Terrence Malick's long-awaited family drama "The Tree of Life" will have its local debut Wednesday, June 1 at Walker Art Center. The film is set to have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Producer Bill Pohlad will introduce the film's Walker screening, according to the museum's film and video curator, Sheryl Mousley. "We're very excited to be presenting the premiere of this much-anticipated film," Mousley said. Malick, the acclaimed director whose four earlier features include character-rich crime stories, a WWII combat epic and a retelling of the Pocahontas-John Smith romance, now turns to the drama of a Midwestern family from the 1950s to the present day. Brad Pitt plays the demanding father, with Sean Penn as the adult son still coming to terms with their challenging relationship. To place his latest work in context, the Walker will present a retrospective of Malick's earlier films beginning May 13. "We thought it would be nice for people to see them again in 35mm," Mousley said. "Badlands" (1973) will show Friday, May 13 at 7:30. "Days of Heaven" (1978) follows Sunday, May 15 at 3, "The Thin Red Line" (1998) Friday, May 20 at 7:30 and "The New World" (2005) Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the retrospective go on sale April 22. Admission to individual films is $6. A Cinephile's Pass offers all four for $18. Passholders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for "The Tree of Life" when they become available on April 29. The Walker box office line is (612) 375-7600.
