Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life is the Most Anticipated Films of 2010!

#01. The Tree of Life/Voyage of Time

Director/Writer: Terrence Malick
Producers: Dede Gardner, Sarah Green, Grant Hill and William Pohlad
Distributor: Apparition.

The Gist: This is about the evolution of a young man (Brad Pitt) 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 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…(more)

Cast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Fiona Shaw, Joanna Going and Jessica Chastain

Why is it on the list?: I’ve yet to know if this is two films (what’s the deal with the IMAX rumor?)…which would only be an added bonus, but from what I do know, this is an ambitious, all encompassing project with major talents working side by side Malick in Alexandre Desplat (score) and Emmanuel Lubezki (cinematography). 

Release Date/Status?: The major reason why I’m looking forward to Cannes 2010 is because of this film. Not sure what Apparition has in store.