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:

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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[jonathantubb]

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.

[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.

[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.

[MK_.]

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.

[isabellavb]

"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

[meau]

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

[Iam.JohnCho]

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

[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.

[evindrews]

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

[squamish]

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.

[bskok]

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.

[wandersonoliveira]

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!

[gabrielidusogie]

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

[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.

[carlosfandango]

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.

[cohenmedson]

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.

[davetinoco]

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

[dmayres]

The Thin Red Line remains an all-time favourite of mine. Whether it's the score, the casting, the script, the visuals, there's something about it that just doesn't leave you.

[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.