Terrence Malick is a director that has been both lauded as one of the greats and heavily criticized for not being able to create a movie that really gets the audience’s attention, not to mention critical acclaim. At one point, many people thought of Malick as a director that was one for the ages, but his works tell a different story to some. The truth is, some of his movies have become among the most popular ever created while others have been critical and box-office failures. However, one thing always rings true with the movies directed by Malick.
Most of them talk about something related to the human condition and if you pay attention, they can help you see things in a different light. Sometimes you even see something about yourself that you might not be too comfortable with. Below are five movies that are worth watching, whether it is for the superb directing or for the story itself.
1. Days of Heaven (1978)
In a nutshell, this is a movie about the human condition. The entire movie centers around people trying to find happiness in long-lasting relationships, not to mention developing a more highly increased spiritual awareness. If you are looking for a movie that talks about God and love, this is a movie that you definitely need to see.
2. The Thin Red Line (1998)
In one of his more popular films, this one discusses everything associated with war. If you are looking for a synopsis of the film, you might think of it as a graphic way to explain how the atrocities of war affect people, both on a cultural and a personal level.
3. The Tree of Life (2011)
If you are looking for a movie that discusses various aspects of the father-son relationship and how that relationship can affect people as they move forward in their lives, this is an ideal selection. It isn’t always pretty, but the movie at least tries to be honest. It is also easily one of Brad Pitt’s most riveting performances.
4. Badlands (1973)
This may not be one of Malick’s most popular films as far as critical acclaim goes, but it is definitely worth watching. Think of it as a movie where a sociopath, played by Martin Sheen, meets the girl next door, played by Sissy Spacek. When you consider the cast and the storyline, you know that you are going to be getting something that will be hard to forget for some time to come.
5. To the Wonder (2012)
One of Malick’s more recent films is also easily one of his most heavily criticized pieces of work. If you think about the movie Days of Heaven from 1978, this movie basically takes everything that was important and flips it on its ear. Instead of talking about finding lasting happiness with a relationship with God and with other individuals, it is a movie where anything goes and everything is about making yourself happy in the moment, regardless of whether it is right or wrong.
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