It’s rare for an actor to offer a subtle, multi-layered analysis of a movie, but Sean Penn — love him or hate him — is Read the full post.
Aug 22
2011
04:41 PM ET
Sean Penn offers intriguing critique of Terrence Malick's 'Tree of Life': 'I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing there!'
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Penn is playing a “character” who’s somewhat lost in the modern world, and seeking for meanings and responses to his metaphysical questions. Reading Penn’s statement that he was lost of the stage, this state of mind actually fits the character quite well.
So it seems like Malick knew quite well what he wanted to get from Penn. But instead of asking him to act it, he made him into experiencing it.
Think that Malick favors Pitt’s performance to get nomination more than Penn.
I went to go see it, because I own property where it was filmed. Now I know why it took so long to come out. It sucks. Save your money. Someone please keep an eye on the director and his wife, they’ve obviously lost it.
I wonder if actors sign contracts with Malick discussing screen time, as they before joining any production. Penn’s role was the most intriguing. Sometimes a director doesn’t want the actor to understand and hopes that he will see his purpose in the final cut.
According to Wikipedia, one of Malick’s brothers studied guitar, broke his own hands (one-upped Van Gogh, fo sho) and then committed suicide in Spain. Malick’s dad asked him to visit and help his brother but he declined. If true, that helps me understand the movie much better. Saw it last night and yeah, it’s a challenging view. Makes 2001 Space Odyssey look like Wayne’s World. Once pot is legalized, I will score a good deep introspective varietal and watch it again. But who knows…I just may wind up even more confused. The Catholic Choir used in the soundtrack is absolutely amazing, though. Terry’s apparently got 2-3 more projects in progress, so methinks he’s realized it’s the 4th quarter of his life and Legacy Time. Ought to be interesting…
i don’t really care about tree of life or brad pitt or even sean penn. sean penn is a communist traitor that deserves to be shunned by everyone.
The Tree of Life wasn’t a movie, it was a gift. The breathtaking photography– ever skyward or claustrophobically intimate– whispered monologues, choral voices, ingenious film cuts, special effects, and bold resurrection finale– all made for a goose-bumps movie experience. Everything in this movie is from the book of Job, a la Malick. Penn’s appearance before the flashbacks of his childhood and dream/visions on the morning of the anniversary of his brother’s death is an important anchors in the movie and ties in well with the finale (remember, it’s the dream he had that morning). Anyway, it works for me!