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Heaven, Texas and the Cosmic Whodunit: Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life”

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Front-Ranger:
I'm on my second watching of this film, and I'm starting to figure out a few things. Early in the film, a female narrator says that there are two ways in life, the way of nature and the way of grace. She says that the way of nature is unfeeling and selfish and the way of grace is kind and forgiving. But later, it seems just the opposite.

The minister in the church says that God visited all kinds of tribulations on Job even though he was a good man. And then, the father (played by Brad Pitt) is driving his 3 boys through the rich section of town and concludes that in order to succeed, one has to be willing to "not be too good."

Front-Ranger:
A little later, a boy drowns while all the boys are swimming. As a truck spewing DDT goes down the lane, and all the boys jump into its fog, Jack asks God, "Why should I be good...if you're not?"

Front-Ranger:
In the next scene, the mother is walking among the laundry hung up to dry in the shade of the 'tree of life.' She washes her feet in the water of the serpentine hose, and then the son drinks from the hose. The symbology is clear.

Aloysius J. Gleek:












I saw it in November. It was wonderful.

Apparently there is an eight hour cut, and, supposedly,  Malick is preparing/has prepared a 6 hours long version.

I hope so--I'll certainly be there if so.


Click:

Front-Ranger:
Awesome! I'm struck by the scene where Jack asks, "Where's dad?" And the mother says he's gone on a business trip. They rollick through the woods and river, enjoying Nature, and there are several snake-like images. Then, as soon as the Father returns, there is judgement and retribution.

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