aesthetically-pleasing construction of your video essays.
I also noticed that you seem to exemplify the Way of Grace by liking comments which I found myself tempted to vote down, or to reply with rebuttals, to somehow assert my "superior assessment" in counterargument. I am inspired by your willingness to acknowledge the vast majority of comments with a dignity and grace. You are furthering a benevolent way of being in the world which seems to be at the root of so many problems confronting us.
Keep up the great work; keep being you.
Thank you :)
I had cancer 11 years ago, it was the movie I watched one day before hospitalization for the operation. What a film to watch.
Having spent my entire adult life working in the cultural film world, I have, in general found most English language film 'criticism' wanting in either knowledge or understanding. But this is a truly wonderful exposition of the nature of easily the greatest film of our era. The medium is different from that which I have ever used, but the insight and expression is so good that, for the first time in years, I say "I wish I had made that."
Congratulations.
i swear to have a gift, your calm voice and understanding of the topic your referring to is amazing. If you start a patreon, I will happily contribute.
Thank you! And I am on Patreon: www.patreon.com/LikeStoriesofOld :)
One of my favorite movies. Cinematic symphony, visual poem
I agree :)
Yes , it is!
Coming back after watching your most recent video LSOO andI must say -- this is one of your most well-crafted and illuminating videos on TM's magnum opus.
I ask anyone who didn't like this film on their first viewing to give it a second chance. I watched it in a theater and didn't know what to make of it. And then it stayed with me for 6 months. So I bought it on blu ray, and know I've seen it countless times and is one of my 5 favorite films
Best video on the Tree of Life on TH-cam. Congratulations
I m writing a tesis on Malick and how his work connects with philosophy ( my teaching area) and this was really well put together and helped me with the direction. Thank you sir !
out of interest, what area?
@@inco9943 mostly about the indifference of nature regarding the human dramas and misery, a lot of Kieekergaard can be found in his earliest works especially. I did the thesis in my Student years for philosophy and culture, I have now moved at post modernism philosophy on my degree, but I still write movie related pieces from time to time. My most recent was one about nihilism and stanley kubrick. I would really like to do one about the deconstruction of the body in the western media and the east media too.
@@andreijohann1014 your research sounds very interesting! I’ve always thought of Malick as a Heideggerian but that’s a great angle too
I come back to this video once a while, one of my favs on TH-cam.
I always looked at this movie as a film that needs to be experienced instead of being understood. As mentioned in this essay.
The creation scene has made me tear up, makes you small, gives some perspective on what time and infinity mean, guided by a masterful music piece.
This movie is pure, artistic, a visual reminder, which asks several existential questions and answers them through the medium of images, not by interpertation, meaning or dialogue, merely estatics. I do feel like Melick accomplished his vision on creation a film that can hold value for everyone that takes an effort not to ‘watch’ but reflect within ones self.
Excellent work. You really deserve more views. This goes far beyond an entertaining analysis. The ending monologue from Dostoyevsky...man. Truly one of the best TH-cam videos I've ever seen. Tree of Life is a beautiful film but a nevertheless difficult one. I'm glad I have that final monologue to keep in mind.
Thank you! :)
The first Malick movie for me was ' A Hidden Life' and was completely moved by it, my life literally changed a lot after watching that movie. I had watched 'The Tree Of Life' in part before because i kinda had a child's movie taste like MARVEL stuff back then but as i got bigger and started realising other stuff *beautiful stuff* like 'A Hidden Life', i watched THE TREE OF FRICKIN LIFE and i totally loved it. I hope Imanuel lubezki(forgive me if i spelled it wrong), the cinematographer of this movie to work with Malick again and the person who did 'A Hidden Life' too.
Much love Terence, Lubezki, Desplat
I really liked your video, man. I struggled with Malick's Tree, and felt bad for it, knowing that I loved his previous films, but with your interpretation I think I'm ready to see it again and give it another shot. Thank you so very much!
This is the most beautiful and eloquent exposition of a film I have ever heard. I loved this film before I watched your video, but I understood and appreciated it so much more after hearing your commentary.
Superb analysis of a great film -- one of my absolute favorites. So many filmmakers aspire to poetry, but Malick actually achieves it here. Although The Tree of Life is bursting full of ideas and philosophical questions, it never stops the film from capturing countless wisps of beauty and emotion. Despite being Malick's most personal film, it's also his most universal. I'm much younger than he is with parents from a very different culture and I still recognize so many of the memories depicted in the film...as if they were ripped from my own childhood.
