Why Do Terrence Malick's Movies Look Like That?

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Terrence Malick has developed one of the most unique and distinctive visual styles in contemporary American cinema. In this video, I investigate the elements of this style and what the motivation behind it might be.
Sources:
All Interview Excerpts are from "All Things Shining: An Oral History of the Films of Terrence Malick" - amzn.to/3oYGYev
Knight of Cups BTS Footage: • Knight of Cups (2016) ...
Nolan discussing Malick: • The Tree of Life (2011...
Chapters:
0:00 A Hidden Director
1:26 Showing life in context
2:21 A polarizing approach
4:51 Elements of the style (challenge accepted Chris)
11:05 Editing can impact a "look"
12:30 Filmmaking as questioning
14:28 Forcing the viewer to connect the dots
15:44 Poetic and personal
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[@jonathantubb3571]

I was the UK camera trainee on 'The New World' and had the honour of being with Terrence, holding a small, wireless, clamshell monitor so he could watch the steadicam shots in the gardens at Hatfield House. Just him and I. He would ask what I thought of the shot and I was so nervous that I didn't say too much in fear of saying the wrong thing to such an icon. But you could sense his brilliance by just watching him. Always analysing and thinking. To this day, it is still the moment I cherish most in my career.

[@rodeogirl8459]

that's fricking amazing what an opportunity

[@namedescriptionproductions497]

That's beautiful. A great director values the input of his crew :)

[@jonathantubb3571]

@@rodeogirl8459 I was extremely fortunate for sure

[@jonathantubb3571]

@@namedescriptionproductions497 The fact he even asked me was insane. I'm not even remotely on his intellectual wavelength but he still included me in a very small way which was special. What I loved most was he called me by my nickname 'Tubby' like the rest of the crew haha

[@patrickgleason2066]

Well done you, for appreciating what a lucky place you were at.

[@CooperCarr]

I feel like Malick films in a way how a child sees the world with a focus on people. There's a constant newness that I think allows for wonder and a spontaneity that keeps you engaged.

[@elfsieben1450]

Very well said!

[@unclesam9639]

Watching The Tree of Life is like going trough your childhood again, discovering the world.

[@fernandomaron87]

@@unclesam9639 I literally cried remembering my childhood while watching it. It captures the early childhood feeling very masterfully.

[@captaincurd2681]

Hood observation.

[@spceboi]

that's what i was thinking. the camera moves is set at a hight of a child and moves to focus on faces and easily distracted like a child.

[@MK_2023.]

He makes you feel like you're a ghost in the scene with the characters, watching their stories and exploring that area in real time. It's incredible.

[@user-ol1ib1ss2b]

I think the camera in his films is the eye of God.

[@baddnurse5443]

Amazing description

[@rubensschiozer3058]

you would understand since you're a ghost yourself

[@UmbrellaGent]

Mallick is one of the directors who recognises film as FILM, as a unique, independent art-form and not just an extension of prose-writing. One of the big reasons why I appreciate his work so much.

[@allthingsnerdy5474]

i thought the narrative is the part of the FILM if it just random sequences, can it still be called that?

[@Sergeeeek]

@@allthingsnerdy5474 why not?

[@elfsieben1450]

Thank you for that! That's exactly what differentiates an artist from a grifter in cinema: consciously using the specific opportunities of the medium to tell a tale in a way no-one else could or would, going above or beyond a core narrative; as opposed to switching on autopilot to turn a pre-existing storyboard into a technologically veiled version of thumb cinema by the numbers.

[@Kaspar_Houser]

amen!

[@jackriver1999]

It took me a hell of a long time to work this out. Now, it's the only way I see cinema.

[@isabellavb17]

"He was willing to not play by the rules, because he was willing to not play at all" stunned me - so incredibly well-said, and truly captures Malick's motivation

[@davidtinoco2484]

It’s almost as if a disembodied spirit is watching the scenes unfold.

[@troyozuna9200]

Yes! Exactly how I feel. It's the closest we can ever possibly get to these worlds we are not living in

[@captaincurd2681]

Yes! Like the spirit is in a permanent state of nostalgia.

[@meau2494]

When Jessica Chastain follows and interacts with a butterfly in The Tree of Life will always be among one of my favourite shots of all time

[@laurencewhite4809]

But that the problem with Terrene Malick. Instead of bringing up a great deep character or a very unique story, you pointed out a great "shot". Terrence produced great shots and great visuals, but has ZERO idea of what story is. He is a painter, not a filmmaker.

