An arthouse in Stamford, CT has taken it past Greenberg-acceptance levels for Terrence Malick‘s recently released epic, The Tree of Life. In Contention was sent a picture by a theatergoer at Avon Theatre, in which they made clear there will be NO refunds for the film starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn. Check it out below in today’s Daily Distraction.
Update: indieWIRE has the story behind the above posting. Check it out on their site, as they interviewed Adam Birnbaum, Avon’s director of business development and film programming
It is extremely sad to me a theater even needs to post an alert like this. I could understand if/when Fox Searchlight expanded the film to mainstream chains like Regal or AMC, exhibitors felt the need to post something like this, but if you pay for a film at any arthouse theater, shouldn’t you at least give it a chance?
I personally found the film to be a masterpiece, especially on repeat viewings. It’s a clear shot for the top of my 2011 list and Malick’s bold, unique take is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Then again, if you went in hearing about dinosaurs, Brad Pitt, and space, your expectations on a first viewing will be wildly off balance, especially if you leave in the middle of it and go ask for a refund.
The Tree of Life will expand wide on July 8th, and I’m sure this won’t be the last notice like this we’ll hear about.
Are you surprised a theater had to put up something like this? What side do you fall under when it comes to The Tree of Life?