Comments on: Sundance Review: Terrence Malick Produced ‘The Better Angels’ Starring Jason Clarke, Diane Kruger & Brit Marling

By: Gargamel

Gargamel — Fri, 13 May 2016 08:17:57 +0000

One reviewer raves because the film is so much like a Malick film, another says it's horrible for the exact same reason. Does anyone hate a Malick film because it's "just like a Malick film?" If you consider how involved AJ Edwards has been in Malick's recent work, perhaps it's appropriate to give a little bit of consideration that some of the direction Malick has gone has been due to his collaboration with Edwards. This isn't a full defense of the film, but the reviewer should at least TRY to engage the film on its own terms. And given how many filmmakers have pathetically attempted and failed to imitate Terrence Malick, isn't there at least a little bit of accomplishment in actually doing so?

By: JOHN

JOHN — Fri, 13 May 2016 08:17:57 +0000

Ouch!
OK so it's looks and sounds like a Malick film. Other than that are there any comments about The Better Angels itself? There's not much in the way of content in this review. Sounds like the film didn't get a fair chance from the get-go.

By: MDL

MDL — Fri, 13 May 2016 08:17:57 +0000

Variety liked it. "The Better Angels… makes for a sublime, transfixing, and informative look at the early life of Abraham Lincoln."

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 13 May 2016 08:17:57 +0000

You spent five paragraphs saying "It's like a Malick movie," over and over again in slightly different ways. I could have surmised this from watching the trailer. How about you at least try to grapple with a movie in a meaningful way instead of rushing to be first out the gate with a festival review.

By: Anonymouse

Anonymouse — Fri, 13 May 2016 08:17:57 +0000

i wonder how this film would be rated by eyes that have not seen any Malick films?