The Knight of Cups
So if you can manage to steer clear of the first 15-20 minutes of screen motion sickness that comes when you feel like the camera is attached to a bizarre roller-coaster ride, then congrats you have entered into the steamy, philosophic, and masterful artistic world of Terrence Malick’s recent film The Knight of Cups. Perhaps it is because no one is making films like this, but like a lot of Malick’s films, I was quickly carried into delightful realms of beauty and intense, concentrated realms of reflection.
The film poignantly mirrors humanity’s ache; a yearning if you will, to wander through life until we come to the end of our desires. Throughout the film there are quotes and questions inspired by the Pilgrims Progress and the Persian visionary philosopher Suhrawardi.
There is a lot movement mostly captured through wind and water; splashing and twirling skirts. And, yes a lot of eye candy paired with Felliniesque moments. Yet, Malick does not hesitate to present the ugly, the neglected, and the blight of our world a mist all his cinematic grace and fetching cast – not to mention the wardrobes are gorgeous! Portman’s sweater, Blanchett’s minimalistic, yet cozy, Sunday-afternoon LA duds only add to Malick’s enticing us with the look and feel of wandering.
Forget the premise of the film, because it is easy to get caught up in privileged, self-absorbed Hollywood. Move deeper into Malick’s juxtapositions and the classic search for self in a world where one has reason to no longer feel, and to where Malick choses six Major Arcana tarot cards that bring the lost soul (Christian Bale – I know) back into himself.
As Bale (the Knight of Cups), drifts though the past and present, Major Arcana cards signify his relationships. The Hanged Man represents his father, deceased brother, and bipolar brother. The Hermit is used to embody a playboy. Judgment is chosen for his former wife, Death for wronged ex-lover, and for Bale’s present sexual dalliances the Moon, the Tower, and the High Priestess (for a spirited stripper) are Malick’s picks. The film’s last card “Freedom” is a made-up Malick tarot card, if you will, (represented by another beautiful young woman) that helps get Bale back on his supposed path of life.
The allegories can seem endless here and they are. I suggest you work through the layers of metaphor and symbolism and enjoy this wondrous cinematic ride.
Thank you Terrence.
Stay True,
M