Terrence Malick’s latest film Knight of Cups features several brilliant actors, including Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Teresa Palmer, Freida Pinto, Cate Blanchett, and Wes Bentley.
The film follows screenwriter Rick, played by Bale, as he embarks on a quest for love and meaning in Los Angeles. It is evident that he feels like he is in a daze, taking for granted the wonderful people and objects that surround him.
There is no concrete storyline that portrays a definite beginning, middle, and end. Instead, the film captures brief segments of Rick’s life. This becomes confusing at times—as he has relations with several women—and just at the pinnacle of these relationships he is shown with someone else, causing a shift in tone.
With the majority of the two hours lacking dialogue, the film is predominantly narrated by the actors, accompanied by brilliant original composition by Hanan Townshend. Although the lack of conversation results in some confusing moments, it is a really purposeful combination which makes the aesthetic of the film strange but pleasing.
What the film lacks in conversation and storyline it makes up for in cinematography by the fantastic Emmanuel Lubezki, who worked on Birdman, The Revenant, and several other notable releases. Lubezki never uses a shot that isn’t utterly breathtaking and enchanting in nature.
At the beginning of the film, an older man tells a story about a little prince on a mission to find a pearl in the sea, but as he approaches this task he is mystified by his surroundings, forgetting the pearl and falling into a deep slumber. Knight of Cups is filmed and narrated in a dreamy state, identifying Rick as a man asleep to the realities and simultaneous emotions of life. He pursues the feeling of love and devotion as if it is something he is not in touch with anymore.
The actors do a great job, working well together and creating chemistry. Since there is a lack of ongoing dialogue, the majority of the film is depicted in body language, which all the actors portray with eloquence.
Around the beginning portion of the film, Rick seeks explanation to his problem by enlisting a psychic to do a reading for him. From that point forward, the film is separated in sections based upon the card and the accompanied person who enters his life. This is a really wonderful decision since it aids in the dreamy illusion of the film by adding an element of fate.
Although confusing at times, the film is thought-provoking and beautiful to watch and listen to with a very relatable quest.
