Speculating On The Absence Of Malick

Caryn James acknowledges that talking about Terrence Malick’s career involves a lot of speculation–before she proceeds to speculate on his “20 year absence” from filmmaking:

Logic and cheap psychology suggest that fear of success or fear of failure might be involved. He may never duplicate the artistry and acclaim of his early films, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the prospect of competing with himself caused creative paralysis in a filmmaker who likes every blade of grass to be shot perfectly.

Whatever. With the man’s next movie, The New World, supposedly set to debut this Christmas, you can’t help but write about him. I can totally appreciate that.
The Enigmatic Malick Is Back [nyt via iht]