Midway Point: Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2009: #1. Tree of Life

#01. Tree of Life

Director/Writer: Terrence Malick 
Producers: Dede Gardner (A Mighty Heart), Sarah Green (The New World), Grant Hill (The Thin Red Line), William Pohlad (into the Wild)
Distributor: Int. sales rights Summit Entertainment.

The Gist: Written by Malick, this is about the evolution of a young man in 1950s Midwest to his disillusioned adult adulthood. 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 (Brad Pitt) 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 (Sean Penn), 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 film would also include a timeline of the history of the world before and beyond.

Fact: Brad Pitt ended up with a role that Heath Ledger was originally considered for. Ledger would move onto Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Why is it on the list?: Malick has been toying with the project for as almost as long as I have been alive. Despite the annoying wait for everyone of his works, I’m a huge admirer and appreciate the team he has put together with quality contributors in the form of original music by Alexandre Desplat, lensing by Emmanuel Lubezki and Art Direction by There Will Be Blood’s Jack Fisk. 

Release Date/Status?: I’m crossing my fingers for Venice. Judging on Malick’s work ethic, the post-production phase could go well into the new year. Outside chance: the Rome Film Festival where Malick made a rare public appearance in 2007. A pre-holiday release for is looking less likely if you factor in James Cameron’s Avatar. I imagine Summit are no longer in the red anymore with the teenage vampire series making them some dough. So, they can afford to wait, make sure the dinosaurs look good and put a big price tag on this item.