Skip to main content

Epic trailer for Terrence Malick's 'Voyage of Time' took over 30 years to create

In case you missed the memo, Terrence Malick (Thin Red Line) isn’t your average director — or your average human, for that matter. This is a man who refuses to allow images of him to be used for promotional purposes, rarely grants interviews, and has been likened to reclusive artists like J.D. Salinger. That said, it’s always news when one of his films is released, especially when it’s one that’s 30-plus years in the making.

As reported by ScreenCrush, the very, very, very long-awaited first trailer for Voyage of Time has been released, but it’s not the sort of thing you’re used to seeing from Malick. The film is an Imax documentary, billed as “a one-of-a-kind celebration of life and the grand history of the cosmos, transporting audiences into a vast yet up-close-and personal journey that spans the eons from the Big Bang to the dinosaur age to our present human world … and beyond.” The spot (embedded above) features a series of stunning images and soothing, whispered narration from Brad Pitt, who sounds like he’s afraid to raise his voice, lest he scare away all the beauty.

Recommended Videos

It’s hard to think of anything more ambitious than telling the entire story of the universe, and Malick is known for swinging for the fences. Sometimes he whiffs (Knight of Cups), sometimes he knocks it out of the park (The Tree of Life). Either way, it tends to be very entertaining.

While it’s too early to tell how this one will turn out, it’s hard to imagine that looking at beautiful images on a big screen could be too boring.

If you’re looking for a little back story on this long-gestating project, it seems that Malick began developing it for Paramount in the late ’70s. At the time, it was called Q, and it even made it to preproduction before its director moved to Paris without warning, beginning what would be a 20-year hiatus from the movie business. The documentary remained on the back burner until recently, but it was never forgotten entirely.

Regardless of what happens with this film, the “making of” story is clearly worthy of its own documentary.

Voyage of Time is set to hit theaters on October 7, 2016, and will be released in two separate formats: A 40-minute Imax version narrated by Brad Pitt, and a 90-minute, 35mm version narrated by Cate Blanchett.

Unorthodox, to be sure, but hey — that’s Malick.

Adam Poltrack
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Adam is an A/V News Writer for Digital Trends, and is responsible for bringing you the latest advances in A/V…
This underrated Tom Hanks war movie is getting a sequel
Tom Hanks looks through broken glass.

Tom Hanks returns to the seas in World War II for another battle in the Greyhound sequel.

Per Deadline, Hanks will reprise his role as Commander Ernie Krause in the Greyhound sequel for Apple. Aaron Schneider returns to direct from a screenplay penned by Hanks. Gary Goetzman, Hanks' partner at Playtone, will produce.

Read more
If you love Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, watch these 33 obscure French films next
Gustave, Lune, Sciel, and Maelle in Clair Obscur Expedition 33.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is out now and the critics agree: it is very, very French.

While Sandfall Interactive's RPG has been praised for its inventive storytelling and stylish visuals, its country of origin has also become a point of fascination for players. Clair Obscur is proudly French, packed with visual references to the country's rich art history. If your playthrough has you eager to learn more about other media that paints a portrait of the culture, allow me to welcome you to the world of French cinema. There, you'll find a storied history of eccentric, rule-breaking films that can be tender, unpredictable, and human. If you love the way Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reimagines the RPG genre in a fresh way, you may be able to appreciate how French filmmakers have done the same with movies for over a decade.

Read more
Michael B. Jordan’s next directorial effort just scored a 2027 release date
Michael B. Jordan stands and stares back.

If you currently own Michael B. Jordan stock, buy more. Amazon MGM Studios clearly listened, as Jordan's next directorial effort has a release date.

Per Deadline, the studio is set to release Jordan's reimagining of The Thomas Crown Affair in theaters and IMAX on March 5, 2027. Jordan directs and stars alongside Taylor Russell in the heist film based on Norman Jewison's 1968 movie of the same name. The Fall Guy's Drew Pearce penned the screenplay after Wes Took and Justin Britt-Gibson authored a previous draft. Producers include Jordan, Patrick McCormick, Marc Toberoff, and Elizabeth Raposo. Alan Trustman, who wrote the 1968 film, will executive produce.

Read more