The Tree of Life
(Terrence Malick, 2011, 139 min, USA, English, Color, 35mm)
Programmed and introduced by the Duke Film Club
Four decades into an already legendary career, Terrence Malick realized his most rapturous vision to date, tracing a story of childhood, wonder, and grief to the outer limits of time and space. Reaching back to the dawn of creation, Malick sets a story of boyhood memories on a universal scale, charting the coming of age of an awestruck child (newcomer Hunter McCracken) in Texas in the 1950s, as he learns to navigate the extremes of nature and grace represented by his bitter, often tyrannical father (Brad Pitt) and his ethereal, nurturing mother (Jessica Chastain, in her breakout role). Achieved with the aid of cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and production designer Jack Fisk, the Palme d’Or–winning The Tree of Life marks the intimately personal, cosmically ambitious culmination of Malick’s singular approach to filmmaking.
“Better than a masterpiece—whatever that is—The Tree of Life is an eruption of a movie, something to live with, think, and talk about afterward.” — Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice
“No one with a genuine interest in the potential of film would think of missing it.” — Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
This screening is hosted by the Duke Film Club, a weekly screening series organized by Duke undergraduates.
About DFC: “We watch movies! Duke Film Club offers an excellent opportunity for students of all backgrounds to watch cinema from all eras and all genres. We host weekly screenings in Carr 103 followed by a discussion on substance, style, and application to society. Watching cinema from all genres, all ages, all countries, we hope to expand our own knowledge of the cinematic arts. At our core though we are a community of individuals coming together to sit back, relax, and watch a few movies with some new friends.”
