I'll keep it short: art should never feel contrived. This film feels contrived throughout. It has great performances, it has stunning action sequences, it has philosophical undertones. But all of it is lost because the viewer remains separated from it, disconnected, removed. Never once did I feel immersed in the atmosphere, the language, or the plot. There is no anchoring point, unless you know of this film's creator (Terrance Malick) and his creative style. Much fuss has been made of his return after twenty years away from film. I know of this artist, I've seen his films, and I admire his work- with the exception being this film. His approach to the topic of war did not resonate with me at all. It felt like I was watching the very definition of pretension, to the point of being uncomfortable. Much of the dialogue does not ring true, doesn't feel real. The reason for 6/10 stars is in support of the performances, which often transcend the awkward script, arhythmic pacing, and schizophrenic directorial choices.
Review of The Thin Red Line
