Recently I watched the 2011 movie Tree of Life, which received the Palme d’Or award, the highest
prize given at the Cannes Film Festival. It is described as “an American film with experimental
elements.” I admit it’s a movie I couldn’t really find my way through. Or I
am overwhelmed by possibilities—still trying to decide. Like reading poetry
where you catch glimpses but are not sure of your interpretation. Or you can
relate to some poets but not others, regardless of the quality.
The story is shared in a non-linear narrative, mostly in
fragments and juxtaposed with exquisite imagery. Since my own creative process
often falls under non-linear definition it’s interesting that I’m struggling. I
guess I prefer a polished wrapped up movie sequence. Yet a creative metaphor
does exactly what the movie has accomplished—widened out perception in order to
see thing with a new perspective.
And the visual metaphors are astonishing. The ones that
impacted me were the repeating birth metaphors delivered in such a wide array.
Birth of a child, birth of a day—somewhat familiar yet paired with birth of a
volcano, birth of a storm, seeds beginning. A silent, brief wick flicker of
faith, a momentary pulse that fades in an instant and yet still returns at
every opportunity for life. It hesitates, whispers encouragement, waits for an
invitation and then disappears.
The flicker didn’t call attention to itself or stay long.
Yet it repeated with gentle nudges never letting go.
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth ... when
the morning stars sang together?" God asks
in Job 38:4,7. Tree of Life opens
with this quote. A question that theologians and scholars have tried to unravel
for centuries.
And perhaps that’s where the metaphors connect with hope. As
long as there is a search, questions, possibilities and a yearning for relationship,
life grows with perception spiritually.
Journal Prompt:
What movie have you watched where
the images stayed in your thoughts long afterwards?
Share: What was
the key repeating echo for you?
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