I’m writing this having just endured my fourth foray into the world of Terrence Malick.The first, Tree of Life (2011), was a movie I really enjoyed, containing breathtaking cinematography, great if somewhat muted performances from Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain and a operatic recreation of the formation of the Universe. Next the double bill of To the Wonder (2013) and Knight of Cups (2016). All three of these include key Malick trademarks, Amazing cinematography, A list actors, a non linear narrative. Narrative isn't really the focus of his films, the narrative in Tree of Life being his most accessible by Malick’s standard, but by Knight of Cups the narrative is basically non-existent. To the Wonder and Knight of Cups are movies I didn't enjoy, as sure, they looked great but contained too much style and not enough substance for me personally. With that in mind here’s my review of Song to Song.
The film tells the “story”, well it’s not really a story more like a music video with no music that's really nice to look at, and the video doesn't have any narrative to it whatsoever. There are two couples central to the movie, since they don’t have any names in the movie much like Malick’s other protagonists, I’m just going to refer to them by the actors playing them. Ryan Gosling and Rooney Mara are in a relationship, Mara used to work for Michael Fassbender who is a sleazy music producer. Fassbender is jealous of the two and is infatuated in a creepy way with Mara. Both Gosling and Fassbender really want Mara but each have their own demons. Gosling is very controlling despite his cool-guy attitude. Fassbender had intercourse with Mara when she was underage as she started working for him at 17. Fassbender then meets a waitress played by a underused Natalie Portman, they have a unconventional and very very sexual, relationship and get married. Not much of this is important though, what is important is people dancing in the street and scenes of people snogging with sweeping visuals set to music. Also to try and stress the fact it’s a film about music and concerts Malick decides to throw as many famous musician as possible. Iggy Pop, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Florence and The Machine all make cameos.
The movie is shot in some beautiful locations, Austin, Texas plays a central role to the film as well as South America. The visuals like the majority of Malick’s modern work are simply unlike anything else. The camera is its own entity offering a variety of different angles and shots, despite the fact Malick has stated he doesn't work with a script, the movie is better for it. Although it makes little narrative sense maybe that was Malick’s intention, the idea of a globetrotting musical movie with A list actors kissing for 2 hours might have been malicks exact idea, but probably six hours longer considering his original cut was over eight hours long.
Overall the film is well, unsurprisingly empty. Gorgeous it may be but a compelling narrative it is not. Still if you like Malick’s previous work then give it a go. maybe you'll find it more rewarding than I did.
Verdict:
6/10