[@HalfwayHikes]

@@laurencewhite4809 - more than a great shot. A great feeling. A great emotion. How many conventional movies do that? Why does a movie have to be story or character driven? Why not emotionally driven? In that sense it is like a painting or even instrumental music (no lyrics telling what to think or feel). It’s almost like memories and he’s capturing the feelings of those memories.

[@laurencewhite4809]

@@HalfwayHikes You either have to care about the character and care about what they care about, or else you’re just looking at beautiful people and great photography for 2 hours. And to me that’s Malick. It’s beautiful photography, but the moment you strip that away, which you naturally do once you’ve been bombarded with great imagery from left and right, what’s left is a stale melodrama with not much going on.

[@goprojoe7449]

The way of Nature or Grace/God

[@genxjourney9705]

@@laurencewhite4809 Nothing is implied in most all movies and shows, they are dumbed down to be passable for the greatest amount of people and that's why they are all familiar and boring. Terrance's style would get stale if it was everywhere but it's not.

[@squamish4244]

Malick is one of the very few filmmakers who captures the most elusive and highest value in human existence: transcendence. To encounter the world, with all its noise and fury, from up close and yet far away in peace and stillness at the same time.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

When you can identify his work by his style, he has succeeded as an artist. You don't have to like him, but you can still respect him.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

@@DD-zh4by I feel that way every time i see a Marvel movie.

[@stale2665]

@@GetOffMyyLawn Marvel movies are often not directed by the same people though

[@ssssssstssssssss]

Yeah. A lot of people crap on Michael Bay but I know he'll deliver something no one else can.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

Malick makes me cry at odd times during his films for the oddest reasons. I have a good cry when I watch a Malick film

[@michaelcox1305]

Don't worry, I do too. I call it "That One Scene" in Malick's films where he makes you feel all of the things.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

@@michaelcox1305 yes. That’s the name for it. I’m gonna start calling it that

[@Kaspar_Houser]

Never forget crying my eyes out when watching tree of life (my favorite film). Started crying 15minutes into a hidden life i think

[@Kaspar_Houser]

@@michaelcox1305 i will also start calling it that!!!

[@michaelcox1305]

@@Kaspar_Houser A Hidden Life was my first Malick and I'll forget it. I bawled near the end

[@JohnCho81]

Malick has to be one of the most polarizing modern directors today; universally respected as filmmaker, often criticized as a storyteller.

[@user-lx7sg8ks7b]

Truth is that he is one of the most innovative artists out there rn but whatever

[@chadanderson9872]

I wouldn’t say Malick is polarizing within the arthouse scene the way Von Trier or Noe is. Outside of his last few movies, his first five films are pretty much universally praised by critics and fans of arthouse cinema. It’s just your average theater goer who usually doesn’t like Malick because they don’t like art films in general.

[@chadanderson9872]

@Sidharth Rao Haha my father also hates his films.

[@tonybennett4159]

@@chadanderson9872 I really like what people call arthouse cinema, and my early experience in cinema was with the French New Wave, Italian neo-Realism, Bergman's angst etc. However, Malick is problematic for me. Up to The Thin Red Line I was taken, but with The New World and after, he descended into a sort of new age woowoo, with pretentious, whispered voice-overs that eventually became somewhat formulaic and tiresome. The voice-over distracts from the imagery rather than enhances it. For my money Reygadas' "Silent Light" and Tarkovsky's "Mirror" use imagery far more potently because they manage to avoid the worst examples of preciousness in Malick. I'm told that "A Hidden Life" brings more narrative into the film which in Malick's case is probably to the betterment of his work, so I look forward to watching that.

[@chadanderson9872]

@@tonybennett4159 I’d say A Hidden Life had the most narrative in a Malick film since A New World, but the voice over was among his most distracting and pretentious for me.

[@bskok82]

I feel like sound design is just as important of an aspect to Malick's films as his cinematography or narrative style. I was watching Brave New World the other day which was my third Malick film, and that type of "whisper" dialogue and the use of a certain kind of classical music accompanying specific types of shots is as much a trademark of a Malick film as shot composition and editing.