You have the gift of helping other humans to understand beauty and allow themselves to be amazed by the wonders of a marvelous creation like the tree of life. I'm speechless and in tears. Thank you.
This is the best youtube video, video essay I have ever watched. It brought a tear.
While I wouldn't watch his movies again for the 2nd viewing, I did came to appreciate what he's doing and your essay nailed it.
This was very good. A real keeper. You well analyzed Malik's classic movie-one of my favorites. Thank you. I wanna leave you a gift. Your analysis made me recall it.
"People say that what we are all seeking is a meaning for life. I don't think that's what we're seeking. I think that what we're seeking is an experience of being alive: The experience of eternity in the here & now is the function of life."
- Joseph Campbell, American mythologist, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. Colombia University
The best channel on youtube. No doubt
Why do I find myself shedding tears after your videos? Simply amazing and touches me to the core. Thank you.
These stories, these wonderful essays, are like the ones my absent father never told me. I don't know if you will read this, but I thank you infinitely for everything you make me feel. Thanks from my heart
I only found your videos today but that doesn't change the fact that you are now my favourite content creator on youtube. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A great video. I really love that speech by the dad near the end of the film but I never knew it was inspired by Dostoevsky.
Neither did I, I was interested in the novel because I knew Malick was inspired by it but it wasn't until I read that I noticed he actually used the material for some of his dialogue in the film.
Donald Neuhaus what great masterpiece of the last 150 years has not being touch by Dostoevsky or Tolstoy?
Such an incredible book. My favorite of all time. Definitely worth the read.
I'm mid-way reading it. It's a great book, what else a better word to call it than "a masterpiece"?
Deeply touched by this masterpiece. Incredible.
“What” and “how” - two great questions you ask (much better than what we’re often taught to ask: “why,” which seeks justification). Well done!
This is a beautiful analysis of a profound favorite.I am humbled_ thank you
This one of the best TH-cam video essays I have ever seen. Thank you and congratulations ❤
This is the best video on this site.. So thankful for this!
Tree of Life is a film that people need to learn from and this video gave such a better insight. Thank You.
This is as beautiful and deep as the movie itself. Thank you for creating this.
This vid made me like Tree of Life more! Another youtuber was saying if you look at this movie face value your probably gonna hate it. Which is very true, Tree of Life isn’t that kind of film, it’s different, it’s interesting.
When I saw the movie I was kinda bored but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like and appreciate it. I didn’t understand a lot of what was going on, but I kinda understood some of it, when the movie ended I knew this was special, I knew I had to understand this movie. This helped so much and in fact this helped me love the film even more then I did! Great essay I just subbed keep it up
I’ve meditated on your analysis of “no one who loves the way of Grace ever comes to a bad end” for over a year now.
I think the statement is True.
We must think about what it means to love the way of Grace. When we do this we offer ourselves and our souls to God completely and rejoice in salvation of eternal life with Him. This means that no matter what destruction comes to our physical bodies that our souls are ultimately welcomed into the Kingdom of God in eternal life. That is not a bad ending because it is neither bad nor an ending.
Hopefully you see this Tom and can play with this rebuttal analysis. Thanks for all you do, the beauty you create through your content, the focus on what is True, Good, and Beautiful.
I've watched The Tree Of Life for 2 times and even though I was immersed by the visuals, the plot baffled me.
After watching this terrific analysis, I'm gonna give it another try. 👍
Your video on the movie made me feel more emotional than the actual movie and elevated my opinion of it. Thank you.
Amazing!
Your commentaries are sooooooooo inspirational......that I love to start my day with them.....with a cup of a espresso.
It gives me the whole new outlook on the day and I thank you for it sir.💙
i was one of the people that was a bit confused of the message of the film but after seeing this i feel like i understood it more and a better appreciation for the film thank you, great video.
This is easily the best analysis on The Tree of Life I ve ever seen. I pretty much understood everything only by this one video. It's very obvious in the video that it has took much effort to make this and the video pays off. Keep making such good content!!
I always loved this movie but I didn't understand the whole meaning of it and I thought that some moments were actually useless and meaningless... Until I watched this video ! You did an amazing work of analysis and you definitely deserve more views ! So, thanks for your job !
A french film-lover.
I love your essays! Your writing and insights speak to my soul. This was a film that took my breath away the first time I saw it--and consistently does so on multiple viewings. I'm not religious. My god is nature and life. This film is a prayer--a prayer to the higher-self--a meditation on the wonder of how I fit into all this beauty and chaos. Thank you for sharing this!
Great analysis and the best American Film in decades.
I really liked Malick's "The Tree of Life", but also Gilliam's "Tideland", and Eggers' "The Lighthouse".
