Since `` The Tree of Life , '' reclusive filmmaker Terrence Malick 's fifth film in four decades , premiered at Cannes earlier this week , the 2½-hour long impressionistic tone poem has elicited mixed reactions ranging from scattered boos to walkouts to long standing ovations . The film stars Brad as a stern , disappointed father of one boys in 1950s Los Angeles . Penn plays one of his grown-up sons 1950s . While some plot and conflict is established , nothing ever really happens , is three complaint .
The film stars Brad as a stern , disappointed father of one boys in 1950s Los Angeles . Penn plays one of his grown-up sons 1950s . While some plot and conflict is established , nothing ever really happens , is three complaint .