[@MrKajithecat]

I love his films but I can't watch them often because they do just expose the soul and so many feelings and then they stick with you for days making you think about your own life in a vulnerable way.

[@wandersonoliveira263]

Man, I'd love to see video like this on Paul Thomas Anderson. Specially how he transitioned into being more and more precise and patient.

[@MrArties]

I have to say, your edit at 13:26 to 14:26 was pure magic and really put a tear in my eye. It showed perfectly all the things I love about Malick and filmmaking in general. Great content!

[@Afr095]

What’s the name of the musical score in that section?

[@KirkWilson86]

I cried too during this moment. Seeing Gosling cry in Song to Song really hit me.

[@fanfaxforever]

This channel has convinced me to try Terrance's work and Bergman tooo.

[@Space-nb7dr]

Terrence and Bergman the master of Cinema 😍

[@andreasbergqvist6239]

Growing up in Sweden and catching Bergman films on TV from early childhood and onward: Age 10: What the hell is this :( ? Age 20: What the hell is this :/ ? Age 30: What the hell is this :D ?

[@jennab.6723]

Check out the work of Andrei Tarkovsky. The all time greatest cinematic poet. Malick takes after him.

[@zuiop9993]

Am I the only one here thinking that Berman and Tarkovsky actually made narratively enjoyable movies while Malick makes a collage of beautiful shots with some poor excuse ,he would call a story, to connect them.

[@Alexander-tj2dn]

@@Space-nb7dr Try Antonioni and Tarkovsky also.

[@carluyabut1461]

I get a lot of spiritual tones from his films too, especially that he falls under the non-style that is the Transcendental film, along with Ozu and Paul Schrader. I kind of see his films as kind of long prayer, or meditation.

[@elfsieben1450]

I can make sense of most of what you put down here, but not of "non-style" in this context. I would describe (t)his style as transcending plot through mood, coherence through constance, direction through selective perception, authenticity through dream logic, truth through unreliability.

[@seBcopTer]

What a wonderful comment! I've long loved Terrence Malick's films and I think your descriptions accurately describes the mood of his films better than anything I've read of his work.

[@XYZ-cp2cv]

And Tarkovskij. There is a beautiful documentary about him called “cinema prayer”.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

I agree. Deep spiritual contemplation.

[@heysatan8]

I remember reading that he is a devout Catholic and became a spiritual mentor for Martin Sheen so it makes sense.

[@BritneyLaZonga]

I actually never watched any other Malick Film besides "Thin Red line" a long time ago - I guess I will in the future. The older I get, the more I get tired of movies that give you a neat answer to a simplified problem and want to teach you an trite life lesson. I surely prefer them to evoke all kinds of conflicting feelings and leave you with many ideas and thoughts and a sense of being connected to something immensly bigger. Sound like Malick is delivering just that ;D

[@ThomasFlight]

Definitely recommend checking him out. Bergman, Tarkovsky, and Fellini are others who might provide similarly complex stories without easy conclusions.

[@elbergalarga8742]

I would say Charlie Kaufman too, though he is very different than the mentioned

[@gustavttt4148]

@@ThomasFlight I'd add Béla Tarr and Lav Diaz.

[@SaberRexZealot]

Same. I’m only 24 but so many acclaimed movies really don’t have anything new to say. Beginning to prefer ones that aren’t catered to wider audiences, cos’ general audiences don’t even know what they want.

[@thomasmunro4907]

The Thin Red Line is a great film! His style really lends itself to the existential themes brought up in war

[@jamuojisan]

I think he wants us to see what's mundane from a different perspective and to appreciate their beauty.

[@emiloenix]

This is my first time finding out who even Terrence Malick is and my mind is getting blown by the visuals

[@Michael-rw6xk]

There isn't enough Malick-centered content on youtube. He's without competition my favorite director, and hearing people analyze his films and his technical prowess is a joy to watch. Really hoping his next movie blows me away like most of his others have.

[@gabrielpaes9351]

do you know when is Malick's new movie coming out?

[@Michael-rw6xk]

@@gabrielpaes9351 it was originally slated for 2020, but then covid happened so it's been pushed back to an unannounced date. The subject is what's got me really interested about it especially. Its apparently a story from the Bible duing the time of Jesus

[@marcogianesello6083]

Malick making a movie about jesus is the stuff of dreams

[@merriammerkabah408]

Have you seen Indy Film Hustle's videos on Malick?

