MovieChat Forums > The Tree of Life (2011) Discussion > A key to understanding this film

A key to understanding this film

posted 9 years ago by BrianNIL25
2 replies | jump to latest

The special feature on the Blu-ray explains that much of the movie is about nature vs. grace. This is introduced in one of the first lines of the film, and a lot of what unfolds has to do with this theme. Jessica Chastain explains that her character represents grace and Brad Pitt's represents nature. While nature is selfish, powerful and uncaring, grace is selfless, gentle, and loving. I see the film primarily as a meditation on nature conflicting with grace in scenes that range from small moments to the entirety of human existence.

[–] romefan123 9 years ago

Precisely. Yet, somehow, audiences in a hurry to see Superman vs Batman missed it I suppose.

"Hey...I like that...I like that!!" Terry Silver Karate Kid III

[–] patrick_bateman_90029 9 years ago

To be fair to "Batman v Superman", it is a pretty effective meditation on the fallen hero and their role in an unforgiving society. Something I'd like to be able to say if that board hadn't been overrun with opportunistic morons making light of an actual epidemic in society.

But to get back on topic, this is a film that should resound with all audience members for that exact reason: Jack's parents are our parents. The constant struggle to find a middle ground for the gruff and the considerate and what kind of person that will shape you into.