Terrance Malick’s latest feature film after 2012’s To the Wonder, Knight of Cups stars Christian Bale as a troubled screenwriter living in Los Angeles trying to find purpose in his life. To feature alongside the man behind Batman is an all-star cast including Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Antonio Banderas, Ben Kingsley and Nick Offerman. Premiering at this year’s Berlin film festival, Knight of Cups is set for a December 2015 release. The film follows Christian Bale as Rick, a burnt-out screenwriter living in Los Angeles who has become disillusioned with Hollywood and longs for an escape from the world he finds trapped in.
As a commentary of the celebrity lifestyle that dominates modern culture, Malick portrays the empty hedonistic lifestyle through Rick and the aimless wanderings through life he has found himself in. The film plays like a dream with the audience acting as the passenger as Rick tries to escape and find meaning beyond pool parties, fast cars and money. Rick is addicted to the success he has found in Hollywood but yearns a change from the emptiness his life brings him. Shot in the summer of 2012, Malick completed shooting without an actual completed story. Having spent more than over two years in post-production, Knight of Cups is finally seeing the light of day at Berlin film festival before a wider release at the end of the year.
Acclaimed cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki is once again teaming up with Terrence Malick in what will be their fourth collaboration after The New World (2005), The Tree of Life (2011) and To The Wonder (2012). Lubezki, who has two Academy Awards to his name already, one for Gravity in 2012 and then again in this year’s Oscars for Birdman. Both of which were awarded for Best Achievement in Cinematography.
The title of the film refers to the tarot card of the same name, the Knight of Cups is described as a restless, romantic, adventurous and artistic. Christian Bale’s character Rick fits the mould perfectly. Each character Rick encounters during the film lend themselves to different tarot cards, all representing Rick’s experiences with these minor characters. When Knight of Cups premiered at Berlin film festival, it was met with mixed reviews, ranging from those feeling the film is as empty as the protagonist’s life, to one of wonder and an engaging foray into the chaotic world of Hollywood. But there is no denying that this film has all the classic markings of Malick; incredible visuals and experimental narratives.
Knight of Cups will be released in December 2015.