[@evindrews]

I feel every one of the shots you've used in this remind me of how memories feel. Really beautiful.

[@carlosfandango2419]

Malik never ceases to touch me deeply. His images and soundtrack entice feelings directly from my subconscious as intended. His later films are always a profound experience for me. It almost seems a shame it took him so long to develop his style but thank God he did. I remember reading about the making of Tree of Life, he gave them a script and then took it away and asked them the act 'the words'. Great insight by the way.

[@Majoofi]

Now I have to reorder my whole watchlist.

[@Djaybird]

A Hidden Life always leaves me in tears, what a unique filmmaker! This video and Like stories of Olds work has pushed me to try and watch as much Mallick as possible.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Loved this one!

[@shadowplayfilms7963]

@@nokeksgiven i fucking love his voice-over work, what you saying.

[@shadowplayfilms7963]

@@nokeksgiven 300k ppl don't agree with you. I find it amazing.

[@kylemccallum3700]

LSOO videos wouldn't be the same without the earnest deliveries. I love them. Both him and Thomas are some of the best around.

[@mjolninja9358]

@@nokeksgiven Your loss tbh, I love all of LSOO’s videos especially ones on stoicism and the archetypes.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I love your vids.

[@AydarAkhmady]

The Tree of Life and A Hidden Life both had such a huge impact on me, on how to perceive cinematic imagery! And I'm glad I came across your video about Terrence Malik's works. It was great to watch it. Thank you!

[@elij2bunopnd]

me too!

[@GawxArt]

I love your work

[@mnishkeeci7915]

Well hello there.

[@MOART]

Look who is trying to develob his skills in filmmaking.... Love your vids pro 💓💓

[@berkanbulut1836]

His films like memory. You know, when you think about a distant memory. Bc of the low angle and memories are non-linier

[@dheepakm1825]

20 minute video and every single shot from his filmography was breathtaking...

[@robovampire]

His camera always seem sentient, like it just wandered into the scene already in progress and is just trying to explore and soak it all in. I love the way it makes me feel like im there.

[@charlesedmundadams5238]

Absolutely phenomenal commentary. By far the most to the point and well constructed audio visually essay I've seen on Malick; you really dig deep and understand him. I've had a tenuous relationship with Malick as a filmmaker. Prior to film school, he was my main source of inspiration (and the reason for attending school). Though through the process of film school, I learned traditional film making, and the importance of story and character. It's now hard to watch Malick for his lack of story and character, though through "A Hidden Life" I reappreciated him as director for all the same reasons you gave in your video. It'd be cool to see a video more about the technical behind his films - lens choice, camera choice, film to digital switch on "A Hidden Life" etc. This one was great, thank you for making Thomas Flight!

[@filipfirlej]

I feel humbled by your eloquence to be able to construct and verbalise your thought process like you do here. I love Malick's work, am a strong supporting of it, and I write about movies, but have so far not been able to do so the way you have here. Thank you!

[@d3vastat0r89]

"I think Malick is attempting to put on screen..." Yeah, I think you hit that nail on the head. Just from watching the scenes you chose for this video I have managed to become melancholic, approaching depressed. I feel a deep sadness just from looking at all these scenes with people that then shift to nature. I cannot explain why.

[@no.0x0x0x0]

Finally, now I understand why I have always loved Terrence Malick's style. Thank you for helping me understand this mysterious love. The mysterious is still ongoing - like you said, it's hard to explain - but I am closer to articulating it after watching your amazing, beautiful explanation. Thank you.

[@socalpsych]

Thank you for taking the time to make these essays about Terrence Malick. I always enjoy hearing your prospective and I appreciate your growing skills in video editing.

[@ArthurMoore]

Thank you for shedding more light on him! I didn’t like his work before…this video made me want to revisit it!

[@fernandomaron87]

@Vincent H. Its hard to imagine that Badlands Its somebody's debut movie, Its one of the greatest movies Ive ever seen. Its such a well shaped movie, only the best directors can pull off a masterpiece at that caliber while doing their first movie.

