Knight of Cups

Director: Terrence Malick
Writers: Terrence Malick
Stars: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman
Strength: Cinematography, Music
Weakness: Tedious storyline
Runtime: 118 minutes
Rating:  3.5/5

PLOT: A writer indulging in all that Los Angeles and Las Vegas has to offer undertakes a search for love and self via a series of adventures with six different women.

REVIEW: The entire film is a journey onto itself. At first glance, it takes us on an accustomed journey through previously visited upright themes and messages that we have been inundated with. We know the clichés and are rather familiar with the lessons, but "Knight of Cups" is much more than that. The journey coils a world of desolation and despair but we are given brief glimpses of happiness; mostly in the form of observations since Rick's (Christian Bale) quest is for the happiness. Encircled by unlimited natural beauty from the world and the people, it becomes challenging to find love or anything equivalent to that feeling. There is a note of melancholy throughout the entire film, including the scenes which may seem to be jubilant. This ever-present despair veils every situation, but never overshadows the film's beauty. Terrence Malick has overwhelmed audiences and critics throughout his filmmaking career. Where some people see stunning cinematography combined with an intellectually or spiritually rich story, others see beautiful imageries with hollow  perceptions. Undeniably, the vibrant visual style is always a magnificent asset to the film and deserves much appreciation.

There is an element of patience required to comprehend the film as the director will remind us, there is no such thing as instant satisfaction because the results are typically fruitless and fleeting. The frantic pacing in the "Knight of Cups" is to mimic the evolution of our lives and is destined to be a perfect contrast against its steady narration.

Reviewed by Minam Haque