Like "The Tree of Life" I would call "Tideland" impressionistic, but "The Lighthouse" expressionistic, and beyond that it seems to me that all three carry a sense of constructivism and existentialism.
This was even better than Renegade Cut’s video, and that’s probably the highest compliment I can give a critic! Well done!
All your videos are miniature masterpieces. They are inspirational and enlightening. It is unavoidable to feel connected to something higher and superior to ourselves after watching your content. Thank you!
For long I was struggling to give meaning to this film that, since I saw it, I knew that changed me forever, without understanding why.
Thank you sir. Thank. You.
Your channel makes me reminisce my favorite films with tears! Thank you.
Years after this one, this channel will remain as one of the best channels to ever grace TH-cam and the internet as a whole. Thank you for your work. 🙏🏻❤
One of the most important essays to one of the most important films. I understand everything for it's acclaim now. Excellent work.
Oh man. So much to put in words right now.
This movie has been a favorite of mine for a few years. This was my entrance to Malick and his way of seeing the world.
Even when the movie has moved me truly, not even with reviews of the movie on the internet I could -not understand- but grasp the movie fully.
Your video has got me as if I were watching the movie again. And thank you for it. Great editing, voice over and everything.
Just saw this video and the one from Patterson and you got me in tears.
Love all.
What a beautifully executed analysis! In true Malick style, your choice of imagery reinforces and brings meaning and emotion to your narrative. Bravo!
I'm glad this channel exists. This video essay is as equal in beauty to the movie. Really helps in understanding the movie in digestible ways.
Brilliant and sensitive review. The script was more poetic than I imagined.
I always finding myself coming back to this video essay. Absolutely beautiful.
Your last quote makes me think of Martin Buber:
"If you explore the life of things and of conditioned being, you come to the unfathomable; if you deny the life of things and of conditioned being, you stand before nothingness; if you hallow this life, you meet the living God."
I must say that this is the best analysis of a movie i have seen in a long time. cheers LSOO!!
This is the most beautiful video I've ever seen on You tube about such a film, I praise thee for making it. forever grateful.
Amazing work. Thank you so much
Fantastic, incredible, erudite analysis. You have shown the world how to properly read this film.
Great analysis of one of the greatest films every produced.
Definitely the most through and thought out break down i have ever seen as with most movies lsoo covers.
Love your work.
Beautiful video. It really makes the film more comprehendible. I now can have more appreciation for the visual aspect of the story. Thank you for explaining it so clearly!
Beste analyse dat ik tot nu toe gehoord heb. Klasse!
While i was watching this movie, i was as much saddened than amused by seing people leaving the projection, one after the other. This movie is, as you titled it, a real masterpiece, highlighting with maestro the paradoxal complexity of life and existence. I was moved and so in awe during most of the movie, yet i was less convinced by it's last part, which in my eyes, at the time, was a sort of apology of the act of faith, especially as a meaning of relief when you go through deep wounds. At the time, I perceived it as too "biblical"... or theological and less philosophical... Yet, that was the first movie i saw from T.M. and i obviously missed some language element he had built along the experience. Now that you have highlighted some of those "obvious" clues, i think i could reconsider my interpretation on that latest phase. Again, you made here a fantastic work (on a fantastic movie) and i can only salute the quality of your labor. Best regards.
I've been trying to understand this film and wrap my head around it for years with multiple viewing's. It is definitely a masterpiece. It touched me in a weird deep way that has me thinking over and over again about everything. All these little insignificant yet important to us individually moments lost in time like tears in the rain. (Bladerunner)👍
I saw the movie Thin Red Line, and I was just blown away by director Terrance Mallick, I truly was. I had never heard of the guy or saw any of his work until that movie. Watching him, it seems that he goes very deep with his themes in his movies. I truly believe that Mallick wants to represent, or somehow show us what he thinks God is like in his movies, God in his spiritual essence, God as God sees himself. This is what I really believe Mallick wants to put on film.
I feel the love when watching this video. Love everything. I loved this.
Wow. Fantastic analysis! Thank you for taking time to make this
I feel as though this movie was made for me. I related to all characters simultaneously in such a profound way. I felt a penetrating empathy for everything and everyone I saw on the screen.
Writing a paper about this film, and your essay helped me a lot to see the whole picture better. Thank you for your work ! Keep it up!
Thank you very much for this video! I learned a lot from this. I was totally blown away by the visual aspect of this film.. but also confused by the story. I wanted to understand it and I am very glad I clicked on this video!