[@extanegautham8950]

find his films unbearable and rather shallow, utterly dependent on this single cinematic style, w/a heavy emphasis on trying to seem profound without being profound. ersatz Bresson

[@zuiop9993]

@@extanegautham8950 Yeah, literally just watched "Days of Heaven" because of this video. It was painfully bad storytelling. I truly couldn't believe that there was someone who gave the green light to release it in that state. I also couldn't believe that people actually liked it because there were some beautiful shots of people working on the fields... Yeah, cut all the crap out and make a short movie showing beautiful shots of people cutting wheat and it would be amazing and only 5 minutes long.

[@extanegautham8950]

@@zuiop9993 i so agree...i have a feeling that a lot of people in USA have no access to historically great films from other countries so Malick impresses them. just dont get it...

[@zuiop9993]

@@extanegautham8950 I have to agree. I love the expressionist german cinema of the 20s (especially Murnau). But My opionion of Malick has changed a little since I watched the Tree of Life. Don't get me wrong, there are sooo many baffling decisions in this movie, and I wouldn't even call it a good movie. But there was something that somehow got to me. There was soooo much potential! And I enjoyed quite a lot of the movie. Before I've seen this video I never watched a Malick film, I had heard about him, but I never really got around to watch any. (I like watching art cinema from time to time, but my time is more limited than it used to be) So I watched the Tree of Life yesterday evening just to give him the benefit of doubt. The first hour was a total mess with literally a 10 Minute break with pictures of the universe and bad CGI of dinosaurs. Then there were painfully long segments of early family life. I literally laughed when the mother pointed to the sky and said "this is where god lives" and the moldova song plays (I really like the musik). This was sooo pretentious. as if something profound had happened. But then everything changed. I really started to like the way he portrayed the relationships within the family members. Beautifully shot, and captivating, I didn't mind that there wasn't a clear storyline to follow. Everyone seemed to hate the ending, but it resonated with me. Everyone standing on the beach, all pain and suffering being behind them. Heaven... (I'm not religious myself, but it was quite beautiful) Now I can see that he is clearly a very capable and talented filmmaker, but I still struggle to say it is a good movie because the first half is just incredibly bad. But I can see where the people who like his movies are coming from. It did captivate me in a weird way, and that's something really hard to do after alienating me to the point of laughing. I think if you cut the movie down to 90 minutes (almost all space and nature documentary scenes removed, the first hour condensed down to 20 minutes) and being more caucious about being overly pretentious (especially in the beginning but also the ending has a lot of unnecessary bullsh...). It could actually be quite a good movie. A weird one, but one I could recommend.

[@tarheel777100]

His films are the visual representation of the deep questions that he has asked throughout his life; especially the ones he doesn't have answers for. He explores these questions for himself through different people in different stories so he can find the answers; and he invites us to ask the same questions along with him.

[@James69813]

Oooh. Deep questions! 🤣🤣🤣

[@tarheel777100]

@@James69813 so.....you don't think they're deep?

[@James69813]

@@tarheel777100 So......no. I don't mind a slow pace in films but I definitely require character, plot, dialogue (not just disembodied voiceover providing whispered exposition from mystery voice in the sky). He's ponderous and masturbatory. I feel no emotion watching his movies, like I feel no emotion watching a slick commercial with very high production values. Wide angle lens, blah blah blah. Camera moves around. Philosophical label slapped on it and you have a great product tailored to film lovers, of which I am one.

[@cohenmedson1755]

Shout out to the editing in this. The way you articulate Malick's non linear editing and stitch together moments from his films is quite a special talent you have. Definitely able to articulate what it is Malick's films have while emulating your own interpretation of his filmmaking style.

[@osasunaenjoyer]

The beauty of the segment that goes from 13:40 to 14:30 is astonishing. Congratulations

[@slimyelow]

This is a brilliant insight; Truly inspiring. Thomas - Thank you !!

[@emanuelbatres2123]

These videos of yours exploring Malick's work in-depth are the best thing on KZbin!!! Could watch them till the end of times. 💚 I love Terry's work so much, it reaches and moves my soul in ways I can't describe. As for this style he has developed and perfected over his career... I feel like, mirroring Terry in his endless quest for truth, the camera is always on the move, ever-searching for something intangible. And his films, by presenting themselves as extensions of the characters' psyche -after all, they're quite literally narrated through streams of consciousness in the form of voice overs-, see themselves entrapped in that very thing they tackle, therefore feeling as fleeting ruminations wandering aimlessly through a vacuum of emotional emptiness - not because they're devoid of any emotion or meaning, but because they mimick the pervasive spiritual emptiness that torments the characters. I know this is more of a personal read but that's what I love about filmmakers like him, no one's right and no one's wrong on what their work means. They're open to interpretation and ignite thoughtful conversations.

