Oscar special: 'The Tree of Life' — Not everyone’s cup of tea

Terrence Malick’s The Tree Of Life is a visceral experience, the film’s narrative interspersed with visuals of the origin of the universe and the inception of life. Malick, in a career spanning over four decades, has made only five feature films, each of which has come to be critically acclaimed. The Tree Of Life stays true to the filmmaker’s craftsmanship.

A middle aged man (Sean Penn) reflects on his childhood years in the 1950s, and growing up with an authoritarian father (Brad Pitt).  A death in the family changed their lives forever, the relationship dynamics altering too. The film follows a non-linear plot, unraveling at a pace that will be found to be excruciating for some. But then, The Tree Of Life is not everybody’s cup of tea, and if you are willing to give it a chance, it will grow on you like fine wine and leave you with a feeling of elation.

The film, fittingly, has won a Best Picture nomination and a Best Director nod for Malick, but in a year where the Cinematography category features films as well-shot as Hugo, The Artist, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and War Horse, its Emmanuel Lubezki’s work on The Tree Of Life that might actually score a win.

Nominated for
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Cinematography