Movie Masterpiece: To the Wonder

I first watched this Terrance Malick art film last fall with my friend, Lauren, and my instant reaction was similar to watching Tree of Life; beautiful images yet boring plot. However in the days that followed, I found myself thinking more and more about the movie, and decided to watch it a 2nd and 3rd time. It was then that I realized that this movie, similar to Tree of Life and The New World, was a masterpiece because of it's unusual filming technique and open ending. It doesn't have much dialogue or a linear plot, however flows together in this incredible musical dance of emotions. It's one of those films that requires immense patience, and is very open for interpretation.

The Character Driven Story

So yes there is a plot, however it's vague and up to the viewer to piece everything together. The film begins with two lovers in Paris, France; Neil a quiet mysterious American and Mariana, a manic Ukrainian divorcee. They are played brilliantly by Ben Affleck and Olga Kurylenko (Olga should have received an Oscar nod for this emotional character). The opening 10-min sequence of this film is astounding, as it captures their new found love. This is achieved through extreme close-ups, a beautiful violin score by Hanan Townshead, the backdrop of Paris, France, and the heavenly setting of Mont St. Michael; their wonder. By the end of this first sequence it is clear that Neil and Mariana are mad in love with each other. She is willing to bring her child to move back to America with him.

Once they arrive to Oklahoma, the honeymoon of their love slowly fades off as Neil returns back to work and Mariana grows uncomfortable with her new setting. To add to this her daughter is also unhappy and unable to make friends in her new school. Mariana reaches out to the local priest for support, Father Quintana, also played brilliantly by Javier Bardem. The priest is very involved in his community however undergoing a conflict of his own, his faith. He administers to the poor, sick, and imprisoned yet questions where is God in all this suffering. He however continues to press on while preaching about the duty of love.

After three months it becomes evident that Neil and Mariana's relationship is not long-term. Although they have their fun moments, their seems to be too much indifference between them, perhaps a cultural barrier. Once her visa has expired she leaves back to Paris with her daughter. Neil is saddened by her sudden departure however goes on with his life. He emerges himself in his work for a while until he meets up with an old friend, Jane, played by Rachel McAdams. She is also going through some hardships of her own, as she has loss her child, divorced her husband, and is about to lose her ranch. The two of them share some intimate moments however Neil is unwilling to commit to her love. Part of this could be because Mariana writes to him, stating that she wants to come back to the states. This is not to be mistaken as a love triangle however, as it appears the two relationships happen separate from one another at different times.

Neil breaks off ties with Jane, and welcomes Mariana back into his life. Her daughter has moved in with her dad in France. The two quickly get married in court, so that she can have a permanent residence there. However the conflict still remains, and their love becomes a neurotic one, filled with extreme ups and downs and constant fights. She eventually cheats on him, and this is the final straw for Neil who divorces her. Mariana is later seen with a new child while Neil turns to the priest for support. 

Father Quintana is very sympathetic to his parishioners yet continues to struggle with his own faith. In a powerful sequence he prays that God will always be with him and shine through him. He finally decides perhaps a change of location will do him best and he leaves for Kansas. Neil and Mariana make peace with their divorce, and say their final goodbye at the airport as she once again returns to France. At the end of the film we are left with another abstract sequence of beautiful images. It appears Neil has found solace at a heavenly place with a child, while Mariana awakes in a loss world fixated upon the Mont St. Michael wonder.  

Malick's Original Filming Style

Terrance Malick has mastered the art of expressive film-making as seen in his previous works such as Days of Heaven, To the Wonder, and Tree of Life. His filming style is quite unique, as he utilizes natural light as well as improv acting to make every scene all the more realistic. Both the camera and characters are in constant motion in every single shot. This constant motion is carried by a beautiful score, real outdoor settings, and real acting. It's as if this film is a non-stop ballet of images and feelings. 

It's my understanding that this film is a personal story of Malick's past relationships. It's no doubt a very conflicted story with four conflicted characters. Each character embodies strong emotions; Neil is reserved and unsure of what he wants, Mariana is manic-depressive and a neurotic lover, Jane is a practical person with unfortunate luck, and the priest is very pensive yet still focused. Malick brilliantly captures this character driven story with minimal dialogue, poetic narrative, and pure human expression. 

Final Interpretation

I've watched this film probably 5 times now, and every time I walk away with a slightly different perspective or new understanding of it. I think that's the brilliance of Malick's work here, and that's what separates a great film from a masterful film. In the end I think the priest's faith is the foundation of the story. While the other characters are floating around aimlessly it is the priest who holds everything together. He does this through his patient council, his wise narrative, and his unyielding resolve. He describes love as a duty that comes from a divine source. Although he is conflicted himself, he is able to endure his struggles by making a change and taking his faith to a new level. 

While the priest is able to overcome his conflict, Mariana, Neil, and Jane do not. This failure of love is especially emphasized in the case of Mariana and Neil. They experience love to the highest degree, which is their wonder, however are unable to sustain it as a duty in everyday life. I think the final message of this film is to share your faith and love together as a constant duty.

The ending sequence of this film has especially impacted me for its vague finale. I think it represents some kind of metaphoric after-life, perhaps heaven or purgatory. Mariana awakes in a barren field and undergoes a series of fast changing emotions. She seems free, curious, afraid, alone, and filled with excitement as she approaches the wonder where she fell in love. I think this wonder represents everyone's ultimate desire; love and happiness to the highest degree.