[@unweoncualquiera2.0]

Malick´s work is one of a kind, symbolic, profound, spiritual, contemplative and metaphorical. His movies as you say are not narrative focused but instead on sensations and philoshophical questions, and the idea of something trascendental behind what is visible. I still remember that scene in The tree of life, when one of characters asks God "where were you?" and then you see galaxies and stars being created, just astonishing. As in TENET, you don´t have to understand it, but feel it. Love your work my friend, now I have learnt to appreciate cinema in a different more complete way.

[@joeldb]

Man, I've seen dozens of this type of essay but this one is truly great. Such a thoughtful and unpretentious look at his work

[@KainedbutAble123]

The Thin Red Line remains his ultimate achievement to me, balancing his incredibly beautiful imagery with excellent acting and that rare thing on Malick’s work, a surprisingly quotable script. Not to mention Zimmer’s masterpiece of a score!

[@jeremiahmacclure]

Malick was really into Heidegger, published a paper on him. Being-in-the-world in film.

[@volcanicreality]

And Heidegger wrote about Rimbaud - who is in frame at 4:12. Full circle.

[@jeremiahmacclure]

@@volcanicreality Nice catch

[@James69813]

I'm in-the-world too. Let me give myself an award!

[@monkeylordofdoom14]

This was so beautiful! I normally wouldn't enjoy this style of film but now that you examined it in such an interesting and enlightening way, I find myself curious and excited to go on a journey with Malick and ponder the questions along the journey!

[@paulbaines1115]

wow. one of your best. i teared up at the 14 min mark and now i want to watch all of Malick's work. thank you so much Thomas.

[@whtyc]

The first Malick film I saw (on purpose) was The New World. Loved it. So beautiful and moving, and the first thing that popped into my head when someone asked me to describe it was “Tone poem. It’s more of a tone poem than narrative film.” And I love that. Like a piece of music you can experience it over and over and have a different response each time. I don’t know anyone else that likes his work so this video was affirming for me lol

[@oleugh]

Never seen any of Malick's movies, but now I will. Super informative and well made video Thomas :)

[@charliestewart5164]

Great work on Great work... allows us in a little deeper, letting Terence's imagery, ambiance and ontology unfold even further. Thanks Thomas, looking forward to more.

[@SangAcquiescentFroid]

Woah. You hit the nail on the head of feeling like I just watched a Mallick-influenced film about Mallick's films.

[@mattyallred1858]

Excellent video man, keep it up. Would love to see more videos like this one!

[@ThomasFlight]

Thanks! Definitely got more like this one the way!

[@oniriscope]

I was waiting for this! His silent communication & visual philosophy, speaks volume!

[@floatingdoor]

This was such a great video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@austinmital-skiff8947]

Absolutely so well done. This video was exactly what I was looking for

[@FRANKOTVADVENTURES]

Loved this video !!! omg i so wanna film like him !!!

[@hankzane]

Just watched your video on Chloe Zhao so this is perfect timing 👌 Edit: for context, he had said the first imitator is actually the first leader, Chloe will be the leader of a new movement influenced directly by Malick’s work

[@wiinterflowers4277]

If you saw the trailer for Eternals, you can tell she was influenced by Malick's work.

[@marcusmarinos167]

Your videos are just masterfully crafted, my friend. The writing and editing feel thoughtful and it's apparent a lot of effort goes into what you create. Well done, as always.

[@OpazMultimedia]

I'm moving from a successful career in music into film and making a no budget feature, I have watched this video 3 times and I just want to say a massive thank you for creating such an incredibly detailed, informative, well thought out a genuinely wonderful to watch documentary on the legendary TM. Ray.

[@melchio]

I've yet to see any movie by Terrence Malick. Definitely going to check his filmography out after watching this video! I'm especially interested in "A hidden life" since i live in a place surrounded by the Dolomites and nearby Austria, i feel like that movie is going to be very special and close to my culture and stories of my ancestors. Thank you for the video, and keep up the good work.

