Brad Pitt is one of the most famous and successful actors in Hollywood, but even he has had his challenges. One of his most difficult roles was in Terrence Malick’s 2011 film The Tree of Life, in which he played a strict and abusive father.
The film was shot over a period of several years, and Pitt had to discipline his three young co-stars, who played his children, on set. He wanted to be respectful of the children and make sure that they were comfortable, but he also needed to portray his character accurately.
Brad Pitt’s Three Young Co-Stars Were Starstruck with the Actor’s Presence
In Terrence Malick‘s cinematic masterpiece, The Tree of Life, Brad Pitt takes on a unique character and simultaneously serves as a mentor to his young co-stars, guiding them through a challenging and experimental cinematic experience.
Playing the father of the O’Brien family, Pitt shared significant screen time with the child actors, Tye Sheridan, Laramie Eppler, and Hunter McCracken.
Telling the experience of filming with his young co-stars, the 2 times Academy Award winner said that he had to act a little strict. He said to The Guardian:
“We had an incident the very first day of filming.”
“We had a scene where I was supposed to be getting on their case, and they’re laughing. They weren’t taking it seriously because they were having fun, you know, with a movie guy. So I had to take the eldest two off the set and say: ‘This is serious. This is what we’re here for, and don’t come back until you’re ready.’ After that, they stopped looking at me as the guy they’d seen in movies.”
The Tree of Life remains a unique and thought-provoking film.
Brad Pitt’s Acclaimed Performance in The Tree of Life
Brad Pitt has starred in many successful films throughout his career, but his performance in Terrence Malick’s epic The Tree of Life is widely considered to be one of his best.
Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Mr. O’Brien in the movie is a striking departure from his usual on-screen personas. As a stern and authoritarian father, he commands attention with a presence that’s as captivating as it is complex.
The audience witnesses Mr. O’Brien’s inner turmoil, his aspirations, and his regret in Pitt’s performance, making it an integral element of the film’s emotional depth.
The film also went on to receive three Oscar nominations in 2012 along with getting nominated and winning several other awards, including the Gold Derby Awards as well as the Critics Choice Awards.
The Tree of Life is a challenging film, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a film that stays with you long after you have seen it.
Watch The Tree Of Life on Prime Video.
