Festivals: The Tree of Knowledge (2025) by Eugène Green: A Surreal Parable for a Fractured World
- dailyentertainment95
- 3 days ago
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A Fantastical Journey of Self-Discovery A Árvore do Conhecimento (The Tree of Knowledge) is a Portuguese-French absurdist drama by acclaimed director Eugène Green. The film, presented in three parts, follows the journey of Gaspar, a young man from the outskirts of Lisbon who flees his troubled home life for the city. His quest for a new beginning takes a bizarre turn when he is kidnapped by a man known as "The Ogre," who has a pact with the Devil to turn tourists into animals for profit. After escaping with a donkey and a dog, Gaspar embarks on a surreal and allegorical journey through Portugal, where he encounters historical figures, mythological beings, and magical landscapes on his path to self-discovery.
Why to Watch This Movie: A Unique and Challenging Cinematic Experience
A Director's Signature Style: Fans of Eugène Green's work will recognize his distinct and highly stylized approach. The film is known for its static camera shots, a minimalist aesthetic, and the actors' deadpan, fourth-wall-breaking delivery, which creates a unique and often humorous theatrical experience.
A Modern-Day Fable: The film uses the framework of a mythological fable to comment on complex and contemporary issues. It's a surrealist's take on a classic "hero's journey," blending ancient mythology with modern-day critiques of capitalism, tourism, and national identity.
An Intellectual and Humorous Satire: While the film is visually austere, it is packed with sharp wit and intellectual satire. The humor comes from the sheer absurdity of the situations and the deliberate, almost stilted, performances of the cast. It's a rare gem for audiences who appreciate clever, tongue-in-cheek commentary.
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/483962/
About movie: https://cineuropa.org/en/film/483894/
Release dates: Theatrical Release: The film will premiere at Fantastic Fest in the United States on September 18, 2025.
What Trend Is Followed? Absurdist and Theatrical Cinema The film is a prime example of a continuing trend in independent cinema that embraces the absurdist and the theatrical, often as a means of social and political commentary.
Non-traditional Acting and Directing: The use of static cameras, direct address to the audience, and emotionless delivery from the actors is a direct rejection of traditional cinematic realism.
Allegory and Symbolism: The film uses a fantastical narrative with mythological figures and animals as symbols to discuss serious, real-world issues like the commodification of culture and the loss of identity in the face of mass tourism.
Director's Vision: The Theater of Reality Eugène Green’s vision is to strip away cinematic conventions and create a pure, unadulterated form of "theatrical reality" on screen.
Rejection of Naturalism: The director intentionally uses a formal, non-naturalistic style of acting and camera work to focus on the ideas and dialogue rather than emotional realism.
A Commentary on the Human Condition: Green uses the fantastical elements to explore what it means to be human in a fractured and polarized world. The protagonist's journey is not just a physical one but an existential rite of passage.
Themes: Identity, History, and Capitalism The film delves into a complex web of themes, most notably centered on the Portuguese experience.
National Identity in a Globalized World: The film directly addresses the tensions between locals and tourists in Lisbon, critiquing how modern capitalism and tourism can erode a country's authentic identity.
The Weight of History: Characters, including the ghost of a historical queen and an ancient snake-woman, represent different facets of Portugal's complex and often contradictory history, showing how the past still shapes the present.
The Struggle Between Nature and Commerce: The Ogre's pact with the Devil and his gruesome business of turning tourists into edible animals is a powerful allegory for the soulless, consumerist nature of modern capitalism.
Key Success Factors: Commitment to a Singular Vision The film's success lies in its unyielding commitment to a singular, artistic vision that is both challenging and rewarding for its target audience.
Uncompromising Direction: Director Eugène Green does not compromise his unique style, which ensures the film is a cohesive and deliberate work of art.
Dedicated Cast: The actors, particularly Rui Pedro Silva as Gaspar, fully embrace the director's unconventional method, giving performances that are both stylized and deeply committed.
Relevance of Subject Matter: Despite its fantastical elements, the film's core themes of national identity, tourism, and capitalism are highly relevant and resonant in today's world.
Awards and Nominations: A Promising Festival Debut A Árvore do Conhecimento had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2025 on September 18, 2025. While specific awards and nominations are yet to be announced, its selection for a festival known for showcasing bold, genre-bending cinema is a significant honor and a testament to its unique artistic merit.
Critics Reception: A Divisive but Appreciated Vision Early reviews from its festival debut suggest that the film is a polarizing work that is likely to be appreciated by cinephiles but may alienate mainstream audiences.
Reel News Daily: The review from this source called the film "a walking metaphor" and noted that while its satire is "laugh-out-loud funny," it might be a "tough pill to swallow" for those outside of intellectual circles.
Cineuropa: This site praises the film as a "surreal and playful fable" that is a "treatise on modern-day Portugal." It commends the director for his bold stylistic choices and for his ability to blend social critique with philosophical and comedic elements.
Overall, the critics' reception is a testament to the film's unique and acquired taste. It is praised for its boldness and intelligence but is also acknowledged as a demanding viewing experience.
Reviews: Bold, Witty, and Fantastical Reviews from critics and early viewers highlight the film’s fantastical nature and sharp wit.
Projected Figures: This review described the film as a "fantastical, indeed incredible journey through Portugal past and present" and noted its "real sense of optimism for humanity," which is a rare feat in such a satirical film.
The reviews confirm that the film is a mesmerizing and playful exploration of what it means to be Portuguese and, on a broader scale, what it means to be human in a fractured world.
What Movie Trend film is following: The 'Magical Realism' Movement The film is following the cinematic trend of "magical realism," a style that blends fantastical and mythic elements into an otherwise realistic setting. The presence of mythical creatures, ghosts of historical figures, and impossible transformations within the context of modern Lisbon positions the film firmly within this genre.
What Big Social Trend is following: The Critique of Overtourism A Árvore do Conhecimento taps into the growing global social trend of discontent with "overtourism." The film’s central conflict, where tourists are viewed as a "plague" and a force that consumes culture, is a direct and satirical critique of how unchecked tourism can displace locals and commodify a country's heritage.
Final Verdict: A Challenging Masterpiece for the Adventurous Viewer A Árvore do Conhecimento is not a film for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its unique style and dense allegorical content, it is a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience. It’s a challenging, witty, and deeply philosophical work that uses a fantastical narrative to make powerful observations about identity, history, and the state of our world. As a testament to the power of independent cinema, it proves that with a clear vision and a dedicated team, even the most absurd stories can resonate with profound truth.
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