[@thedude1409]

hey, could you sometime analyse a movie by Lee Chang-Dong? He´s not as famous in the west as bong joon-ho or park chan-wook even though hes a masterful filmmaker. That´d be awesome

[@ThomasFlight]

I'm hoping to examine Burning at some point- it's very requested.

[@studiomementos8150]

@@ThomasFlight Yes please!

[@jothishprabu8]

@@ThomasFlight that movie was crap

[@omarfarooq7211]

@@ThomasFlight Yes burning, can't wait

[@JovemEverton]

@@ThomasFlight Secret Sunshine is also great.

[@TxxT33]

Malick is the reason I got into Cinema and I think I commented on your other video about him that I'm one of the few people who like post Hiatus Malick almost more than his early stuff. Wonderful video, thank you for articulating what I can't about his works.

[@4dityaB]

Amazing! I feel a deep sense of connection with his films. I have always tried to capture moments like this and connect the dots in editing. Thank you for helping me understand his work I appreciate it :)

[@corean3polar]

The tree of life is a monumental masterpiece. Love malick

[@Bloodofkittens]

So basically Terrence Malick is making entire movies out of B-roll :P

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I love Terrance Malick and his films. Your docs about films are among my faves. Thanks.

[@scottmorgason]

Beautifully narrated video! Glad I found your channel...love breaking down Cinema and why it evokes so much emotion when it is done right. New sub.

[@OutstandingScreenplays]

LOVE Terrence Malick! He is one of the most underrated writer/directors!

[@NaggyDaddy]

Every kid who ever made a "test film" of their new sony mirrorless cam where they follow around their friend walking through the streets during an overcast day has captured Malick/Lubezki's style.

[@mahtabprattus1381]

Beautiful video. Terrence Malick is one of my favorite directors and you've done him justice! Thank you mate ❤️

[@MotionTips]

This analysis was very well done and a joy to watch, thank you Thomas.

[@sayansingha6370]

Am I the only one who started feeling dizzy while watching the clips?!

[@jothishprabu8]

Too much fish eye eh?

[@sayansingha6370]

@@jothishprabu8 yep, too much motion😂😂

[@ComicKelsey]

I always saw in his work some connection to the films of Godfrey Reggio. He's dealing with themes that connect us all to the universe we enhabit.

[@ThomasFlight]

Yes! Love Reggio's work.

[@Hugo-rq3fi]

Brilliant review. I fell in love the first time I saw Knight of Cups and you brought light to a lot of factors that made it great. Thanks for the vid

[@MungareMike]

This video beautifully encapsulated my love for Malick's movies. 20 minutes video and not a single second wasted. Bravo!

[@grafvonjolly]

Amazing videoessay, thank you! I would add that Malick's search is not only that of poetry, but of metaphysical-mystical poetry. It's quite hard, in my mind, to disassociate his style from his themes: Nature and Grace, Evil and Love, simplicity and humility, meekness and pride... Usually, the music queues also point at some meaning, like his use of Berlioz's Requiem Mass at the end of 'Tree of Life', where we quite literally assist to the beatific vision and the final reconciliation between Nature and Grace (the traditional Christ symbol of the sunflower) with Man and even technology (the bridge). The man was a philosopher, who even translated Heidegger, for Pete's sake! Anyway, congrats again on your truly remarkable work. :)

[@curiousworld7912]

Well-put. Much better than my reply. :)

[@alextoma7294]

This comment is as fantastic as the video is. Malick's thematic work has always felt very religious to me -- it reaches beyond the boundaries of normal cinema and touches on spiritual subjects in a way few other (living) filmmakers are willing to approach. You're correct to invoke his philosophical background as well, his work blurs the line between poetic and philosophical and mystical in such a wonderful way. Had never considered the connection between Malick's films and the depiction of theosis, but it certainly falls in line with the recurring theme of Grace and its transforming impact on the lives of normal people. Guess I'll have to watch his movies again! Thank you for your comment, friend :)

[@djstarsign]

I love Malick, but once you’ve seen Last Year at Marienbad and The Mirror and The Sacrifice by Tarkovsky, his visual style no longer seems as unique. In fact, I would argue that Tree of Life is Malick’s loose remake of Tarkovsky’s The Mirror.

[@matthewmcclure1364]

This happens. I wonder if original ideas and styles tend to show up as trends over time and less through specific people.

