Essay Questions

What is one interpretation of Rick's relationships in the film?

Rick is a Hollywood screenwriter who is seen throughout the story having relationships with multiple women as well as connecting with his brother. One interpretation of the positioning of each relationship, almost as plot points, is that Rick is advancing in this "story of his life" through the relationships that he has with people. He goes from having success but lacking meaning to freedom and it occurs all through his connections with people. Perhaps Malick is saying that the only way we grow is through connection with the world through relationships. And it's safe to say that the health of those relationship is vital, as for anything to flourish it must be healthy.

What is the point of Malick's camerawork in the film?

Malick uses a handheld camera and natural light throughout the film. And the movement of the camera is almost first person and there is a slower than usual rhythm to it that in life. One thing that this camera work does is to purposefully slow the audience down from the multitude of thoughts, anxieties and emotions that they experience on a moment to moment basis in order to experience a single moment for longer than what is traditionally acceptable in film (and many times in life). He's opening up the audience to experience transcendence by simply being right where they are for an extended time and not attempting to escape.

What's the meaning behind Rick's character being a screenwriter?

The film is about Rick, a successful screenwriter (one who has money) who is empty inside. He doesn't know who he is. So having money speaks to the reality that the facade of success will never fill the void within. And being a screenwriter, and a successful one at that, means he's able to create the lives of others with his craft, but unable to do so in his own waking life.