First-Year Seminars 110TM - Films of Terrence Malick

This course will examine the work of contemporary American filmmaker Terrence Malick. While taking into account technical aspects (cinematography, music), ours will be a largely thematic discussion, looking at recurring themes such as good vs. evil, nature vs. culture and spirituality. Selected critical essays will deepen our conversation and reveal some of the myriad literary, philosophical and theological texts that serve as the conceptual underpinnings of Malick's films. We will also discuss why these films, especially The Tree of Life (2011), have proved so polarizing, provoking intense and vehement reactions -- both positive and negative -- on the part of spectators.

First-year students only, by placement.