Well, I loved ever minute of it and this was by far the best experience I've had in a theatre all year (maybe in years). I thought the film was absolutely breathtaking and profound. Very powerful and mysterious images, gorgeous music and sound design and brilliant editing. I really liked the idea of the alternate interruptions, showing scenes of human misery and poverty, etc. Without this element, the movie would probably be too linear (if that even makes sense). Cate Blanchett's intermittent meditative narration was beautifuly done and was not intrusive. My only small disappointment was with a few CGI effects. Let's just say that some of the dinosaurs sequences could've been a bit more photo-real. It was far from terrible, but not as perfect as I would've liked. In short, this is a truly stunning poetic work of cinema and possibly my favorite Malick film (A tie with Tree of Life).
The producers were in attendance to present the movie. They said a few quick words, then the show started.
The reaction from the audience seemed very positive, from what I saw and from the comments I heard on my way out. The applause when the credits rolled lasted maybe a minute or so. Nothing spectacular, but most everyone apparently enjoyed it or at least appreciated the colossal technical and artistic work behind the project.
Obviously some will love it and others will hate it (as we can already see with the divided critics). Not very surprising, it's Malick after all ;-) But for me it was absolutely mesmerizing and I can't wait to have my Blu-ray copy (hopefully loaded with extras).
Yeah, it's always best to downplay expectations a bit. I was also not very impressed by the trailers, so... ;)
Anyhow, I hope it will have the same impact on you.
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HarryPowell
8 years ago
Excellent! Thanks for sharing and great to hear you loved it. A very interesting read indeed, though inevitably my expectations are now unfortunately raised ;)
The Tree of Life is a bold and brilliant landmark film classic whichever way you look at it (and I'm not talking imho). And the 'creation' sequence in that was so bold and radical and moving that VoT gives me very mixed expectations, being standalone/outside the context set by TToL. From what you wrote I have an inkling as to how it might work, so thanks.
Now, hope you don't mind me asking if you can throw some light on one shot in the featurette which I love because it is so utterly and beautifully intriguing (link cued for shot in question):
https://youtu.be/9P6xcbOAfO0?t=3m10s
If I were to hazard a guess - and just in case I am correct - SPOILER ALERT for those so inclined:
It is either the view as seen through a primitive eye (the first eye?), or a representation of some kind of sub-atomic quantum realm ..?
Of course, in the unlikely event it turn out to be some kind of climactic emotional twist/reveal in the film, then please DON'T tell me!
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frankaudet
8 years ago
Glad you liked my review :) It was a pleasure. I was afraid it would raise your expectations a bit too high indeed. I'm sure you'll be fine though :D
I agree with you 100% about The Tree of life and I know what you mean. But yes, I think you will see that Malick did a brilliant job of making it work, even without a story narrative like ToL. I have a feeling you will love Voyage and in fact, you might even be blown away by it.
I remember seeing the shot you are referring to, but to be honest I'm not exactly sure what we are seeing at that moment or what is the meaning behind the sequence. There are quite a few captivating shots like that in the movie, where we don't know for sure what they represent, but in a weird way, that's what makes the whole thing even more interesting, mysterious and beautiful. Apparently the IMAX version explains everything, but obviously not the 90 min. feature and I prefer it that way ;)
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HarryPowell
8 years ago
I like the sound of that. Keen to see both versions, but definitely Life's Journey first, if that's offered. Seems in many places (like the US) it won't be, which is a shame. And let's be honest, many places will get neither!
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frankaudet
8 years ago
Yeah, I'm also intrigued by the Imax version. Indeed the distribution plan for the full length film is a bit frustrating. Hopefully, you will be able to see it in a near future.
Here's another very good review:
http://www.laweekly.com/film/toronto-film-festival-terrence-malick-reveals-the-majesty-of-creation-7379098
Btw, it's really a shame to see such a poor user review on the IMDB page. A film like VoT certainly doesn't deserve 2 stars. Absolutely laughable reaction and no credibility at all, especially the part about the applause at Venice. As we know, there was a 10 minute standing ovation for the movie (the link to the article you posted last week). Anyway, not that it matters at all, but I think it's so ridiculous.
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