This is the best ToF analysis I have read for sure. I wrote an article arguing that this duality is the key to Malick’s main theme in his filmography. At least, it seems that most of his films parallel aspects of grace/nature motifs in plot lines and characters and symbols. What are your thoughts on this? For example, in the contrast between Western societies and indigenous ones (The Thin Red Line, and The New World); the contrast rural/urban (Song to Song). In a rare interview, Malick said that he wanted to shoot in a small rural town in Mexico in contrast to the American cities because it was more “free”. Another example is the use of machines for control of natural landscapes (The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven). Hollywood debauchery as nature (Knight of Cups). More broadly speaking, I think he is suggesting the modern world maybe the realm of nature and premodern world holds grace. Interestingly, there is most of the times a character that can see or traverse between this “two worlds” ( Captain Smith in The New World, soldier Witt in The Thin Red Line, Jack in ToF, Rick in Knight of Cups, and the small girl in Days of Heaven). I think Malick´s nature way in a broader scope is his own take on what Max Weber's called the disenchantment of the world. I would be happy to collaborate in an article on these topic!
First off, thank you so much. That’s a high compliment coming from another Malik enthusiast.
As for the duality across his films, you make an excellent point and I don’t know that I’ve ever really thought about it. I’m especially interested your point about those who can transverse worlds as I’m literally writing a poem about that now (out soon) called World Walker and I’m thinking a lot about Witt’s line “I seen another world” as well as other mentions of multiple worlds in literature.
Also, I’m glad you brought this up, because I’ve been thinking about writing a follow-up to this post about the tension I feel with the Nature & Grace duality. Obviously, I love it and find it helpful. But then I think: aren’t dualities the death of mysticism? I heard recently in my confirmation class that the first step in mysticism is ridding yourself of dualities. Most of the big ones like heaven/hell and body/soul I find to be very damaging, so then how does Malik pull off this very positive duality in TOL & elsewhere? Is it too ultimately unhelpful? I’m not sure, but it’s something I want to explore more
The Tree of Life is my favorite movie and I am so fascinated by the Spiritual aspects of the film. You said everything so perfectly, and I am favoriting this article! I know you have a poll to choose one topic, but please do them all. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Oh Baylor ❤️ I am so glad I remembered to come back and read this. I have never seen Tree of Life but now I MUST watch it. I love the way you pulled so many threads together within this analysis, even tying it in to current events at the end. Spectacular. I can't wait to watch the movie and try to keep my eyes peeled for all the things.
Thank you Camilla! I’m glad you plan to watch it now 🙌 I’ll be interested to hear about your experience with it given that you’ll have more context going in than most.
I so appreciate you reading, commenting, & restacking that quote ❤️
This is the best ToF analysis I have read for sure. I wrote an article arguing that this duality is the key to Malick’s main theme in his filmography. At least, it seems that most of his films parallel aspects of grace/nature motifs in plot lines and characters and symbols. What are your thoughts on this? For example, in the contrast between Western societies and indigenous ones (The Thin Red Line, and The New World); the contrast rural/urban (Song to Song). In a rare interview, Malick said that he wanted to shoot in a small rural town in Mexico in contrast to the American cities because it was more “free”. Another example is the use of machines for control of natural landscapes (The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven). Hollywood debauchery as nature (Knight of Cups). More broadly speaking, I think he is suggesting the modern world maybe the realm of nature and premodern world holds grace. Interestingly, there is most of the times a character that can see or traverse between this “two worlds” ( Captain Smith in The New World, soldier Witt in The Thin Red Line, Jack in ToF, Rick in Knight of Cups, and the small girl in Days of Heaven). I think Malick´s nature way in a broader scope is his own take on what Max Weber's called the disenchantment of the world. I would be happy to collaborate in an article on these topic!
First off, thank you so much. That’s a high compliment coming from another Malik enthusiast.
As for the duality across his films, you make an excellent point and I don’t know that I’ve ever really thought about it. I’m especially interested your point about those who can transverse worlds as I’m literally writing a poem about that now (out soon) called World Walker and I’m thinking a lot about Witt’s line “I seen another world” as well as other mentions of multiple worlds in literature.
Also, I’m glad you brought this up, because I’ve been thinking about writing a follow-up to this post about the tension I feel with the Nature & Grace duality. Obviously, I love it and find it helpful. But then I think: aren’t dualities the death of mysticism? I heard recently in my confirmation class that the first step in mysticism is ridding yourself of dualities. Most of the big ones like heaven/hell and body/soul I find to be very damaging, so then how does Malik pull off this very positive duality in TOL & elsewhere? Is it too ultimately unhelpful? I’m not sure, but it’s something I want to explore more
The Tree of Life is my favorite movie and I am so fascinated by the Spiritual aspects of the film. You said everything so perfectly, and I am favoriting this article! I know you have a poll to choose one topic, but please do them all. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Oh Baylor ❤️ I am so glad I remembered to come back and read this. I have never seen Tree of Life but now I MUST watch it. I love the way you pulled so many threads together within this analysis, even tying it in to current events at the end. Spectacular. I can't wait to watch the movie and try to keep my eyes peeled for all the things.
You have a beautiful mind. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Camilla! I’m glad you plan to watch it now 🙌 I’ll be interested to hear about your experience with it given that you’ll have more context going in than most.
I so appreciate you reading, commenting, & restacking that quote ❤️