[@justinvt]

I'l do you one better. - watch 3 min of Soy Cuba (1964) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKiokpWQp6x5nKs

[@cgbreeki849]

Wow man... I litteraly just came accross this video relatively randomly, and man... this was beautiful. I pretend to know more about his filmmaking and watch his films. The cinematography in these works is truly a work of art. I really love how art can be alternative in a very powerful way. I loved the use of wide angle lenses, the showing of nature, the camera closer to ground and it's "interests of it's own". This gives me some awesome inspirations...

[@lukehyland5875]

One of your best! This video exemplifies what sets your channel apart from so many other film theory channels. Thank you for what you do to advance the fluency of the culture in filmmaking.

[@geddesthesea849]

What’s the music around 13:30? It’s so beautiful

[@claraanias]

"Fathom" by Kyle Preston

[@TheVFXbyArt]

@@claraanias thanks man! What’s the music in his opening?

[@hulubangaGutenWami]

philosophy in itself is about the question not the answer.

[@PaolaBracho.13]

Tkx for this! Was amazing! 💙

[@originaltommy]

Thank you so much for this!!! I love TM so much as he shoots his films on a human scale. He really has a sense of wonder as his films remind me so much of how I view(ed) the world as a child. Absolutely gorgeous. No other director has his style and on a deeply personal level, I understand and respect TM's genius and connect with his work in a way that I cannot with other filmmakers.

[@GrainneMhaol]

A Hidden Life destroyed me. It's impressionistic storytelling shows how our struggle to survive as humans battles with our struggle to do right. Nature is merciless. That is how tyrants win.

[@GrainneMhaol]

@Sidharth Rao And how excruciating it is to even figure out what that is.

[@GrainneMhaol]

@Sidharth Rao It's really wonderful

[@fweshdude]

@Sidharth Rao I wouldn't say Jesus started "religion", after all the Jewish religion predates him. But don't mind me I'm just nitpicking. Yes I'm super excited for Way of the Wind as well! Malick's poetic filmmaking style would be a nice compliment to Mel Gibson's gritty Passion of the Christ. Can't wait!

[@typea5426]

@@fweshdude there’s supposed to be an ‘a’ between started and religion

[@ariverbythesea]

Because that's how me makes them

[@ThomasFlight]

yeah but why is that how he makes them?

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

@@ThomasFlight because it's how he wants them to look like.

[@kristian1650]

I just love your work, man.. sometimes I even enjoy you talking about movies more than actually watching them .. keep it up!! Huge fan of yours

[@ThomasFlight]

I appreciate that!

[@jaankristjanutno5305]

I appreciate you sharing your journey with us. Thanks for making this!

[@Vinicius-qr5vv]

Malícks movies are for the people who like masterpiece, the problems is that there is people whose the favorite movie is avengers giving opinion about his films

[@christophergonzalez3111]

Cmon Avengers end game is a masterpiece you can like both don’t be so one sided

[@Ocarina654]

This is a GREAT video. Really great analysis/essay. Nice work.

[@matthewheller9034]

Enjoyed the commentary and your thoughts on this topic. Thank you!

[@Holt344Gaming]

As always, great video Thomas!

[@STUDIO-ew8dz]

Such a document was presented in a way of a beautiful story. All pieces and shots were combain in very selected way that makes them exactly maching your script. Just a masterpiece itself! You are very good story teller. Thanks for all your hard work. Great achivement!

[@ezra6094]

This was a really great video. Thank you for sharing it with us!! 👏👏👏

[@davidgiancoli2106]

You offer a wonderful description and interpretation of a master filmmaker. Thank you! Now I have to see more of his films!

[@digsbious]

Your videos are so great. Watching a film for more than just the story has really opened my eyes

[@RossClementsOnline]

Great Video, a true educational resource for both cinematography & editing style

[@contigo121]

your analysis and exposition of Terrence Malick's oeuvre is an enlightenment and motivation for me to want to make time and space to see more. Thank you !

[@buddyfx7026]

putting in work to show the work being put in; THANK YOU!!

[@pacoreguenga]

I loved this essay! Thanks for sharing! When I bought my first GoPro back when they were released was precisely because when watching its wide focal length and deep focused background reminded me of Malick’s imagery and i used it a lot for everything until I bought a proper Canon DSLR and later a Lumix GH4 which I use for low budget filmmaking and personal projects. This motivates me to look again for that look. I’ll save for a wide angle lens starting now.