Terrence Malick and Frédéric Back Could Enjoy Coffee Together

   Upon accomplishing my viewing of The Man Who Planted Trees today, I wondered something. In fact, the whole time I was watching it I thought I recognized it. It finally came to me that I was thinking of a Terence Malick film, and I wondered if either of the two were influenced my one another. No film in particular, just his style, but if I were to pick one, it'd be The Tree of Life. Despite Back's film being animated, and Malick's being live action, they both seemed very similar.
   The feeling of Back’s film was that of a calming and immersive one. The reason though is all because of his charming and colorful animation, as well as direction. As the story was told, the visuals provided matched so perfectly that there was no doubt in my mind that this wasn’t a true story. After, when Kyle asked if it were real or not and Professor Leeper replied with no, I was shocked. I was so sure that it was real, and the same can be said about The Tree of Life. Now, this film may not be a straight forward narration of what happens, but it certainly is a retelling of some sorts. It’s almost as if you were looking into some select memories of God, but that’s my opinion. Anyway, this time the calmness and immersive feeling is presented through extremely careful direction of beautiful things. Whether it be a family from around the 1950’s, small dinosaurs, or the universe, it’s presented through the eyes of no one and allows us freedom to decide what we want without bias or commentary, just our simple and peaceful viewing. It’s a story told through visuals, and that’s exactly what The Man Who Planted Trees is, and why it’s so effective.