New Details about Malick’s ‘The Tree of Life’

Remember in ‘Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’ when the mice build the super computer to determine the answer to the ultimate question? Well, Terrence Malick’s new movie ‘The Tree of Life’ sounds gran on the same scale, but not at all in the same way.

‘The Tree of Life’ essentially spans the history of the universe. Recently revealed is the news that (one part of) the movie will feature dinosaurs. I know, crazy, right? Well, not when you take the previous information into account.

Here’s the plot synopsis from Summit Entertainment:

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.

As for the dinosaurs, this news comes from FX artist Mike Fink in an interview with Empire Magazine:

We’re just starting work on a project for Terrence Malick, animating dinosaurs, the film is The Tree of Life, starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. It’ll be showing in IMAX — so the dinosaurs will actually be life size — and the shots of the creatures will be long and lingering.

Oh yeah, did you catch the part about IMAX? Cool! By the way, I forgot to mention the movie will star Brad Pitt and Sean Penn… so, there!

[source: CHUD.com]