Truly great movies can leave indelible marks. It may be through an emotional connection to the story. It may be through a remarkable performance or a signature scene. But it could also be through the brilliant imagery a film can carve into your mind. That’s what this feature is all about – highlighting great images from great movies. Today we look at Terrence Malick’s stunning “The Tree of Life.
So what on your thoughts on “The Tree of Life”? Which image stands out the most? Let me know in the comments section below.
Keith & the Movies 
I love those nature shots in particular. To stand and look up at trees so grand and vibrant? Absolutely breathtaking.
Yes they are. It’s such a visually striking movie. I know it definitely has its detractors mainly due to its meditative approach. Have you seen it?
No, I haven’t seen it!
I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it. It’s very….unique.
The only Malick movie I saw twice in theaters. I love this movie and will be buying the Criterion Collection edition. It’s a very spiritual movie and I for not being one makes it an ever strongwe film. I think his movies have taken a dip after this but I still watch em.
Same here. I watch them as well. I actually liked Into the Wonder more than most people seemed to. Oh, and the Criterion Collection edition is absolutely amazing. A MUST BUY if you’re a fan of the film.
Easily one of the best films I have ever seen. I got the Criterion set for Xmas as I hope to watch the extended version of the film soon.
Oh you got the Criterion edition too? I got mine for Christmas too. It is sooooo good!
THE TREE OF LIFE: Good cinematography, bad directing
SONG TO SONG: Bad cinematography, good directing
THE THIN RED LINE: Good cinematography, good directing
Interesting. For me his direction is solid in Tree of Life. Bold, original, and gutsy.
Tis a beautiful film. One of Malick’s better films.
Oh I agree. Sounds like you are a fan. I know many who really pushed back on it though.
It takes a special mindset. It certainly was meant to be seen on the big screen!
I think so too. Hats off to Criterion. That have done an amazing job on their new edition.
Loved the opening – the music and the images – and then a kind of impressionistic non-verbal for the most part look at the family, those short little clips were great, and pretty unique. But eventually I wanted to get to something more tangible and didn’t feel like it really delivered in the end. No doubt that’s partly that I just didn’t get it, I probably need to get hit over the head at times to get things, but still, didn’t have an idea of what he was doing with Sean Penn wandering around in the desert.
It’s definitely unique in how it presents itself. I found myself completely lost in it, emotionally and spiritually. And it certainly demands to be interpreted.
This is my favorite film and I love these stills.
I created a blog dedicated to the film – thetreeoflife.blog after visiting Smithville, Texas last March.
I’ve never seen the 10th photo down (Mr. O’Brien and the family walking on the sidewalk) and I have done extensive research on the film. Thanks for sharing!
Oh nice. I’ll be sure to check that out. It’s truly a tremendous film.
Reblogged this on Two Ways Through Life – The Tree of Life (2011) Film Enthusiast and commented:
There can never be enough stills from this masterpiece.