The highly-anticipated fifth film from mysterious writer-director Terrence Malik will not see the light of day in 2009, Anne Thompson reports. Tree of Life which stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn has had many rumors, including an IMAX documentary accompaniment with dinosaurs. Apparition head Bob Berney says that a year-end opening was “wishful. It’s definitely not going to come out this year.” Berney even admits to not seeing any of the film yet. It looks like we are just as much in the dark as he is.
Here is a synopsis of the plot via Summit:
Our picture is a cosmic epic, a hymn to life.
We trace the evolution of an eleven-year-old boy in the Midwest, Jack, one of three brothers. At first all seems marvelous to the child. He sees as his mother does, with the eyes of his soul. She represents the way of love and mercy, where the father tries to teach his son the world’s way, of putting oneself first. Each parent contends for his allegiance, and Jack must reconcile their claims. The picture darkens as he has his first glimpses of sickness, suffering and death. The world, once a thing of glory, becomes a labyrinth.
Framing this story is that of adult Jack, a lost soul in a modern world, seeking to discover amid the changing scenes of time that which does not change: the eternal scheme of which we are a part. When he sees all that has gone into our world’s preparation, each thing appears a miracle – precious, incomparable. Jack, with his new understanding, is able to forgive his father and take his first steps on the path of life.
The story ends in hope, acknowledging the beauty and joy in all things, in the everyday and above all in the family – our first school – the only place that most of us learn the truth about the world and ourselves, or discover life’s single most important lesson, of unselfish love.
It looks like Cannes Film Festival 2010 is the next best venue for a premiere. I’m extremely intrigued to get any new info about this film. Malik is a genius and from the synopsis, this could be another masterwork.
How do you feel about Tree of Life not coming until 2010?