Song To Song

I love movies that are slow paced, with a strong focus on setting & imagery. But 2/3's of the way through this film, I couldn't take it anymore and had to give up. This movie isn't slow in the sense of having a limited scope of action, it is slow in the sense of a zombie taking 20 minutes to mouth the word "hello" or a slut taking 20 minutes to walk down a hallway in high heels after a drug overdose.I mention zombies & sluts because that is sort of the feeling of this film, like you're watching a zombie slut blob swim underwater in slow motion. It feels almost degraded. You could probably get the same effect by sticking your finger in a tub of vaseline and slowly running it over a glossy magazine photo, making sure to linger on all the private parts as tears drip out of your eyes.If you like beautiful imagery, just go outside and watch the clouds.

Though I'm not surprised by all the negative reviews, I just watched this film closely for a second time and find it a masterpiece. Apparently it doesn't appeal to everyone. I have friends who would hate it. But if you are looking to be challenged with a thought provoking aesthetic experience, don't let the low average star rating scare you off. This is a beautiful film, beautifully acted.

If I had known who directed this film, I wouldn’t have wasted my time. Another treat by the great Terrence Malick, who seems to eschew any kind of meaningful dialog in favor of artsy photography which doesn’t even add to the story and is incredibly difficult to follow. Thirty minutes in, I gave up and turned it off. What surprises me is that he gets big name stars to participate in this tripe. Why? So they can say they performed in this genre? That would be the genre that looks an awful lot like someone’s brain vomit (or a dream I had last night). If you enjoyed To The Wonder, you will likely find this latest Malick entry to be equally engaging. If, like me, you prefer to watch movies for entertainment as opposed to coma-inducing photography, then run. Run as fast as you can away from this movie and don’t regret the 2 hours of your life (or 30 minutes) you wasted on this film.

If you like other Terrence Malick films, you'll like this one. What Malick's bad at you excuse him for because the stuff he's good at he's really, REALLY good at. The acting here is superb. Mara, Fassbender, Gosling, Portman, et al. -- not a surprise at all. Incredible naturalism. There are images and moments here that are so specific and affecting and wonderfully poetic, but, you know, there's also some stuff that feels indulgent (which I think is just a necessary byproduct of getting the good stuff). Same with the voice over. There are lines that are haunting and lyrical, and paired with vivid cinematography. And some that seem like fluff or, worse, ripped-off from a callow junior high poet. The story is actually a pretty straightforward account of sex, drugs and rock and roll but it's unpacked with so much nuance and life.Is the man a genius? Oh, resoundingly yes. Is it for everyone? mm, no, not at all.

I'm torn. There's a very clear message and in a way it is wonderfully done. Money and power and the empty, endless pursuit of happiness through those means leads to destruction. All that is good is corrupted. It's so apparent between Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender, but also between him and Rooney Mara. He destroys all he touches, because he is so damaged by the wealthy, limitless life he has lost himself in. The power of love and endurance is seen in Ryan Gosling and Rooney Mara. But it's not clean-cut and pure, and the same power that destroys takes a heavy toll on them, as they try to figure out who they are, how to find purpose, and accept a world beyond the dazzling lights of success and fame. The actors are touching and each one is a unique presence, fulfilling their part in the story: corrupter, destroyed, lost, and the one who makes you whole. I enjoyed the voice-over, which is the entire movie, so don't expect conversation or long dialogues. The hard part is that it skips from character to character and their inner thoughts so quickly, that it is hard to keep track of what is happening. The timeline could flow chronologically or bounce back and forth. It's not made clear. It's not meant to, but to emphasize the emotion and growth or desolation of each person. I appreciate it, but it was also distracting. The best way to approach it is to focus on what they say. That's the real meat of this movie, and the cinematography - beautifully and disturbingly done at the same time - is just visual support for what they are experiencing. Honestly, you could "watch" it with your eyes closed and still feel it. On one side, I'd give it a four. On the other, a two. In the end, it did move me and, while most of the images and scenes will fade away, I'll always remember how it left me feeling broken and hopeful at the same time. So, I compromised and gave it a three, which is better than most.

If you are a person who likes a straightforward story movement, dialogue, and point A to point B plot line, this probably isn't the movie for you. However, if you watch movies/films for the whole immersive experience... in this case, ephemeral cinematography, great acting, spot-on music choices, I highly recommend. Take the time to lose yourself in it, and you'll see the whole idea of it unfold to you in the end.

Ever wanted to watch a feature length fragrance commercial? Ever wanted to watch A-list Actors posing ,with no depth or character? Then, this is the movie for you! Whilst Terrence Malick has always had his own visual style, he used to be able to tell a good story. Days of Heaven, Badlands and the Thin Red Line were all really good (Days of Heaven was superb) were spread over 25 years, and people criticised his lack of output. But since then, his pace has increased to a more consistent output ,but without any quality, whatsoever. The New world was well done, and I enjoyed it. But it was clear to see that Terrence was clearly a one Trick pony. To the Wonder, Knight of Cups, Tree of Life, and this were all terrible. Pretentious drivel. Please retire Terrence.

Whilst I am a HUGE fan of Ryan's I don't think this was a good part for him, the character didn't really suit him. He didn't seem to be into it, On the whole, I felt it was a bit slow, not a lot happening, confusing in parts, Michael Fassbender had a great time in his role. Not a lot of singing went on either, considering the title.

I think this film need several viewing before I can properly judge.

ok

Good film.