Terrence Malick’s “Tree of Life” is interesting solely for two reasons: Malick’s directing and the acting. Malick delivers his usual awe-inspiring visuals and all the performances — Brad Pitt as the disgruntled Dad, Jessica Chastain as the Mom, and Hunter McCracken as the Son — are excellent when given something to work with. Basically, one man’s (Sean Penn) remembrance of his late ‘50’s childhood, the story is at times a confusing mess that made no sense whatsoever, and in parts, put me to sleep. And I’m a Malick fan! The film takes on such broad themes as the creation of the Earth, grieving a loved one, the rampant Oedipal yearnings that hit boys at puberty, the frustration of Eisenhower-era fathers, and the vagaries of childhood and, in the process, totally befuddles the audience. Tree of Life, like a Seinfeld episode, is about nothing. Highly pretentious in its experimentalism, this film is only for two types – the most ardent of film aficionados or stoners, who will marvel at the visuals.