I love how this video articulates thoughts I couldn't.
Beautiful commentary. The ending, especially, was a reminder I loved experiencing. Thank you
Lifting up human spirit to its own transendence. Your work shiows beautifully that by looking into your own heart you reach everyones heart. Thank you
Thank you for making this! Surprisingly, tree of life is never talked about in video essays. I was really inspired by this video in making my own tree of life video essay. Keep making dope long form video essays on non-discussed movies pls
I admit I , unfamiliar with Malik and anything about the film, found the film puzzling yet poetic. though I had no insight into the language used or the meaning/ questions. Your brief exposition has revealed a key and I have a new admiration and plan to watch again. I sense this will be an endearing favorite. much appreciation, ty.
I loss speech after the first time I finished the movie from zero expectations and didn't know what the movie was about. Your video was rather late after the movie released but you provided me a whole new understanding of the film. It's amazing, I am going to watch it again now.
Absolutely loved your analysis on this film! The inclusion of the script and its comparisons to "The Brothers Karamazov" was definitely interesting and something I had not yet learned.
Additionally, I really admired your take on the different perspectives and views points on this film regarding religion and questioning of it. I normally wouldn't just announce my religious views online due to obvious reasons, but I would like for you to know that as an extreme atheist, this film was deeply relatable and definitely a rare film that hit me emotionally. The existential crisis and questioning of everything in this world was truly perfected in this film. Personally, The Tree of Life fits right in with Tokyo Story and The Mirror as one of the most moving and abstract artistic approaches on life.
Overall I really enjoyed the video and gave you a sub!
Coming from an agnostic constructivist angle, and also with an interest in history and intergenerational psychology and storytelling, this film resonated deeply with me. Would you give me some ideas on Tokyo Story and The Mirror and share what you like about and took from them?
I had a similar experience with "Tideland", which follows a young girl's interactions with the world when both her parents die of drug abuse.
Your illustrations, perspectives, and perceptions are profound, adding to the impact in the delivery and powerful messages in each video. Well done!
Thank you for this great analysis and POV. The way of Grace is for me to choose acceptance, to flow with the river of life in ease downstream, not to fight against everything and everyone, not to judge and find fault with ourselves and others. To reach a state of relative Peace. Once we allow ourselves to see more good we experience more good. It doesn’t happen all at once but like turning the proverbial oil tanker once momentum is gained it can be life changing. I believe Life is what we make of it. “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” (I don’t recall the source) means for me that we are more in control than we think. I haven’t watched the movie, from the trailer the childhood suffering put me off but I will give it a go. Thank you.
Tom,
This film is my favorite of all time. I really love your analysis here and have watched it perhaps 50x over. It is beautifully done and analyzed with substantial depth.
My interpretation of Grace is different though in the context of those who love the way of Grace coming to a bad end. I find this still to be ultimately true. Wherein the physical, material, realm this may be untrue but in the eternal sense it is true. This demands a theological framework but, give Malick’s background, is applicable to many who view this film. The theological interpretation being that Grace is sought through the acceptance of our submission to God, the ultimate Will, and the eternal life that we are bound to through our faith. So, even though individuals may face suffering and death in the material world, their end through Grace is eternal life with their Creator and all-encompassing Love. Her statement remains true and is not debunked by way of advances of modernity.
My critique is not to be offensive but rather to explore deeper thought. Your channel is my favorite YT channel in existence and I always look forward to your art/work. Thank you for all you do.
Jonathan
Tears sit in my eyes upon finishing this video. I now cannot wait to enjoy this film.
REMARKABLE analysis. Thank you so much
Wow man I'm genuinely grateful for your thorough research.... this is by far the best explanation ever.....
I saw the Tree of Life twice, once in a regular movie theater and the second time at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, with the film's music played by musicians live. Music is always seems to be an important element of Malick's films, and hearing the music played live really deepened the experience.
My favorite Malick film is the Thin Red Line; 'favorite' does not really express how deeply that film moved me.
I've watched this movie over 25 times now and I never realized many of the points you brought up in this video essay. I am going to watch the movie again and MOST IMPORTANTLY, I'm going to read The Brothers Karamazov again...wow...I had no idea.
Thank you for making this video essay. I really adore your profound analysis and enjoyed every moment of the video. The Tree of Life is my favorite film and I love listening to different perceptions to broaden my understanding of it. I agree with you that the film portrays childhood so well, it truly seems like a memory and always manages to make me feel nostalgic. Thanks again ♡
A superb analysis - in the way of Grace. Thank you.
i am obsessed with your videos
This means the world to me, thank you.