Cannes Gives Top Prize to Terrence Malick's ‘The Tree of Life’

Manohla Dargis
The New York Times

CANNES, France — In a strong year that was nearly eclipsed by off-screen scandals, the top prize for the 64th Cannes Film Festival was given to “’The Tree of Life,” the long-awaited film from the American director and writer Terrence Malick. A story about transcendence that divided critics, who were alternately transported and turned off by its religious themes and elliptical storytelling, it is the first film from Mr. Malick since “The New World” (2005). The famously shy Mr. Malick did not appear to accept his award, which was introduced by Jane Fonda, who spoke in emphatic French before saying, “And maintenant, now, let’s cut to the chase.” The competition jury president, Robert De Niro, hurriedly announced the winner.

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