Unadulterated nothingness. No entertainment value in the least unless boring has value. Total tripe.

Slick as an advertisement but what is it selling? Beautifully shot locations filled with pretty people? It isn't selling a compelling story. Turn down the sound and play your favorite music because that might make the beautiful images of a lonely man at the top more entertaining. I've always liked the tone TM creates but this one doesn't quite hit the mark.

I have never disliked a movie so much. I had to stop it three times and come back to it later; my adult son guilted me into finishing it and I didn't feel like I could rightfully come onto this forum to review it had i not. I had my television volume on 100 and still had problems hearing some of the dialogue; the quietness was deafening!!! The "wonderful cinematography"....it stopped being wonderful once I realized that that's what the entire movie was a going to be. I love artsy scenes! Something big happens in a film and there's windblown hair, mouths moving with no sound coming out, screenshots of lovers rolling around playfully in bed, up close shots of smiling mouths....nothing big happened in this movie!!! Why was Antonio Banderas or Brian Dennehy even in this movie? What was the point?? Why bring up the brother who I think killed himself, or the other brother, or Nancy, or.....yeah, exactly.

Rick (Christian Bale) begins this tale by relating a story his father (Brian Dennehy) told him long ago. A prince was sent to look for a pearl in Egypt, but when he got there, the royal son was given a drink which made him forget what his purpose was. Every so often, he is sent hidden reminders, which he may not see. Thus, the Prince's life was thrown off course and has little meaning but to seek pleasure. This is exactly what has happened to Rick. A successful Hollywood screenwriter (although you NEVER see him working on a film), his life is an endless search for meaning. This is especially true of his love life, as he has one night stands and, sometimes, a longer term relationship. Among his women are his ex- wife (Cate Blanchett), a married woman (Natalie Portman), a stunning model (Frieda Pinto), a stripper (Teresa Palmer), a zany Brit (Imogen Poot) and so on. Each serious romance gives promise of a fulfilling commitment but, alas, ends badly. Meanwhile, Rick's brother Barry (Wes Bentley) is a confused and sad gentlemen who lives on the poor side of town where Rick seeks him out, at times. Hanging over the both of them is the death of their brother and their own father's immense grief. Will Rick find happiness? This very unusual film has an approach that might baffle and bore some movie goers. Basically, Rick is ALWAYS on the move, virtually walking through the entire film. Yes, the scenes behind him change yet he continues his stroll. Then, too, there are many water motifs, perhaps connecting the search for the pearl; one notices waterfalls, ponds, fountains, and the Pacific ocean. The cast is quite grand and marvelous. Bale, especially, is an understated joy and because of his stellar good looks, one never tires of his walk through almost every frame. Costumes and sets are equally stunning, as is the unique camera angles and motion. As a fan of one of the top films of the ages, the director's Days of Heaven, this viewer does choose to seek out every movie Malick makes. Although this one again does not eclipse DOF, as that would be infinitely difficult, it is sure to please his fans and all those who wish for a one-of-a-kind film happening.